When you think about the Megaformer, Pilates, Barre, Yoga, etc….what gender do you visualize taking a class/1-on-1? As a Megaformer instructor, some of the most common questions I hear from men are, “Do guys use the Megaformer?” “I know I need more flexibility but I don’t think THAT’s for me.” “I skip my resistance days and make them my rest days.” Men, like women, can gain a number of benefits from using the Megaformer. As we approach Father’s Day, today’s blog is all about the MegaMen in our life and the many advantages that come with adding the Mega to your workout routine.

Reduces Lower Back Pain

Too often, people with back pain are intimidated by exercise for fear it will make it worse. The Megaformer safely allows you to use every aspect of your abdomen in order to strengthen your core in order to elevate discomfort in your back. The Megaformer allows you to work your transverse abdominals, the base ab muscles underneath your six-pack. Not to mention strengthening your core can help slightly reduce the risk of future back injuries and create more range of motion for day to day tasks such as putting on a seatbelt or reaching for plates on the top shelf! Win Win!

Flexibility

As men, the more muscle mass you have, the less flexible you tend to be. Flexibility is the ability of a joint to move through space freely, unrestricted, and pain free. Flexibility happens when the muscles are stretched and lengthened, which is exactly what the Megaformer does! On the Megaformer, muscles work for long periods of time under stress which enhances range of motion in your joints while remaining low to no impact. With the Mega, flexibility can be your new best friend!

Access Muscles You Can’t Hit With Weights or Cardio

A major part of using Lagree’s Megaformer is that it hits small, stabilizing muscles that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Let’s use the example of a runner. Although cardio is a fantastic form of exercise, without a strong muscular foundation, it can lead to injury, especially in the abs and cheeks. The Lagree Method also improves alignment allowing runners to distribute their force more efficiently amongst all your muscles.

The same is true with weight training. The Lagree Method forces the muscles to operate beyond the comfort zone, slowly, in order to keep them from tearing. I promise, even though you’re moving slowly, you will FEEL your muscles working.

Power

If you were to add 1-2 Megaformer 1-on-1 sessions per week to your cardio/weight lifting routine, your power would drastically improve. That’s right! I’m talking faster sprints, more reps with heavy weight, and increased stamina. That’s because your breathing improves based on your posture/core strength and your knees, hips, and back will have the foundation to protect against the pressure of a power workout.

A shout out to all of the men in our Core (LP) community, especially those who will be celebrating Father’s Day this weekend. What have you noticed about about your body since you’ve started using the Mega? Tell us in the comments!