This Sport is Quickly Gaining Popularity for Fast Body Toning!

For several years now, Pilates has been on the rise, known for its deep muscle toning capabilities. However, a growingly popular discipline may be set to overshadow it. Remarkably, in just fifty minutes, this sport promises to tone the entire body without any impact on the joints or the need for cardio. According to professional fitness coach Levana Nelson, noticeable results are evident after just three or four sessions, particularly with the abdominal muscles. “For instance, after her fifth or sixth session, one of my clients really started to see her obliques becoming more defined. And indeed, I noticed it too,” she shares. The benefits of this sport include improved overall posture, increased flexibility, and (naturally) a very toned figure. However, those with sensitive abs may want to think twice.

At first glance, Lagree may remind you of Pilates Reformer due to the similarities of the equipment used in both practices: a stationary platform, a mobile carriage on rails, arm straps, and springs to add resistance. Yet, the two are fundamentally different. “People often compare Lagree to Pilates, but they are not the same. Lagree is truly about muscle strengthening. It focuses on deeply working the muscles, breaking down the muscle fibers,” the coach clarifies. During the fifty-minute class, participants perform a series of exercises on the mobile carriage: lunges, crunches, planks… The body is constantly under tension and engaged, aiming to enhance muscle endurance. The movements are slow, controlled, and performed to a count dictated by the coach (either six, eight, or ten). All the while, resistance plays a critical role.

By the end of the session, your legs will be shaking (take the author’s word for it), your abs will feel the burn, and you’ll discover muscles you didn’t even know existed. An added bonus? Lagree is perfectly suitable for rehabilitation since the risk of injury is minimal. However, pregnant women should steer clear, as the discipline involves exerting pressure on the pelvic floor.

When paired with a balanced diet, Lagree can be an excellent ally. While it doesn’t directly lead to weight loss, combined with cardio activities, it can sculpt and tone the body. “It’s a great complement because muscle strengthening is always recommended in weight loss regimes,” Levana Nelson adds. Alongside other forms of exercise, one to two sessions per week are enough to see significant changes. Lagree is accessible to everyone, though adjustments to the machine’s resistance levels may be necessary to match individual fitness levels. “As I tell my clients: ‘Initially, it will be tough, but you’ll come back,’” jokes the trainer. And she adds, “I’ve never seen anyone try it just once and not return. The time flies by, and the results speak for themselves.” Our favorite studio? Outcore, in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, where the Lagree expert teaches.