Know Before You Go: Megaformer

While I was home for the Jewish holidays I went to a megaformer class at Corelab in Katonah. Where I grew up in northern Westchester is still a bit behind the times and is lagging in the boutique fitness scene. The fact that there’s anything let alone a quality megaformer studio 15 minutes from my house is pretty shocking and awesome. I really love megaformer classes but don’t get to go very often in the city because it’s SO dang expensive. Like everything else here.

I’ve heard megaformer classes called “pilates on crack”. I can attest that this is pretty accurate. Also, it’s not megareformer like I used to call it. Awkward.

What is it?

Sebastien Lagree created the megaformer as a re-imaigned Pilates reform machine. Fun fact– all megaformer classes are actually considered part of the Lagree method. The personal trainer and former bodybuilder created the machine after watching people go from pilates class to the gym for cardio. He wanted to create a workout that amped up what was happening in pilates class. The workout is designed to incorporate cardio, strength, endurance, body composition and flexibility.

So how does it work?

Classes are a series of small, isolated movements on the machine performed for 60 seconds or more. There’s typically very little down time during classes and a lot of time under tension. The movements are all meant to be slow and controlled.

It’s a deceptively challenging workout– simple movements like a plank suddenly becomes a million times more difficult. I like to think I’m in fairly good shape right now (y’know running 14 miles casually on the weekends) and my abs + inner thigh are SO sore from Monday’s class. Like so sore. I could plank all day and my abs aren’t sore so that’s saying something.

Side note, I legit woke up with a six pack after one megaformer class I took (Liz Barnet, I love you so). It was awesome. And went away after I ate breakfast.

Who is it for?

Megaformer classes can be great for arguably anyone because it’s low impact and many of the movements can be scaled back if needed. Some studios though are known to have tougher classes than others so be mindful of that when choosing a studio. Be on the look our for beginners or basic classes which will be a lot more accommodating to injuries and newbies!

Before you go…

• Show up early. Okay, this rule is always true for me but especially true for megaformer! The instructor will probably want to give you a quick overview of the machine before class gets rolling.
  
  
• Tell the teacher you’re new. Again, something you should always do but again super important here. Working the spring system can be a little bit overwhelming the first time so you’ll want to at least be familiar with that before class starts.
• Don’t hide on the side. Unless the instructor tells you otherwise, I wouldn’t pick a machine on the end. You’re going to want to see others around you as an example of what to do and certain moves face different directions. As a newbie it can be confusing to figure out what exactly the movement is so being able to look around the room can honestly help!
• What to wear: Relatively fitting clothing like you’re going to yoga or pilates class. You don’t want anything to get caught in the machine. All the classes I’ve taken have been low impact and zero jumping around– don’t worry about wearing a seriously supportive sports bra for this one. Some people like wearing sticky socks, I personally like being barefoot.
• What to bring: Be sure to bring a towel (some studio offer) and water. On Monday I totally forgot how much you end up sweating in class!

Question– have you ever taken a megaformer class? What are your tips for first timers?