[Try This] is our semi-regular dispatch from the front lines of urban curiosity. We poke our heads into the new, the weird, and the quietly cool things happening around the city – then report back, so you don't have to pretend you already knew. Sometimes it's just us trying stuff and telling you how it went. Sometimes we rope in the people behind it for a quick chat, especially when we're out of our depth. Occasionally, there's a little something in it for you at the end. So maybe stick around.

This morning, we woke up with sore abs, fatigued arms, and wobbly legs – not the typical aftermath of a night of indulgence, but rather the result of a Megaformer class at The Megaformer Lab – Shanghai. This high-intensity, low-impact workout has become a sensation across the USA, Europe and Australia, combining elements of Pilates and weightlifting in a comprehensive way.

A Primer: What is Megaformer?

Before we get too deep, a quick primer. This phenomenon is similar to Pilates. However, it uses an exercise device, in this case called a Megaformer, which is designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance and posture through controlled, low-impact movements with more dynamic and strength-oriented training than the machines used in Pilates.

The Megaformer machine features a sliding carriage (a central platform that moves along rails) attached to springs with added resistance for increased workout intensity, plus foot and handle bars and platforms at both ends. The Megaformer machines combine elements of strength training and cardio all in one machine, utilizing the principles of the Lagree Method, where movements are deliberately slow to keep muscles under tension and maximize muscle fatigue (especially the slow-twitch muscle fibers). Exercises are designed to prevent rest between reps, creating continuous resistance and boosting muscle engagement for increased building of lean muscle. This results in a joint-friendly, full-body exercise program built around the principles of endurance and increased flexibility that is safe for all ages and fitness levels, time-efficient, and doesn't cause strain or pain to joints.

We recently caught up with Belle Zhang, a Shanghai-based certified Lagree instructor and founder of The Megaformer Lab, to learn more about her entrepreneurship journey and how Megaformer is unlike any other exercise program around.

CNS: What sparked your initial interest in the Lagree Method?

I grew up splitting my time between Shanghai and California. I lived in LA for five years and really loved the work-life balance there, as people work hard but also take care of themselves mentally and physically. That was a really stark contrast to living in China, as WeChat never shuts off. It's kind of a 'make money or die trying' attitude here.

I was lucky enough to have trained with the founder of the Lagree method, Sebastien Lagree, during my time in LA. I thought that there was a need in China for this high-intensity, low-impact training in the health and wellness space, as China is a relatively young exercise market compared with the West. While other low-impact exercises, like yoga, are more prevalent in China, there was nowhere else in China offering resistance-based low-impact exercises. And this is exactly where I saw the Lagree Method and Megaformer fitting in to fill that void.

I was also looking for places to work out and found that people were fixated on numbers on a scale. That mentality can be very toxic, especially for younger girls. I thought, "There needs to be some type of exercise or fitness community that encourages you to pursue a good lifestyle in a healthy way." And so, I'm aiming to create that community, right here in Shanghai, through Megaformer.

CNS: How is Megaformer different than other popular workouts out there like CrossFit, F45, Orange Theory, etc.?

So, it's a patented exercise method, with evolving technology and training updates. The biggest difference between what we have and other popular workouts is that our trainers undergo continuous training from the headquarters in Los Angeles, and the method continues to evolve over time as more scientifically-backed data about the benefits of "time under tension" becomes available.

Another interesting aspect is that you can attend any Lagree Studio in the world, and receive the same standardized classes. If you are a frequent traveler, this is great, because there are over 600 studios around the world. The method is low impact (meaning, it doesn't involve pressure on your joints, like jumping or running would) and focuses on building endurance, which is also not something traditional strength training classes often focus on.

CNS: So, let's say someone wants to try this out. What can someone expect at a class at your studio?

In a standard full-body class, you'll find a lot of typical training moves that many people will be familiar with, like planks, lunges, squats, etc. However, these movements are all performed on the Megaformer machine.

You'll notice a focus on time under tension, meaning you perform every move with precision and control in a slow tempo count. You'll often feel shaking in your first few classes, which means that you're successfully targeting those slow-twitch muscle fibers!

Each class kicks off with a full-body warm-up, then we move into focused blocks for your lower body and upper body. We work one side at a time, which helps push your muscles to their limit and also improves balance between both sides. Since the workout is big on core strength, you'll probably feel sore in tiny muscles you didn't even know you had! But don't worry, after just a few sessions (around 3 to 5), your body will start to adjust, and the soreness won't feel as intense.

CNS: Recently you completed Master Trainer Certification for Lagree, and you are, as far as we know, the only one certified in China to conduct official trainings, is that right?

Yeah, that's right. What this means is that if you are interested in becoming a globally recognized Lagree Fitness trainer or opening a Lagree Fitness studio, I'll be the right person to speak to!

CNS: How has The Megaformer Lab evolved since it opened in Shanghai in 2021? How has the community grown and changed along with it?

Since we opened our doors in 2021, we've been lucky enough to introduce the Lagree method to over 30,000+ new faces. We now have a team of 10+ certified trainers, and work with well-known, reputable brands like Nike, lululemon, Maia Active, etc. So, the growth has been phenomenal.

We now have Microformers (smaller versions of the machines) for seasonal outdoor community events and workshops, to further focus on form and alignment, but in a different setting than the conventional exercise studio. We have a number of loyalists who have completed over 500 classes with us since we opened. I guess you could say we're a passionate group.

CNS: Tell us about the new certification you received in the USA recently. What does this mean for The Megaformer Lab?

I recently completed my Master Trainer Certification in Lagree Fitness at the Los Angeles Headquarters. After over 5 years of instruction and completion of all required courses in Lagree, I'm now the only certified Lagree Fitness Master Trainer in China to conduct official trainings on behalf of Lagree Fitness.

If you are interested in becoming a globally recognized Lagree Fitness trainer or opening a Lagree Fitness studio, I'll be the right person to speak to!

As for The Megaformer Lab, this means that our trainers will have direct access to more in-depth training from the founder of the method, and we're also looking forward to spreading love for Lagree all over China in the coming years.

Reader Freebies: Megaformer Classes!

Got abs? Want them? Megaformer Lab is throwing out a few perks for City News Service readers.

First: They're giving away four free trial classes. Want in? Share this article on your WeChat Moments with the caption "City News Service has it all!" Screenshot it, send it to the City News Service WeChat Account along with your WeChat ID and phone number, and cross your fingers.

Second: If you're signing up for their new member trial (350 yuan for two classes), mention City News Service and they'll throw in a third class on the house. Not bad.

Everything runs through their WeChat Mini Program – search "The Megaformer Lab." English support? Add the Studio Assistant: themegaformerlab.

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