More about The Lagree Method
With the Megaformer-
~The Lagree Method of training is built around the concept of muscle exhaustion, which occurs when muscles are under constant tension (no rest) and worked outside of their comfort zone. This is where CHANGE happens! If your body isn’t changing, it may be because its not being challenged!
~The Lagree method focuses on strengthening your slow twitch muscle fibers which are often under-utilized. You’ll move very slowly through each challenging exercise, feeling every inch you move and every second that goes by so you have TOTAL awareness of your body.
~There is NO momentum and NO impact on joints, only specific and controlled muscle contraction. This is where the shaking, sweating, and fat burning really begin!
~The only thing we do fast in class is transition from one position to the next, making sure our muscles don’t get to rest until they are maxed out. You will work your entire body in one 45 minute session, resulting in improved muscle endurance and efficiency, core strength, cardio benefits, better balance, increased flexibility, and a lean sculpted look!
~You’ll leave class sweaty and euphoric and you’ll be satisfyingly sore the next day.
How is Lagree different than PIlates?
~The Megaformer was inspired by the well known Pilates Reformer more than 25 years ago, but has been evolved and advanced into a multi-functional body-building machine. Megaformers have stable platforms at both the front and the back which allows for exercises both with and against the resistance of the springs! The carriage is larger with smooth wheels, pockets and side rails, and easy to change springs for fast transitions! There are 2 sets of cables to include more challenging work at the back of the machine, and handlebars that can be swiveled… all created for the purpose of providing hundreds of different exercises in more accommodating and safe body positions.
Similiar to Pilates, the Lagree method focuses on core stabilty and postural alignment, but SO much more! Lagree is FULL BODY, so you’ll also strengthen your legs, butt, arms, and back as well as your abs. In fact, you’ll be working your CORE in EVERY exercise we do!
Lagree is also HIGH intensity, vs. a low intensity Pilates class. This means your heart rate will go up into your cardio zone, resulting in even more benfits such as fat burning and cardiovascular health. This directly translates to FAST results!
LAGREE is funcional, meaning you’ll be in real-life body positions such as squatting, lunging, bending, twisting…In fact you’ll spend most of class standing, kneeling and engaging multiple muscle groups at once, rather than laying down as is typical of a Pilates class.
About our studio
At Transform we welcome ALL levels with open arms! Whether you’re a couch potato ready to get cookin’, or a seasoned athlete, we’ve got the perfect workout for you! We can give you options to modify or advance any exercise, and can even accommodate those with minor injuries or major goals!
Just arrive early to chat with your instructor before class to get the most out of your workout.
We want class to be effective and FUN! Smile, grunt, sweat and giggle with us- we’re an all-inclusive community, and we can’t wait to meet you!
About our owner
Transform Fitness studio was founded in 2015 by Jen Donat in Mountain View, CA, and in Saratoga, CA in 2021.
Jen has been a fitness-fanatic since youth, competing in skiing, running and biking, and became a fitness instructor in 2001 after her 3rd child was born, She first got certified to teach Indoor Cycling, then Pilates and eventually Personal Training which included working with Kettlebells, BOSUs, TRX and so much more! Her first self-owned business was StrollerGym- getting moms outside with their new babies to exercise!
Then in 2014 she discovered LAGREE…
“No other fitness class challenged me like the Megaformer! I was immediately humbled and knew I needed to conquer this machine! I quickly became more lean, felt stronger, ran faster, climbed further… all without hurting my knees or hips. Previous flare-ups of back pain? =GONE! I was addicted… and needed to share my enthusiasm!”
The goal for my studio is for class to be attainable for all. My instructors are all Lagree certified with the goal of making you STRONGER! I want you to leave class feeling accomplished, empowered, entertained, and wanting to come back to see us! We LOVE our community and the joy you bring to our jobs as fitness instructors.
About Our Lead Trainer
We’re fortunate that our studio is home to Andrea Ruelas, who is a Senior Master Trainer for Lagree Fitness. She was personally selected and requested by Sebastien Lagree, the founder of Lagree Fitness, to work directly for him to lead teacher training – she’s traveled and led trainings at every studio in the Bay Area, at headquarters in LA, and even internationally.
Along with this expertise, Andrea brings brings an element of entertainment to her classes, keeping you engaged and giggling with stories until class is suddenly over and you find yourself sweating and shaking, having worked so hard, yet somehow feeling like you’ve been at a comedy club… its no surprise her classes are top-rated and tough to get into!
Andrea and her husband are proud parents of baby Lilly and 2 cats, all of whom are subjects of her class shenanigans.
