Fitness

LA’s scariest exercise class comes to London

Published

2 weeks ago

May 8, 2024

LA’s scariest exercise class comes to London

I visit my sister in Los Angeles once a year and when there I can be sure of two things — we will party hard and we will exercise hard. Often she will force me to attend modish exercise classes that have yet to arrive in the UK. I fell off a bike in West Hollywood’s SoulCycle long before you could do such a thing in London. Fortunately, the room was so dark and the music so loud no one noticed. I have been dragged — just off an 11-hour flight — to hot yoga so hot that I felt my blood broil while lying on the cork floor in a pool of my own sweat. The shirtless, tattooed man playing guitar in the corner did not make this experience any less alarming. But the scariest class of all was something called Lagree Fitness. Which my sister is obsessed with — and which is how I knew it would be terrifying.

“You have never seen women with bodies like this,” she told me as we drove to the Motivate Studio in Silverlake in January 2022. And it was true: the women in the studio did have amazing bodies in their very shiny, very tight pastel leggings and bra tops; lean and muscular and pert. A bit like Barbie. “If you did this three times a week, you’d look like one of them,” my sister told me. “I very much doubt that,” I replied.

Lagree Fitness is sort of like Reformer Pilates, but on potent steroids. Like Reformer, the exercises are done on a machine, in this case the Megaformer, which sounds like it might be a dinosaur. The Megaformer has two carriages, multiple straps, pulleys and intensity levels, as well as numbers that indicate where you must put your hands and feet for torturous planks, wobbly gliding lunges and impossible pulses. One must transition from one move to the next in a matter of seconds, which requires ungodly dexterity and reflexes. There are no rest periods in the 45-minute class, the aim being to reach a point where your muscles are trembling and you are begging for mercy. I reached this point pretty fast, unable to keep up with my sleek gym companions as they crunched and pulled and pushed. “Go, G,” the instructor shouted. “You’ve got this,” she continued. I really did not. I nearly cried with relief when she announced that we had only 20 seconds to go. It felt like 20 hours.

The Megaformer machine was more like an “advanced spaceship”

My sister had warned me that my muscles would ache the next day. I didn’t expect that I would be so sore I would not be able to walk. Which was a minor issue as I was flying home since I had to hobble through LAX. It felt like someone had stripped my calf muscles from my legs, rolled them into solid little balls, then reattached them.

Yet I was intrigued. My sister’s words, “You could have a body like that” replayed in my mind like a motivational mantra as I ploughed through the complimentary pretzels on the flight back. When I got home I looked up Lagree Fitness. The “method” was founded in 1998 by a man called Sebastien Lagree, who, on his website, describes himself as a “visionaire”. Michelle Obama, Jennifer Aniston and the Duchess of Sussex are fans. According to the literature, Lagree Fitness is more like bodybuilding than Pilates, and the Megaformer more like an “advanced spaceship” than the classic Pilates reformer. This all sounded suitably impressive. The problem was, back in 2022, I couldn’t find anywhere in London to do Lagree Fitness. My total body transformation would have to wait.

Then I heard about Studio Fix, a gym that opened this year in Kensington. Here was a devoted Lagree Fitness studio. “Sculpt your physique in a modern, luxurious space,” the website suggested. OK then. The gym, which has three studios and also offers Barre, HIIT, yoga and boxing with wheelchair access, was designed by WGB architects and is suitably swanky, with a smoothie bar in reception and Dyson hairdryers in the changing rooms as well as a big tub of free hairbands. Always useful.

The Lagree studio is comfortingly dark, with nightclub lights, cool hotel-lobby music and lots of mirrors in which the other attendees, who did indeed have very sculpted physiques, could take photographs of themselves to impress their followers on social media. I explained to the instructress that, although I had attended one class before, I considered myself a relative newbie. She talked me through the rigorous complexities of the Megaformer, and we began.

Studio Fix was designed by WGB architects

Now, I am not a complete sloth. I do yoga twice a week, weights once a week and run a bit when the weather is temperate. But my God, within about three exercises I was already having to down-level because I just couldn’t manage, I didn’t have the core strength. Or the anything else strength. The instructress called out things like “Grab the Ring of Fire” and “In 20 seconds we will be doing the sexy back,” while I puffed and floundered. I sought comfort and camaraderie from the women to my left and right, but they were at it like machines. The pace was marginally slower than the LA equivalent, but still I mostly failed to keep up.

At the end of it all the instructress told me that I’d done well, adding that it was a tough workout. And for the next three days my stomach muscles were stinging and sore in a way they had never been from any other workout. But still, I think I’ll return. Something that tough surely should make a difference. And who doesn’t want a sexy back? Or indeed free hairbands?

www.studiofix.co.uk

Fitness

At 67, Denise Austin Demonstrates ‘Effective’ Core Exercise for ‘Menopausal Belly’

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

At 67, Denise Austin Demonstrates ‘Effective’ Core Exercise for ‘Menopausal Belly’

Denise Austin, 67, shared an exercise to target “menopausal belly.”
The fitness pro demonstrated a core exercise to address the “stubborn” area.
She explained that the standing move targets the “entire core.”

Losing weight after menopause can be difficult, especially losing belly fat. Luckily, fitness pro Denise Austin is here to help. Austin has shared her top menopause tips in the past and is now demonstrating one of her favorite menopause exercises for toning abs and targeting “menopausal belly.”

“I know how tough that stubborn menopause belly can be, I’ve been through it and still [am] trying my best to stay fit and healthy!!! Core muscles are so important to keep strong…I just want to encourage you to try and be consistent! That is key to feeling better…just keep moving,” Austin captioned her video. “Here’s a Menopause ab exercise that’s simple but effective!! Plus, it’s easy and it’s a standing exercise that works your entire core—abs, obliques, back, and shoulders! Stand up and try with me today! Engage those abs!!!! It’s also great for circulation too!!!! Love you girls…we are all in this together!!!!! Xoxo”

In the video, Austin explains that the standing move is called a “wood chop.” To begin, she stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart before bending her right knee towards the ground, clasping her hands out in front of her, and reaching them towards her front foot, both knees forming 90-degree angles. Then, she stands up, reaching her arms overhead on the opposite side of her body. “Tighten up those abs. Push down and reach up!” she explains. “Drive through your heel to your hip. Do this 30 times on each side.”

While Austin performs this move without equipment, we bet you could easily amplify the exercise by holding a single hand weight to add even more strength training.

Austin’s followers loved the simple, informative video. “So right Denise—as you always say, use it or lose it👏” one fan commented. “Omg yes…menopause belly. I never thought I’d hit that so young. So important to talk about 💕” another added.

But what is a “menopausal belly,” anyway? Many women going through menopause experience a shift in hormones causing belly fat, also known as “hormonal belly.” Many hormones can do this, but for women in menopause, estrogen is often the culprit. The body experiences a decline in estrogen with the onset of menopause which can “create a shift in body composition which favors fat distribution towards the center of the body, around the abdomen,” Krista Gonzales, M.D., endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center previously told Prevention.

No matter the cause of your belly fat, it’s important to note that you can’t pick and choose where you lose weight on your body. A balanced approach including cardio, nutritious eating habits, and weight training can all help you lose weight overall. Adding effective core exercises (like this one from Austin) can help tone a targeted area.

If you’re looking for more of Austin’s top cardio and core moves, check out our favorites below.

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Fitness

Kids find move-mentum at 2024 Health and Fitness Expo – My Edmonds News

Published

12 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

Kids find move-mentum at 2024 Health and Fitness Expo – My Edmonds News

The Edmonds Florentum Club members generously provided starts and seed kits for blossoming gardeners.

Volunteers from the Community Health Center enjoy a nice chat.

These three women from ReFit were joined by three girls in song and dance when “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” came on.

Teen volunteers from local high schools lead children across the track.

Two young women make their way past the finish line

A boy pedals to make the bike-blended smoothie

A boy tries out a bicycle from the Cascade Bicycle Club

The embodiment of “If first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Booths featured fitness challenges and information about health and other local resources.

Participants try this ball game requiring some hand-eye coordination

Hundreds found a way to combat a chilly, overcast morning Saturday by warming up with some exercise at the 2024 Health and Fitness Expo at Edmonds School District Stadium. Most parents cheered from the sidelines but a few joined their kids during the MOVE 60! Fun Run or tried out the challenges at exercise booths. The event, organized by the Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department and the Edmonds School District, was operated by many volunteers.

— Photos by Jasmine Contreras-Lewis

Fitness

Best Exercise Steppers That Are Perfect For Working On Your Leg & Thigh Muscle – Times of India

Published

19 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

The pandemic had a severe impact on us. People around the world realised how important it is to keep ourselves fit and healthy. One such habit is working out regularly. That being said, not everyone can afford a gym membership or manage their time to join a gym. This is why many people prefer working out at home which is both flexible and cheaper compared to signing up for a gym membership. There are a number of home workouts that can improve your overall health. One such exercise is Step Aerobics. In this exercise you have to step up and down on a stationary board called an exercise stepper until you hit muscle fatigue.
Step aerobics can help you with fat loss, cardiovascular health and stronger joints. To perform these exercises at home, you just need to buy an exercise stepper. However, it might be a challenging task to pick the best exercise stepper among so many options available. To help you out, in this article, we have curated an exclusive list of the best exercise steppers for leg workouts.

Best Exercise Steppers	Price On Amazon	Amazon Ratings
The Cube Club 2 Level Adjustable Stepper	Rs 1,523	4.3/5
Strauss High Rise Aerobic Stepper	Rs 2,099	4.2/5
Wearslim Professional 2 Level Adjustable Aerobic Exercise Stepper	Rs 1,199	4.3/5
Lifelong 3-in-1 Stepper for Exercise at Home	Rs 1,799	4.3/5
Abb Initio Gym Stepper \| 3-in-1 Fitness Step Platform for Home Gym Exercise	Rs 2,250	4.2/5
XTRIM Aerobic Stepper for Cardio Workout Gym Stepper	Rs 1,299	4.1/5
Lifelong Step Platform Aerobic Stepper Bench with Screw-Free Design Skipping Rope	Rs 1,599	4.2/5

Let’s delve into the product description of each step up board individually and discuss their key features and product quality. Bring home the product that suits your budget and preferences, and take a step towards a healthier life.
You are a “stepper” away from achieving your fitness goals!

The Cube Club 2 Level Adjustable Stepper

Get this stepper that will help you boost your cardiovascular fitness and build strong legs. This stepper made by Vecino Fitness Pvt Ltd is plastic and weighs 2.76 kilograms. The height of the stepper is adjustable from 4-6 inches. The adjustable step-up board can support a maximum weight up to 200 kilograms. This exercise stepper has a surface designed to absorb shock and prevent slipping, making it a safe option for physical activities.
KEY FEATURES:

12 months warranty
Non-slip and shock absorbent
Supports up to 200 kg
Weighs 2.76 kilograms

User Feedback: Customers like the quality, value, and versatility of the exercise step platform, while some complain about the adjustability, finish, and grip.

Strauss High Rise Aerobic Exercise Stepper

For those seeking a higher elevated aerobic stepper for more intense workouts for leg and thigh muscles, this is the ultimate product to bring home. The stepper was designed with a variable height of 6 to 8 inches to allow for demanding cardio exercises. Moreover, because the exercise stepper is made from durable polypropylene material, it can hold up to 440 lbs or 200 kilograms. Therefore, the sturdy stepping board weighs 3.3 kilograms, which is evenly distributed, giving the impression of being lightweight and portable. This stepper has a non-stick, non-slip surface for a comfortable and safe experience.
KEY FEATURES:

Dimensions- 76 x 30 x 20 Centimetres
Non-stick, Non-slip and shock-absorbent
Supports 440 lbs
Weighs 3.3 kilograms

User Feedback: The quality and value of the exercise step platform is remarkable. It’s sturdy, the quality of plastic is satisfactory, and it’ll last for years.

Wearslim Professional 2 Level Adjustable Aerobic Exercise Stepper

This durable, robust exercise stepper is a value-for-money product by the Wearslim brand. This stepper is designed to be shock-absorbent, non-sticky, scratch-proof, and slip-resistant. You can adjust the platform height of this exercise stepper between 4 to 6 inches. You can also tilt the stepper. Polyvinyl Chloride and Polypropylene are used in the construction of this stepper. This equipment weighs 2.7 kilograms and can support up to 200 kilograms, or 440 lbs.
KEY FEATURES:

Dimensions- 68 x 28 x 10 Centimetres
Non-sticky, Shock absorbent, Scratch-proof and Slip-resistant
Supports 440 lbs
Weighs 2.7 kilograms

User Feedback: It is a value-for-money product, reliable, solid and has an excellent overall grip.

Lifelong 3-in-1 Stepper for Exercise at Home

Self-Balancing Ball, Push-Up Handle Bars, and Anti-Skid Aerobic Stepper; this product serves as all three. Target multiple sets of muscle groups with this exercise stepper. Use the stepper for push-ups, step-ups, and balance exercises. This exercise stepper will target leg muscles, thigh muscles, chest muscles, and core muscles. This compact exercise stepper, made of Polypropylene, weighs merely 2.4 kilograms and can support a maximum weight of 200 kilograms. This stepper features a surface that is textured to prevent slipping and has anti-skid feet. These textures will keep your feet in place and prevent slips and accidents. Cleaning is also straightforward; use mild soap or dust-clean with a dry cloth. It is also sweat-resistant.
KEY FEATURES:

Dimensions- 67.5 x 35 x 15 Centimetres
3-in-1 exercise equipment
Non-slip, Non-sticky, Sweat resistant and Anti-skid feet
Supports up to 440 lbs
Weighs 2.4 kilograms

User Feedback: Customers like the quality, appearance, and versatility of the exercise stepper. It is sturdy, looks good, and serves its purpose.

Abb Initio Gym Stepper | 3-in-1 Fitness Step Platform for Home Gym Exercise

Get the most out of your workout by using this one of the best step-up boards that can also function as a self-balancing ball and push-up handlebar. The high-quality polypropylene material in this anti-skid step-up board guarantees prolonged durability for regular usage. With this equipment, you can perform full-body exercises and increase the amount of muscle mass. You can perform exercises like pushovers, squats, lunges, and step-ups. It can support up to 200 kilograms of weight and weighs 2.5 kilograms. Its non-slip surface improves exercise safety and stability.
KEY FEATURES:

Dimensions- 67 x 34 x 15 Centimetres
3-in-1 exercise equipment
Anti-skid and Slip-resistant
Supports 440 lbs
Weighs 2.5 kilograms

User Feedback: The product is suitable for home exercise, valuable for stepped workouts, and worth the price. The opinions are mixed on slip resistance.

XTRIM Aerobic Exercise Stepper for Cardio Workout Gym Stepper

Are you looking for the best exercise stepper to support heavier weights with stability and balance? This is the product you must lock your eyes on. This board can support a weight of 250 kilograms. This stepper has non-slip rubber pads on the legs and a slip-resistant platform for improved stability and balance during exercise. The exercise stepper can be set to two different heights: 10 cm and 15 cm. The Polypropylene material used in this stepper guarantees a high-quality board and a robust, strong platform for stepping up. The equipment is sweat-resistant with square groove patterns, and most importantly, it is compact and easily portable.
KEY FEATURES:

Dimensions- 68 x 28 x 15 centimetres
Supports up to 250 kilograms
Anti-skid rubber pads
Slip-resistant and Sweat-resistant

User Review: It is the best exercise stepper for leg workouts, with long-lasting material and enhanced stability.

Lifelong Step Platform Aerobic Stepper Bench with Screw-Free Design Skipping Rope

With this non-stick, non-slip and shock-absorbing exercise stepper, you get a 2.75 m long adjustable PVC skipping rope for absolutely free. The exercise stepper has an adjustable height riser for up to 15 cm of maximum height. The product comes with rubber feet and a textured surface for additional grip and safety during the exercise. In addition, the brand guarantees a 6-month warranty for any production flaws in the item. The stepper is constructed from durable polypropylene material weights of approximately 3.90 kilograms. This device can handle up to 200 kilograms of weight. Considering all the specifications and offers, this deal becomes value for money.
KEY FEATURES:
Dimensions- ‎75.5 x 29.5 x 20 Centimetres
2.75 m PVC skipping rope FREE
6-months warranty
Non-stick, non-slip, and shock absorbent with rubber feet
Weighs 3.90 kilograms
Supports 440 lbs
User Feedback: The product is value for money and meets the expectations.