Mikhail Bragin
What inspired you to kickstart your fitness journey? My fitness journey ignited from a decade of frustrating plateaus and diminishing returns. Despite consistent heavy lifting, I saw minimal functional improvement, culminating in debilitating stiffness that rendered even a single pull-up painful. That stark physical limitation served as a jarring wake-up call. Compounding this, I realized my neglected core was the insidious culprit, creating imbalances that sabotaged my progress. Instead of stubbornly adhering to ineffective routines, I made a radical shift, embracing a "train both smarter, and harder" philosophy that led me directly to The Studio (MDR). This pivot wasn't just a change in workout; it was a fundamental recalibration of my approach to fitness, prioritizing targeted, intelligent training over sheer brute force.
How have you noticed yourself evolving since you started? The transformation since embracing Lagree at MDR has been nothing short of astonishing. In a mere 22 classes, I've achieved what once seemed impossible: sculpting 18 pounds of lean muscle, with an astounding 9 pounds concentrated in my core, while simultaneously shedding 16 pounds of fat. This rapid metamorphosis eclipsed a decade of stagnant progress, shattering a seemingly impenetrable plateau. The regret? Not discovering Lagree sooner. Beyond mere aesthetics, it's fundamentally reshaped my physical capabilities. While not a traditional cardio regime, Lagree's ingenious methodology—sustained time under tension, minimal rest, and meticulously controlled movements—delivers a potent cardiovascular challenge. This unique approach ignites metabolism, optimizes fat burn, and preserves lean muscle with unparalleled efficiency. Crucially, my once-vulnerable core now anchors my entire physique. My lifting prowess has surged, with hip thrusts doubling from 135 to 275 pounds, and effortless pull-ups now a reality. Everyday movements, from prolonged drives to extended meetings, are executed with newfound ease, reflecting a holistic integration of strength, posture, and functional movement.
How has your mindset shifted since you began this journey? Lagree at MDR is a crucible for mental fortitude. The relentless time under tension demands unwavering focus, particularly as vulnerable muscles reach their limits. There's no room for autopilot; each moment requires complete engagement to maintain form and control. This intense concentration has forged mental discipline beyond my expectations, cultivating presence, precision, and composure under duress. This newfound mental clarity permeates all aspects of my life. Endurance-based activities, like long hikes or rowing sessions, now benefit from the focused precision and sustained mental engagement cultivated in Lagree, transforming them from purely physical challenges into opportunities to apply and reinforce my newfound mental resilience and strategic pacing. Work deadlines, difficult conversations, and stressful situations are approached with a newfound calm and strategic focus. The most profound revelation? The pervasive nature of this mental transformation, anchored me in resilience and groundedness, far beyond the confines of the reformer.
In what ways has The Studio (MDR) been instrumental in your transformation? The Studio (MDR) transcended a mere workout facility, becoming a catalyst for comprehensive transformation. It meticulously addressed my neglected core, a critical weakness overlooked by traditional lifting, through expertly structured and dynamically varied Lagree classes. While the targeted workouts are indispensable, the vibrant community proved the true differentiator. The shared intensity, the synchronized movements, and the collective pursuit of improvement fostered an unparalleled sense of belonging. It wasn't just about physical exertion; it was about the palpable energy of a group united in a common goal. This communal synergy, where we mutually challenged and uplifted each other, elevated the entire experience from a solitary endeavor to a shared journey of profound empowerment.