I’m having an interesting sports experience that I’d like to share with you. For the last three months, I’ve been doing Pilates on a ‘Megaformer’ machine at Community Megaformer studio. I take two courses per week, on top of my usual routine.

The Megaformer is often confused with the ‘Reformer’, but the Lagree method is different. (Lagree is the name of the Megaformer designer and coach). With Lagree, you do, very slowly, a series of exercises that target several muscle groups at the same time. The aim is to keep the muscles tensed and tone them up with this stimulation. You sweat and tremble during the session, which is not often the case with the Pilates machine. The results are quick in coming – you lose more fat and you gain stamina and muscular strength. If you don’t have a high level of fitness, one of the advantages of this machine is that it’s easily adjustable according to the user’s level.

I work out regularly so I’m not a beginner, but I could feel with the Megaformer that I was working muscles I usually don’t use. Yes, I know this machine is the fashion and you may be thinking “Another trendy gadget”. After trying it for several months, though, I can assure you that it really does strengthen, shape and tone the whole body. The 45-minute sessions are with a professional coach, who helps you reach precise objectives and boosts your motivation. Mine is really great, and encourages me to push myself.

For me, the length of the sessions is ideal. Not too long, not too short. I can do one in the morning before I go to work, and still have the time for a shower and breakfast!

Verdict? I love it! I’m going to carry on with the Megaformer, as well as with the BBG workout which has the advantage that you can do it anywhere, with the minimum of equipment, in just 28 minutes.

Nu