Walking into a gym for the first time can be daunting, but one Glasgow fitness studio is offering a different approach to strength training.
Aura Lagree, owned by Laura Greaves, brings the Lagree method to the city, combining strength and endurance exercises with heavy resistance in instructor-led classes.
Laura, who has a background in corporate finance as a chartered accountant, discovered the workout after initially trying Pilates to improve mobility following a hip injury.
A work trip to London led her to a Lagree class, where she quickly became hooked. After realising there was no dedicated studio in Glasgow, she decided to bring the concept to the city.
While it may look similar to Pilates, Laura says the two have different goals.
Lagree focuses on building strength and muscular endurance, using resistance to create tension in the muscles. Classes take place on a specially designed machine, with instructors guiding participants through controlled movements.
Laura believes the smaller class sizes and hands-on guidance can also help people who feel uncomfortable returning to the gym.
She said: “Gym anxiety is so real. I’ve had it throughout my life. Going to a new gym or taking a while away from the gym and getting back into it is so tough.
“Whereas here you’re getting similar benefits, you’re doing similar types of movements but with a smaller group of people and you’re guided by an instructor.”
She added that a strong focus on technique helps participants become more aware of their bodies, understand their limits and avoid injuries.
Aura Lagree is located at 100 Carnegie Rd, Hillington, Glasgow G52 4JZ.
You can book classes here.