Megareformer: Pilates Workout Gets More Challenging

It's among the hottest -- not to mention, most effective and efficient -- full-body workouts around.

So there's some irony that its creator -- celebrity fitness trainer Sebastien Lagree -- would prefer it not be described in the manner most often done so by its ardent devotees: "Pilates -- on crack."

Originated in Burbank, Calif., and slowly spreading throughout the U.S. in boutique studios, the patented Lagree Method takes the basic principles of traditional "reformer"-machine-based Pilates -- and makes them vastly more challenging.

Strength, balance, flexibility, heart rate -- all are sent into overdrive.

How? Via training done on an unique, state-of-the-art, hand-crafted machine called a "Megaformer."

From Victoria's Secret models to Hollywood A-listers, the roster of Lagree aficionados is a veritable who's who of the fashion and entertainment industries.

And now it's finally available -- at just one facility -- in Palm Beach County.

Core Evolution

Opened in November by Sarasota native and former HSN graphic designer Marina Perrone, Core Evolution (coreevolutionpb.com) in Palm Beach Gardens is a bright, intimate studio that features 10 Megaformers.

Perrone, 24, a lifelong athlete and fitness buff -- "I've done every workout imaginable," she says -- discovered the Lagree Method in October 2012 when Florida's Gulf Coast saw the opening of its one and only Lagree studio in Sarasota.

"From the instant I tried it, I was hooked," she explains.

So much so that the energetic young entrepreneur knew she wanted to bring to as many people as possible the controlled, precisely timed regimen -- which trains every muscle group until fully fatigued (i.e., "failure").

Among the many local folks who now swear by the sweat-inducing routine is CBS12 anchorwoman Liz Quirantes.

The veteran broadcaster, who's no stranger to serious exercise, originally agreed to sample the studio's 50-minute group classes for a segment that aired during a November newscast.

"They were the hardest workouts I've ever done," Quirantes says. "And I loved them!"

The intimacy of the (maximum) 10-person classes ensures that participants receive personal attention from the instructor, who roams throughout, making certain each student is performing every focused movement properly.

Quirantes notes that she's typical of Core Evolution's instant converts. She now takes up to four or five classes a week and says, "I'm seeing the results and have never felt better."

Quick transformation

What makes the Lagree Method so popular -- and successful -- says Perrone is that "you don't plateau. It never stops being challenging."

This phenomenon forces your entire body to continually adapt -- and improve.

Your core quickly becomes stronger, firmer, leaner. Similar changes happens in your arms, legs and shoulders. Every muscle in your body lengthens and increases its flexibility.

"The first time people take a group or private class, they'll describe the feeling afterwards as being like they're wearing an invisible corset," Perrone says.

No doubt, that's much of the appeal.

As is how efficient the sessions are.

"The beauty of Lagree is that it can be your primary form of conditioning -- as it is for me -- or complementary to other training you do, and sports you play," Perrone explains.

But perhaps the best endorsement of Lagree's efficacy is this: Perrone, and her three instructors, will often attend each other's classes when not teaching their own.

"It's more fun being with a group," Perrone says.

So long as everyone remembers what not to call this innovative form of Pilates.