We know you know Pilates, but what is Lagree?
Lagree is more than just a fitness trend. Inspired by Pilates, this method promises a complete, balanced and long-lasting body transformation. Combining endurance, strength, balance, flexibility and cardio work, Lagree is gaining more and more followers for its physical benefits and tried-and-tested effectiveness.
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What is Lagree, the trendy new fitness method inspired by Pilates?
Lagree, a derivative of traditional Pilates, is practiced on a special machine called the “Megaformer.” This versatile machine is nothing more than a sliding bench that simultaneously works muscular endurance, strength, balance, flexibility and cardio. Unlike traditional workouts, which often focus on one or two aspects of fitness, the Lagree Method offers a comprehensive workout in just one session.
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“During a traditional Pilates session, we focus on breathing, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. This activates the deep muscles, allowing you to concentrate more on the technique of movement. To put it simply, Pilates can be summed up as technique and breathing, whereas specific Pilates techniques, such as Lagree or Reformer Pilates, are more about technique and taking things further,” explains sports coach, Enzo Martins.
The movements performed on the machine are slow and controlled, forcing the muscles to remain under tension for longer. This type of training, known as slow muscle contraction, is extremely effective for strengthening and toning muscles. The combination of cardio and strength training stimulates the metabolism, building lean muscle mass.
Is Lagree a demanding workout?
Despite its apparent gentleness, Lagree is a fairly demanding workout. “It’s an exercise that requires more balance, strengthening and stability. You still need to know the basics of Pilates to be able to practice its derivatives. But there are several levels of difficulty: beginners, intermediate and advanced. It’s a practice that’s adaptable to everyone,” explains the sports coach.
Like many forms of exercise, Lagree can help to reduce stress. “There are those who are looking for physical effort and those who are looking for a way to decompress and reduce stress. It’s also a way of being comprehensive in your workouts and working muscles that are less often or less intensely worked, such as the back and inner thighs, the lower back, the inner back…” says the trainer, himself a fan of this workout method.
Especially intense for the brain
What’s more, a session lasts an hour on average, and usually ends with stretching. “It has to be said that the session remains intense, especially for the brain. There’s a fairly high concentration level, so fatigue is more prevalent at the end of the session,” he adds.
More and more people are testifying to the benefits of Lagree. From celebrities to fitness fans and wellness enthusiasts, this discipline is gaining recognition for its effectiveness and lasting results. “Lagree is an update of traditional Pilates. The sport moves with the fashions, taking in the use of machines, balls, circles, and even rollers. So there are many ways to work your muscles more deeply, even if the movements remain the same,” concludes Enzo Martins.
Where to do Lagree in Thailand
Currently, Lagree is not widespread in Thailand. Only Carve House in Phuket offers a Lagree workout, thought they seem to be looking to open a studio in Bangkok soon, too.
This story is published via AFP Relaxnews.
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