I’m so excited to share today’s post with you all because when you are sore from a workout three days after the fact – you know your body was craving it and you just did something real good!! Not to mention you want to share it with all your friends – so they can feel the burn!!
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to try a new-to-me workout at The Studio Empower, located in Newton, MA. This is not your run of the mill Pilates class and was created by Sebastian Lagree when he saw that his clients were heading to get more cardio after Pilates classes. So what does the Megaformer do and why should you be excited about it?
From the Lagree Fitness website:
“Simply put, is the most innovative and aggressive approach
to full body conditioning. Moving effectively out of the borders of conditioned
stimulus, this workout integrates the key elements of resistance and
counter-resistance in a sequence that allows for periods of zero gravity at
peak muscle contraction. The composition of this method is significant in that
it encourages maximum exertion while allowing for low risk of injury. The
Megaformer™ workout strengthens the body, tones and elongates the muscles,
improves endurance, jump-starts the metabolism, burns fat, increases
flexibility and postural alignment, and restores the body’s natural balance.
The client, at conclusion, is left with a lithe and powerful body, resistant to
the everyday stresses of work and life.”
Upon entering the studio there isn’t much of a seating/waiting area – so I’d say arrive about 5-10 minutes before your class. Ashley was the instructor I had and she was great!! The classes are really intimate (almost private sessions) and you feel like they actually pay close attention to your form and abilities. Within the first minute you are sweating, your heart rate is increasing and you are feeling it in your muscles. As Ashley explained to me, when we workout we want to go hard and fast in order to feel like we’re working out hard – but in these classes it’s recommended you take your time and really feel your body working each movement (she explained counting to four to complete the move is best).
The machines look incredibly intimidating but coming from someone that has the balance of a toddler learning to walk – you can totally handle it! The class lasts a total of 45 minutes and it flies by all too quickly!! All the instructors are different and incorporate weights, a stability bar or resistance from the machines into a high intensity routine. Similar to Barre classes, you should wear socks with grips on them so that your feet really stick to the machines.
I’ll be honest – my legs and arms felt like jello after the class. I am sore, but in the best way possible – like you know you had a totally amazing workout! Here is a quick intro video…while it does show how the machines works – it doesn’t really convey the intensity of the workout!
Full studio shot
For my Boston area friends, The Studio Empower is located conveniently off the Green Line D and is literally steps from the Newton Center station. If you own a car – there is ample parking around the studio.
The Studio Empower is offering all Bloved Boston Readers $20 off any $100 purchase!! Code: Bloved20
*Terms: new client only; applies to regularly priced pachages of $100 or more. Cannot be combined with other discounts/or contracts.
For non-Boston residents, have no fear, these types of workouts & studios are popping up all over the country – just make sure that the class is offered on a Megaformer (telltale sign it’s the right class) and is using the Largee Fitness method.
If results are what you’re looking for, look no further than Jennifer Aniston, Brooke Burke & Sofia Vergara…they can be found frequenting the West Hollywood Studio!
For information regarding pricing/specials please visit: The Studio Empower
*I took a complimentary class from Studio Empower, but all opinions are my own!
If you had the chance, would you try this workout? How do you train?
xo,
Biana
