Build Strength, Improve Endurance, and Run Pain-Free

High Impact Workouts Take Toll

Many people ask if there’s any other exercise I do besides Lagree Fitness. I really do like to run! But, there’s a but… Running has always been a “go to” workout for me. It allows me to get outside and get my heart rate up.  I used to be an avid runner – BUT – I had to stop due to pain in my knees. Lagree helped me return to running. In fact, Lagree Fitness is one of thee best workouts for runners!

Strength Training for Runners

My best friend is a physical therapist. She told me that my knee pain might be resolved with a little strength training. I needed to build a stronger running support system to protect my knees, hips and lower back. Weak abdominal and weak gluteus muscles lead to breaks in running form and injury. She explained to me that running requires you to perform the same movement over and over. This repetition leads to the over development of certain muscle groups, mainly the quadriceps and low back. This causes the quadriceps and low back to become stronger than the hamstrings and the rest of the core. As a result, runners will often develop unilateral weaknesses which can result in injury.

At that point in my life, strength training was so far from what I enjoyed doing that I blew it off. But, then I discovered Lagree Fitness and sure enough, those cardio-lengthen-strengthen-slow twitch-muscle-burning-exercise combos worked and got me running again!

Many runners don’t realize how much their core affects their stride. When your core is weak, your steps get uneven and your body works harder with every mile. Lagree helps fix this by training your deep core muscles during every move. This makes running feel smoother and takes pressure off your knees and hips.

Another reason Lagree works so well for runners is the slow pace of each move. When you move slowly, your muscles stay under tension longer. This builds strength that supports running without adding bulk. It also helps improve your balance, so you stay steady on hills, uneven sidewalks, and long-distance runs.

Lagree also trains muscles that running ignores. Runners often overuse the same patterns over and over. On the Megaformer, you work side-to-side, front-to-back, and in twisting motions. This gives your body the support it needs to run with better form and less pain.

Building Muscles for Endurance

There are an infinite number of Lagree exercises and movements that help strengthen those slow-twitch muscle fibers. From working the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes, these muscles will help contribute to strength gains! With all the different exercises you begin to work muscles on all planes, not just in forward propulsion. This helps you develop all the muscles you need to stay strong and avoid injury. Lagree Fitness incorporates balance, endurance, flexibility, all while building strength from the core. If you want even more endurance, our Lagree + VersaClimber combo builds leg and lung power at the same time.

Mega Benefits

Each and every exercise on the patented Megaformer is full body, activating hundreds of muscles in one single move. Lagree focuses on that slow “1, 2, 3, 4” count, tapping into the resistance-based movement. This stimulates slow twitch, fat burning, endurance muscle fibers. The goal is slow and controlled with quick transitions between exercises.  Runners often feel the Lagree Shake during these slow movements.

 When we allow the muscles to breathe mid-move, SP Trainer Kerri likes to say , “Sebastian cries a little”  😉 .  We don’t want the founder of Lagree in tears or our muscles resting during exercises. We want to burn out those muscles, creating optimum stimulation for long, lean bodies fit for endurance. This helps with running and any other type of endurance workout or sport! Lagree Fitness is the perfect way to improve how the body stays energized and utilizes oxygen.

Total Body Workout

Throughout our 50-minute class, we spend a majority of the time focusing on large muscle groups in the legs. We sequence our routines to work the legs in many different ways, from many angles with a variety of resistance.  From light lunging to heavy pressing exercises, Lagree strengthens ALL the leg muscles. Interestingly, as we lunge or squat on the Megaformer, we are actually building our core as well. In our plank-based and oblique moves, our shoulders and arms are also activated. As we kneel on our carriage and perform upper body exercises, we again strengthen our core. By increasing core strength, we reduce the impact of running on the lower back and ensure greater running efficiency, alignment and balance. Lagree Fitness 3 times a week will primarily help build strong muscles, but secondarily you will also improve your posture. Better posture will actually facilitate better form and easier breathing during running. This is one reason many people say Lagree becomes addictive — the results show fast.

Lagree to Run

Runner’s World magazine even names Lagree Fitness one of the “10 Best Fitness Classes for Runners”! California-based personal trainer  Mike Donavanik adds in this article, “The stronger your core, the more controlled you’ll be while running”

Why Runners Love Training at Studio Physique

At Studio Physique, runners get the support they need to stay strong and pain-free. Our Lagree classes help build the muscles that protect your knees, hips, and lower back. Every move trains your core and glutes, which keep your running form sharp and steady. You also get slow, controlled work that builds endurance without pounding your joints. Many runners tell us they breathe easier, feel lighter on their feet, and recover faster after adding Lagree to their weekly routine.

So, if you love running but your joints and back are aching, low-impact workouts may be the key to continuing to run pain-free. Learn how they build strength while protecting your joints, then experience that approach at Studio Physique.

FAQ

Can Lagree help me run without knee or hip pain?

Yes. Lagree helps build strong core, glute, and leg muscles that support your joints while you run. When these muscles get stronger, your body stays aligned and stable, so there’s less pressure on your knees and hips. Many runners find they can run longer and recover faster after adding Lagree to their weekly routine.

Ashley is a Vascular ICU nurse, Lagree Fitness devotee, dedicated runner and an awesome Studio Physique trainer!