This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take The Ramp class at Core40 SoMa with Sebastien Lagree himself, inventor of Lagree Fitness. Since Core40 recently featured me as their Client Spotlight, this post is dedicated to them as a way to show my appreciation for the honor!
Petite Version of this Post
If you thought 40 minutes of the megaformer is tough, imagine the machine slowly moving up and down with the instructor’s push of a button! Pure torture and I can’t wait for more!
At least the class is only 25 minutes long? LOL
Here you see Sebastien leading the class while I struggle along with my friend (and Core40 instructor) Bryan as well as fellow Barry’s Bootcamp addict, Ellen, towards the end.
Note that this video is best seen on your desktop where you can click on the gear button to view with high definition.
Video Credit: Leslie Kimm
[disclaim]The Ramp class is NOT for the novice. I believe you will need to have at least a minimum of 10 megaformer classes under your belt before you can ride this puppy.[/disclaim]Full Post
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am a fan of both Pilates and Lagree Fitness. Though they seem the same and perhaps have some similar moves, here is an article that highlights a few of the key differences. It’s kind of a Beauty & The Beast thing, with Pilates being the Beauty, and Lagree Fitness, The Beast. I like switching my workouts around and find both methods effective for me in different ways.
More about Lagree Fitness at Core40…
To intensify the Lagree workout on the megaformer, you adjust the springs. Depending on the move, more or less springs will prove to be a challenge. Similar to barre, the goal of Lagree is to lean out your muscles. Quite often, this results in shaking. Sebastien himself says to “embrace the shake” because THAT is when your body changes.
Sebastien Lagree holding it down here at Core40 SOMA!
As if a normal Lagree Fitness workout on the megaformer wasn’t hard enough, imagine performing the same workout, but on an incline that gradually moves up and down, all of which is is controlled by the instructor on a tablet! Talk about the integration of fitness into technology – two things I love!
The addition of the incline literally ramps this workout to new heights as it forces you to further engage your core for stability. In addition to that, some exercises are already hard enough with just one yellow spring (the lightest spring load). Imagine executing that exercise on an incline while you fight gravity just to stay upright!
The challenge with The Ramp (or the supraformer) is that you can not cheat gravity. I’ve taken enough Lagree Fitness classes to know that the slightest adjustment will make the exercise easier for me. But with gravity into play, sometimes adjusting yourself by just an inch to make it easier will seem impossible that you end up pushing through the move without the desired adjustment.
Note that certain exercises done on an incline can alleviate impact on the joints, which makes this already low-impact workout more appealing.
Please also note that The Ramp IS NOT for the novice. I believe you will need at least ten classes under your belt before taking The Ramp class at Core40. Oh, and BTW! Core40 is currently the only studio in the Bay Area with the Supraformers!
Catfish by Meeeow?
Bryan in flying spider. He’s a great instructor if you’re ready to experience Beat Down By Bryan! Lagree Fitness isn’t just for women!
Truc, Core40 Lagree instructor, working out her obliques in a French Twist.
Super Trainer Cat transitions quickly into the skater move.
Super Client Kinu in a Super Lunge
The beauty of Lagree Fitness is that you can tone it down, or take it up a notch depending on your level of athleticism for the day. Some days, you can conquer the world, while others, you can’t even handle the lightest springload.
If you are as much of a fitness enthusiast as I am, I know you will enjoy The Ramped classes at Core40! You can sign up here for classes!
In good health,
Bern
