Joseph Pilates could never have dreamed that the body-strengthening system he developed in Germany in the early 1900s would become one of the hottest fitness trends in America almost a century later.
While millions of teachers and practitioners follow the postures and exercises originally prescribed for physical therapy, along the way, Pilates’ ideas have been expanded upon and changed.
After a federal court ruled in 2000 that Pilates was a generic term, the variations continued. Pilates now is often done on a mat in a group setting rather than in one-on-one settings on the Reformer, and classes have sprung up for “Pi-Yo” and “Cycl-ates,” where Pilates is blended with yoga or cycling.
Among the latest is Pilates Evolution, a program developed by Sebastien Lagree, a French-born trainer based in Los Angeles. With an MBA from Seattle University and a background in Pilates and weight training, Lagree opened his first Systeme Dynamique studio in 2001. He has since created equipment and workouts that he’s taking to gyms around the United States, as well as to the United Kingdom and South Korea.
Lagree’s workout, which has attracted such celebrities as Nicole Kidman and David Schwimmer, combines high-intensity cardio with form-lengthening moves and circuit training on a machine he calls the ProFormer (he’s also nicknamed it “The Reforminator”). He expanded the idea of Pilates’ Reformer, adding resistance features, including seven springs, four footbars, cushioned foot platforms and a variety of straps.
The newest location offering Lagree’s method is in Cherry Creek North, where Karen Moore and her daughter Natalie McLaren turned the upstairs of Djuna home furnishings and design into an exercise studio.
McLaren was introduced to the program by her father and stepsister, who run several studios in California.
McLaren says she thought Pilates Evolution would appeal to people, like some of her friends, who say they wish there was just a bit more to Pilates “because they had to do additional workouts (to get their cardio in) but didn’t have the time.”
Regular classes are 40 minutes long, and the studio also offers technique sessions for beginners or those unfamiliar with Pilates, as well as one-on-one training.
Only 10 people work out per session.
Lagree was in Denver a few weeks ago to train the staff.
“Pilates was originally developed for physical therapy, so it’s done slowly,” he said. “I wanted to be able to expand on that to get your heart pumping and get a full workout in under an hour, without putting pressure on your joints.”
We sampled a class with Lagree teaching and were sore for days.
Here’s what it was like.
Who it’s for: These group classes of 10 aren’t the place for beginners, as the program moves fast. To keep up, you need to be able to do the exercises, change positions quickly, hop on and off the machine and not fall behind.
What it’s like: From the get-go, you’re doing lunges and squats, working multiple muscle groups — arms, legs, abs, core, back — to the accompaniment of fast-paced dance music and the teacher’s instructions.
Students adjust springs on their machines to increase or decrease resistance, working muscles to the point of exhaustion.
While the trainer moves through the room to make sure students are using good form and executing the movements properly, you’re expected to keep up and not need a lot of assistance.
How long it took to break a sweat: About 15 minutes into our introductory session, we were breathing heavily. “You’re welcome,” Lagree said in acknowledging he was taking us through a challenging workout.
One class participant felt nauseated about midway through the session and had to stop for a minute, but she later attributed it to excess holiday eating and drinking the night before rather than the paces Lagree was putting her through.
Fun factor: The novelty of the movements, the fast pace and the humorous encouragement of the teacher made the time fly by.
What it costs: First class, free; single sessions, $30; five-session package, $125; monthly unlimited package, $199. All class reservations and cancellations must be made on .
Details: Studio opens Jan. 12 upstairs at Djuna, at 221 Detroit St. 303-507-1119; pilates . Wear clothes for comfortable movement and yoga socks, or go barefoot. Bring water and a towel.
The morning after: Have some ibuprofen on hand. “You can expect to be sore the first couple of times because you’re working so many muscles at once,” Lagree said. He recommends two to three sessions per week for most people to see results — a leaner, more defined body.
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com
