Happy first day of spring! 🌼 As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to focus on your fitness. If you’re a fan of the Lagree Megaformer like we are at InstaPhysique, then you already know that one of its standout features is the variable spring resistance (it is important to note, the Megaformer is not a pilates reformer – it is a strength training machine that goes so far beyond what a reformer can facilitate for training the body!).
First a bit of background on what variable resistance is, and how it is different than traditional strength training with static weights. Weightlifting can be counterintuitive – it overloads joints and underloads muscles. Variable resistance does the opposite. With variable resistance, the weight changes as we move, putting less force on joints where less muscle is engaged and more force where more muscle is engaged. In other words, variable resistance works in congruence with our biomechanics.
Traditional weightlifting and bodybuilding utilize a static weight load throughout the exercise. To maximize gains in strength and muscle mass, you need to go heavy, but this presents a dilemma.If you go too heavy, you won’t be able to move through a full range of motion, which is necessary for hypertrophy. If you go too light to try to accommodate your weakest range, you won’t access the resistance needed for optimal growth.
So, is there a way around this? Can you increase the weight load at your strongest point and lighten the load at your weakest point WITHOUT changing the piece of equipment mid-set?
Absolutely. You can do this with the Megaformer at InstaPhysique!
Today, let’s delve into why this unique training can take your body to the next level.
- Dynamic Resistance: Unlike static weightlifting, where the load remains constant throughout the movement, the Megaformer’s variable spring tension adapts to your body’s natural range of motion. This dynamic resistance allows you to perform movements that are challenging or even impossible with traditional weights. Variable resistance exercise maximizes muscular involvement by altering resistance at different points in a movement. It varies the resistance in accordance with our varying strength capacities. As the resistance changes, your muscles are engaged both concentrically and eccentrically, promoting strength gains and reducing the risk of injury by strengthening muscles at their full length.
- Versatility: With variable spring tension, the Megaformer offers a diverse range of exercises beyond what’s possible with static weights alone. From lunges and squats to deadlifts and bench presses, you can target multiple muscle groups at once, with increased range of motion. This versatility ensures comprehensive muscle engagement for a more effective session.
- Continuous Muscle Engagement: Traditional weightlifting often has a “dead zone” where muscles experience minimal resistance. In contrast, variable spring tension, combined with our slow & controlled training, maintains consistent tension throughout the entire movement, keeping your muscles fully engaged. This continuous stimulation maximizes muscle activation and enhances the effectiveness of your workout, leading to greater strength gains, muscle growth and fat loss.
The response induced by variable resistance promotes rapid muscle adaptation, resulting in accelerated progress compared to conventional training methods. At InstaPhysique, our workouts capitalize on this principle to deliver powerful results. By alternating between pushing, pulling with tension, and pulling against tension movements against changing resistance, we create a hormonal environment conducive to muscle growth and fat loss, ensuring that you’re maximizing gains while minimizing the risk of injury.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or are brand new to resistance training, our classes offer a supportive environment to challenge and elevate your fitness.
So if you’re looking for a challenging, low-impact strength training workout, join us at InstaPhysique and discover a new way of moving that will leave you feeling stronger, leaner, and more empowered than ever before! Sign up for class in Sacramento -or- sign up for class in Roseville today!
