FORM, FUNCTION, & RECOVERY | LAGREE FITNESS + HYPERICE
We think that it's always a good idea to find the workout that speaks to you whether you do it at home, take it outside, to your favorite studio, or the gym! We've been enjoying our Micro by Lagree Fitness which allows us to do so many workouts to target our desired areas and we also love their Lagree On Demand where we have a number of options that we can do depending on what we're feeling.
We've had a few weeks to use it and defintiely enjoy using, but we always like to check in to see how we can optimize what we're doing. We previously interviewed the Founder and creator of Lagree Fitness, Sebastien Lagree. But we wanted to ask a few questions specifically about this machine to ensure that we're staying on target! So we sat down with the man himself to find out a bit more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Why did you want to create the Micro and why is it great for home use?
SEBASTIEN LAGREE: In 2019, we were getting an overwhelming amount of inquiries for an at home machine but the Megaformer was simply too big to fit in most people's home, so I created the Micro to go and fit anywhere.
You can now do your favorite class or exercises on our micros from the comfort and safety of your home! You can also transport your micro anywhere and do a class anywhere you want!
AM: For those who have never worked out at Lagree Fitness and it's their first time having the Micro, are there any tips that you suggest that we should know so that we can be ready for our workouts?
SL: Yes, we have all the tips and tutorials available at www.lagreeod.com; the most important tip is to move slowly; Lagree is a slow speed and isokinetic method, so super slow and constant speed.
AM: Can you tell us about the springs on the machine and how we can optimize our workout by understanding how they work or in what combination they should be used in?
SL: Yes, the springs are the best source of tension for the body (better than a bungee or rubber tension; and far superior than weights).
The springs also allow you to quickly adjust the tension simply by positioning yourself differently, so either by sitting or standing further forward or back, you can lessen or augment the tension.
AM: Can you tell us about the accessories that can be used with the machine for our workouts?
SL: Of course, you can use our equipment on its own without the accessories. The accessories either add an element of safety, like the platform or carriage straps; or an accessory can allow you to perform new and additional movements like the long black cables that add hundreds of new exercises and variations.
You can perform well over 1,000 exercises on any of our machines.
AM: What are workouts that you suggest that we can do on this machine to target abs, arms, legs, and glutes? Please let us know the accessories that would be used in order to do those workouts.
SL: To target these muscles, you don't need any accessories, you can just use the machine on its own; however, the cables will allow you to target these muscles more efficiently.
AM: Tell us about Lagree on Demand and what are workout videos you suggest that we can use when we are on our Micro.
SL: Lagreeod.com is a new virtual platform that I created for both students and teachers, to make sure that they teach the method correctly (many studios will actually add their own technique to the method which is not good).
This platform demonstrates how each exercise must be performed and we also have almost 2,000 workouts already available on demand.
It is is the official source for everything Lagree.
AM: If there is a Micro video that includes an attachment/accessory that a user may not have, are you able to modify so that you can still do it?
SL: Sure, you can always modify on any of our models.
AM: Can you tell us about Seb's 6 week course as well as Michael's?
SL: Yes, the 6 week course is for people to get acquainted with the machine.
We are adding more 6 week courses and will also offer an 8, 10, and 12 week courses as well. These seems to be very popular.
AM: Is there anything that you would like to share that we haven't covered that we should know?
SL: Lagree is a live method, the method is evolving as the technology evolves. Watch out for our new digital line coming very soon.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 39 + 40 Lagree Fitness
Having a great workout is essential but also making sure that your body has the tools it needs to engage in proper recovery is also an essential. We've been a long time fan of the suite of products by Hyperice that allow us to target desired areas on our body pre and post workout. We also love that with all of the options you can have a great stretching session. In addition, they also have included meditation which if great for a wellness needs. We have been a fan of using this to work on our breathwork and to also utilize practices that will allow us to reduce our anxieties and to give us the mental space that we need to navigate throughout our day.
We caught up with the Jim Huether, CEO at Hyperice to find out more about the brand, their products, and how we can implement them within our routines.
ATHLEISURE MAG: At Athleisure Mag, Hyperice's products have been our go-to when it comes to recovery post workouts. You have a number of devices that target various areas. When you're thinking of creating a new device or upgrading one that may already exist, what are the things that you think about when it comes to bringing them into your assortment?
JIM HUETHER: Hyperice’s mission is to help everyone on Earth move better. We make innovative products to help everyone from elite athletes, weekend warriors, executives who are always on the move, or the busy parent prevent injury, and increase longevity and overall performance in their day-to-day routine.
In the early stages of Hyperice, much of the focus was on elite athlete performance and had not yet spilled over to the everyday consumer. During that time, we listened to and worked closely with athletes and trainers to develop technology that can be utilized and trusted in the locker rooms or on the sidelines.
Today, as consumers are becoming more aware and in tune with their health, we are seeing Hyperice products becoming ingrained into everyday wellness routines. As a result, Hyperice prioritizes listening to our core consumers and partners to push our existing offerings to new heights and further use cases. We aim to broaden our portfolio to offer more products at varying price points, providing access to a broader consumer base for recovery technology, while prioritizing a premium experience with the latest innovation.
AM: Your devices target muscles in various ways whether it focuses on Percussion, Air Compression, Heat, Contrast, Vibration, and Ice Compression. Can you tell us why these methods work well for the body?
JH: Hyperice’s diverse product line promotes recovery in various ways, from percussion technology to air compression and contrast therapy. Each of these methods is beneficial in relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, optimizing blood flow, and speeding up muscle recovery. This also goes back to listening to athletes and trainers across multiple sports disciplines to see where the needs were, and how could we come in and provide a more premium experience with the same recovery modality.
AM: For those that are working out at home or do their post workout recovery there, what are 3 products from Hyperice that you suggest that we should have on hand?
JH: Normatec technology is great for those who have an at-home workout routine. The Normatec line features specialized products for different body parts including legs, hips, and arms, offering dynamic air compression while you relax on the couch. Normatec delivers dynamic air compression, which promotes increased blood flow and range of motion.
The Hypervolt, our line of percussive massage guns, is our most universally used technology. The device offers users the ability to work on sore or stiff muscles to help with pain sensitivity as well as enhanced mobility. This past year, we added a new heated head attachment, compatible with all of our Hypervolt models, that heats up to 120℉ (think of blending a Swedish Massage and hot stone into one massage experience). This brings a new element to the at-home massage gun experience that cannot be replicated.
Lastly, I’d recommend the Venom 2 Back. Back issues can creep up on anyone, especially as we age, and we know how debilitating back issues can be from a pain and mobility perspective. The Venom 2 Back is a heat and vibration wearable that offers nine different combinations of the two features while reaching temperatures of up to 130 degrees. Whether you are managing a stiff or sore lower back, or you make this a proactive part of your daily wellness routine to promote preventative care, the Venom 2 Back is a great tool.
AM: If we're traveling or even working out with friends, what should we add into our bag when we're on the go that you suggest?
JH: Hyperice’s Go line is specifically designed for easy use on the go. Venom Go, our revolutionary heat and vibration wearable is a compact device that provides spot treatment to loosen and relax muscles anywhere on the body. Its convenient size is especially useful when traveling. At only 1.5 pounds, Hypervolt Go 2 is another great tool to use for percussion massages on the go. The Normatec Go has become very popular with air travel, as they are designed to be worn on the calves (which are known as the “second heart” because they promote blood flow back upwards in the body).
AM: If someone has never used a Hyperice product such as the Hypervolt, Normatec, or Hypersphere, what would be your advice in using them so that they can get the most out of it?
JH: For those who are new to using Hyperice products, I recommend following the guided warmup, recovery, and maintenance routines available through the Hyperice app. The routines are professionally curated by the world’s best athletes, trainers, and physiotherapists who guide users through their exclusive routines and share personal tips. I’d also recommend that people look to find ways to integrate these into their daily routines in an effort to promote and enhance movement and overall wellness. Too often, we associate “recovery” with the idea that something has happened, or an injury has taken place. Recovery should be a standard practice to help enhance longevity.
AM: We have enjoyed using the Core by Hyperice and love how it has actually helped us get into guided meditation/breath practice that was previously difficult to do. Why is it important to have this as part of your product offerings and can you talk a bit about its design?
JH: Core is designed to help individuals develop consistent meditation and mindfulness habits. Mindfulness is a foundational part of elite performance and is essential for a holistic approach to wellness.
AM: There are a number of options for practices that one can engage in when using the Core by Hyperice. How do you go about deciding what experts are available on the app for this?
JH: Similar to the guided warmups, cool-downs, and maintenance routines in the Hyperice app, where we worked with the best trainers and practitioners to develop routines and protocols for almost any wellness lifestyle or fitness modality, the Core app features such of the brightest minds in the mindfulness space to deliver a premium experience to the users. In some cases, there has been cross-over from our athletes, such as Naomi Osaka, as well as collaborations with other notable names, such as Chris Hemsworth, another outspoken proponent of meditation.
AM: What should we keep an eye out for from Hyperice as we continue to navigate 2024?
JH: Hyperice continues to push the limits on innovation and how people can find ways to improve or enhance their approach to or adoption of wellness technology. We will continue to provide innovative technology and best-in-class resources so individuals can align the products to meet their needs and lifestyles.
IG @hyperice
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 43 + 44 Hyperice
Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see FORM, FUNCTION, & RECOVERY | Lagree Fitness + Hyperice in mag.
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9LIST STORI3S | JUSTIN THOMAS
9LIST STORI3S | ZION WRIGHT
IN BALANCE WITH LAURIE HERNANDEZ
We fell in love with Laurie Hernandez's personality and energy when she competed in her inaugural debut at the Summer Games 2016 in Rio! She showcased her skill and commitment to the sport of gymnastics with the Final Five and left with a team gold medal and a silver as an individual.
We wanted to know what she has been up to since we last saw her on the global stage, how she maintained her training during the pandemic as well as a number of projects she has taken on - including, winning ABC's Dancing with the Stars in season 23 with her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. We're also looking forward to seeing her in Golden, a docuseries on Peacock that takes us behind the scenes on what it takes to make the Team USA Women's Olympic Gymnastic team as she prepares for the Summer Games in Tokyo.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with gymnastics and what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to go professional?
LAURIE HERNANDEZ: I fell in love with the sport when I was watching it on TV as a little girl. The gymnasts were such an amazing mix of power and grace that I looked at my mom and told her “I want to do that!” and not long afterwards my parents started me in gymnastics.
AM: What is a normal day or week like for you when you’re in training mode and do you have go to movements that you enjoy incorporating into your fitness routine?
LH: I practice Monday-Friday around 5 hours a day and Saturdays for about 3 hours. I also have physical therapy twice a week to help with any aches and pains. Before training I use Hyperice tools like a Hypervolt gun to help with warming up my muscles and at home Normatec leg compression for recovery.
AM: Did you always feel that the Olympics would be part of your journey as an athlete and what does it mean to you to represent the nation on such a global stage?
LH: It was always a dream to go to the Olympics but of course when I first started I had no idea where it was going to lead.
AM: In terms of the sport of gymnastics, we’re familiar with the activities that take place; however, do each of you have your specialties that you take on and if so, what are yours and why do you gravitate to them?
LH: Absolutely! Every gymnast has their own strengths that they bring to the sport and that’s what makes it so fun to watch. I love to perform and get the crowd involved so floor exercise is one of my favorites!
AM: At the Summer Games in Rio in 2016, you received a gold medal as the Final Five team and silver individually for beam. What was it like to be there for your first Olympics and competing with your team?
LH: It was such an honor to represent the USA and I will never forget the feeling of standing on the podium, listening to the National Anthem with USA on our uniform. What hit me even more once I got home was the impact it had on the young Latinx generation. I had parents come up to me and tell them that their child had started gymnastics because they saw me at the Olympics and I looked like them which gave them the confidence to start the sport. That has really stuck with me and something I will forever cherish.
AM: Last year at this time, the Olympics was in limbo although it seemed like it would be postponed. We have talked with a number of athletes about how they had to modify their workouts as they didn’t have access to their normal facilities. Did you find yourself doing workouts that were modified (ie Ryan Murphy was pushing a car up his hill, April Ross created a gym in her home, Steele Johnson was walking on his hands in his backyard) in order to get in a good workout and to stay on track?
LH: Of course. I was doing stretches and yoga in my home to keep up my flexibility, going through routines mentally, running in my neighborhood, etc.
AM: You just competed at the Winter Cup earlier this year which you choreographed and was Hamilton inspired – what was that like and what are your personal goals as you anticipate a second appearance at the Summer Games?
LH: I loved being back out on the competition floor and had so much fun with my new floor routine! I did go back and do a few small choreography edits so stay tuned for my next competition. One of my biggest goals this whole journey is to comeback for myself and to have fun with the sport.
AM: Tell us about Golden. I know that LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s Uninterrupted are creating this docuseries that includes you and additional gymnast Olympic hopefuls to obtain the remaining 4 spots. What can we expect from this show, do you know when it’s available on Peacock and why did you want to participate?
LH: It will focus on the day-to-day repetition it takes to become an elite athlete in our sport and a behind the scenes look at the ins and outs of our daily lives. I love all the girls that are participating alongside me and some are my close friends, so it made it a fun project!
AM: The Road to Tokyo has a number of events to qualify for being on the team. What’s your schedule look like right now and what competitions should we keep an eye out for?
LH: My next upcoming competition is the U.S. Classics on May 22nd.
AM: Part of the fun of the Olympic Games in addition to the actual competition, is being able to navigate the city outside of the Olympic Village. As we’re all emerging from lockdowns, have you been given a sense of what being at the Summer Games will be like outside of when you’re training and competing?
LH: We have not been given any specifics, but I know that without family and friends in the stands it will feel a bit different than previous Games.
AM: After a successful debut at the Olympics, you took some time off and won ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, published 2 books and were the inaugural host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior Junior – why was it important for you to take the time off to take on these projects?
LH: It was super important for me to take time off and find out who I was and what I liked outside of gymnastics. Something my mom always told me was you are Laurie who just so happens to do gymnastics, there is much more to you than just one thing. Finding my love for dancing, acting, and hosting was very rewarding and also helped me realize I still loved the sport too.
AM: How important is it for you to balance your competitive nature while also embracing positive mental health and fueling your creative side?
LH: Extremely important. Mental Health awareness is something I am very passionate about sharing and embrace fully. This was actually another reason partnering with Little Words Project was a great fit. Spreading kindness and self-love is huge and I hope others benefit from wearing some of my favorite words and affirmations.
AM: We know that you love poetry and are a fan of words. Tell me about Little Words Project. Why did you want to collaborate with them with your collection of bracelets and how excited are you that it is available at Nordstrom?
LH: Words have always had a big impact on me and Little Words Project was the perfect partner to share my affirmations with others. I loved creating the sayings/words on each bracelet and am so excited to see others showing kindness to themselves and others by wearing them.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Laurie Hernandez
Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see In Balance with Laurie Hernandez in mag.
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