Studio Physique 1st-Timer, Bonniebelle, shares her experience:
La-What?
“I was recently invited to a class at Studio Physique, a fitness studio in the Kenwood district of St. Pete that specializes in Lagree fitness. La-what? Don’t worry. I didn’t know what it was at first either, but how bad can it be if Meghan Markle swears by it? I recently discovered she credits the method to her getting in super fabulous shape for her wedding. That alone made this opportunity all the more tempting, can’t lie.
Works Every Muscle
The workout was 50 minutes long and more intense than I thought it would be. I should mention that the strength of my muscles is equivalent to that of Spongebob Squarepants’ (he can’t lift stuffed animals) and this workout literally worked out muscles I didn’t know I had. There was one move I was attempting where I honestly couldn’t pull the resistance band because my obliques don’t exist apparently. The class worked out every muscle as promised. Be it my arms, legs, or abs, they were all pushed to the limit and quivering at some point.
Mindful Movement
An unexpected side effect during the exercise was an intense focus on myself. I was following along with Angela’s instructions and some of the moves on the TVs, but I was intently getting into every position and watching every move I made. The best way to get the maximum benefit of the Lagree exercise is to be in correct form and do slower motions against resistance to work your muscles to the core.
The Good Sore
The class was intense and absolutely pushed me, but I left feeling great. I’m slightly sore and will be for another day or two, but it’s the good kind of sore. I thought I did well for a first-timer, but it exposed some weak areas, literally. I’d love to take another class or two to see how my body performs and reacts having done it once now.
Studio Physique note: It typically takes 3 classes to find your way around the spring-loaded Megaformer to realize which muscles are being targeted and to start recognizing the funky exercise names. The Lagree Fitnesss method is always challenging whether it’s your 1st class or your 300th!