D.C. is finally getting its first official Lagree Fitness Method / Megaformer studio. The Hollywood-favorited workout loved by celebs like Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Jen Aniston, Sofia Vergara, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Calvin Harris, Jeremy Piven, Ashley Graham, Sacha Baron Cohen, David Duchovny and more has landed in the H Street Corridor as Lagree DC.
“We are passionate about Lagree because we were clients first and it transformed us,” say Lagree DC owners, Kathleen Crowley and Ada Loo, adding, “We wanted to bring Lagree to DC because it’s an amazing workout for everyone no matter your age or fitness level and we wanted to share that with the community and selfishly have a place to practice ourselves!”
Meghan Markle has said the workout "is hands down the best thing you could do for your body,” and "your body changes immediately…give it two classes and you will see a difference.” Khloe Kardashian has called Lagree Fitness Method her “favorite killer workout;” and Michelle Obama has even credited Lagree for her svelte arms.
The Lagree Fitness Method is a patented workout that delivers results fast! The amazing 50-minute high-intensity (you will sweat!), low-impact (safe on spine, joints and even pregnant-friendly!) workout effectively combines core, endurance, cardio, balance, strength and flexibility training in every move; and is performed on the celebrity-obsessed Megaformer machine, the only place you can get it right in the heart of DC.
The no-impact program features targeted exercises like squats, lunges, crunches, pull-ups and more, performed at a slow and controlled pace on the Megaformer machine, which is a resistance-based platform using a system of springs and pulleys and your own body weight with a movable carriage that slides between the stable front and back platforms.
These “Time under Tension” exercises performed on the sliding carriage increases the fight against resistance, body weight, and balance, which activates the body’s slow-twitch muscle fibers to build a long, lean physique that has made this workout famous. A 50-minute session can burn up to 900 calories.
Why are you so passionate about Lagree Fitness; what made you want to bring the workout to D.C.?
KATHLEEN CROWLEY and ADA LOO: Staying active is very important to us, not only to stay in shape but more importantly to stay healthy. Lagree was one of the most difficult workouts we had ever done and one of the most effective. Neither of us had ever reached the same level of strength and fitness as with Lagree.
There are so many high-intensity workout choices, but often a high-intensity workout can lead to injury. What we love about Lagree is that its high intensity, but low impact on the body and this makes it perfect for everybody, even individuals who have chronic injuries (i.e. back, knee, etc.). The method can be easily modified for all levels, conditions, etc. and yet still be highly effective.
Lastly, we wanted a place to go and do this workout for ourselves; and had limited options as there were no Lagree studios in the city. Seeing how we were able to reach an unparalleled level of health and fitness with Lagree and that it’s like no other workout we’ve experienced and we just knew we had to make a home for Lagree in DC.
How is the Lagree Fitness Method different than Pilates or Solidcore?
KC/AL: Sebastien Lagree developed the Megaformer and the Lagree Fitness Method to be an improvement on Pilates. The Lagree Fitness Method is actually a patented workout because it differs from Pilates so much. Sebastien says as soon as you are standing on the Megaformer, you can no longer associate the workout to Pilates. Lagree integrates cardio into your workout, so you’re getting strength training, muscle endurance training, core, flexibility, balance, and burning major calories all in one. There is no need to do a second or supplemental workout, which a lot of people feel the need to do with Pilates. The biggest difference between Lagree and Pilates is the added high-intensity strength building and cardio that you get from the Lagree method. In addition, the Megaformer with the various accessories and platforms ensures you are working every muscle in your body.
Lagree differs from Solidcore in that it’s the original Megaformer workout; it has more than 65 patents and the technology of the Megaformer machine is unmatched. In combination with the Lagree Method, which has hundreds of variations on moves to target every muscle in your body, it makes this workout the most effective and time efficient. The key to practicing Lagree successfully is quick transitions, but slow repetitions. Lagree’s main focus is on form and function, not just intensity. We are not one-size fits all operation. Lagree is literally for everyone at any fitness level, no matter your goals, large or small. Lastly, all of our trainers are Lagree trained and certified.
Photography by: Photography Courtesy of Lagree
