UNDERSTANDING LAGREE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is Lagree? Founded by Sebastian Lagree, the Lagree Method was developed to not only sculpt and strengthen the body but to incorporate multiple aspects of fitness, such as flexibility, balance, cardio, and endurance. The workout features a spring-based tension machine (we use a microformer), combined with slow-paced movements to build muscular endurance and long, lean muscles. The tempo is slow, transitions are fast, and the movements are controlled. All of these methods mixed together are what separates Lagree from the rest.
2) Is Lagree the right workout for me? Lagree is specifically engineered to strengthen, tighten, and tone muscles effectively and efficiently without excess stress on the joints, connective tissues, or spine. Lagree is intense on the muscles and easy on the joints. The method will make you shake, sweat, and sore the next day. Lagree uses tried and proven training techniques and exercises such as planks, squats, and push up's, as well as unique exercises such as Super Lunge, Catfish, and Scrambled Eggs. Centered on the eight principles we call the Magic 8, each workout varies in intensity in order to force physical changes, also known as positive adaptation.
3) Is Lagree the same as Pilates? Are they different? Since its birth, Lagree has distinguished itself from every form of exercise, including Pilates, which lacks intensity. The Lagree Method utilizes bodybuilding training techniques not inherent to Pilates. The union of these bodybuilding techniques and low-impact qualities, which are fundamental to Lagree Fitness, directly translate to rapid results. While Pilates is based on breathing, concentration, control, centering, flow postural alignment, and precision, Lagree Fitness is fundamentally based on the following: Effective Form, Effective Range of Motion, Effective Tempo, Effective Duration, Effective Sequence, Effective Transition, Effective Tension, and Effective Plane of Motion.
4) Advise for newbies & first-timers? What do I need for class? We love newbies! Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to meet your instructor, and get a demo of the Micro. Bring comfy work-out clothes, water, an open mind, and the will to get into shape… oh, and some grip socks! (At Lava Fitness Studios, we have grips socks for sale in the studio for $16.) It’s also a good idea to share any past or present injuries or limitations with your instruction.
5) Does Lava Fitness Studios offer private sessions? Yes! We offer private and semi-private sessions! Contact us for booking information!
6) What type of equipment is used in Lagree? We use the Microformer. Don’t let the size fool you, the “Micro” can do everything (and a little more) than its big brother, the “Mega”. Our machines feature a front and back platform, moving carriage, front and back handles, springs, and cables allowing you to work the full body.
7) Why is the Lagree method so slow? And what is "counting"? Lagree Fitness, an isokinetic workout, is taught at an extremely slow and steady speed that uses at least four counts to move the carriage out and at least four counts to move the carriage in. The goal is to decrease the speed progressively as you come to classes. For reference, a 4 count speed represents 20 seconds to complete one repetition. A count of 16 represents 2 minutes to complete one repetition!
The intent of these "counts" is to eliminate any momentum that may reduce the effectiveness of the movement. As such, the Lagree Method is not taught to be explosive. While pulses or cardio outbursts can be used intermittently to spike the heartrate, the majority of the method should be taught at a super slow pace.
The four-count is only a starting point. Over time, the speed of the movement should be decreased. That is the goal. The decreased time creates what is known as the Lagree Method's progressive overloading. By reducing speed, intensity and heartrate is increased. These slowed movements mimic the idea of adding weight to the body.
The intent of these "counts" is to eliminate any momentum that may reduce the effectiveness of the movement. As such, the Lagree Method is not taught to be explosive. While pulses or cardio outbursts can be used intermittently to spike the heartrate, the majority of the method should be taught at a super slow pace.
The four-count is only a starting point. Over time, the speed of the movement should be decreased. That is the goal. The decreased time creates what is known as the Lagree Method's progressive overloading. By reducing speed, intensity and heartrate is increased. These slowed movements mimic the idea of adding weight to the body.
