Slow resistance training has moved from niche to mainstream. Studios built around slow, controlled strength work now sit alongside spin, boxing and yoga on high streets around the world, and names such as Lagree come up often in conversation.
With that growth comes confusion. Is slow resistance training a single method or a broad category? Is every carriage-based strength class the same thing? This guide sets out, as clearly and fairly as we can, what Lagree is, what slow resistance training means more broadly, and where independent methods such as our own Tension Method fit in.
What is slow resistance training (SRT)?
Slow resistance training, often shortened to SRT, is a broad approach to strength training rather than a single branded method. What unites the different versions is tempo. Instead of lifting and lowering quickly, you move slowly and deliberately, keeping the muscle under load for longer.
Most SRT approaches share a handful of principles:
Time under tension: the muscle stays working throughout the movement, with little or no rest at the top or bottom.
Progressive overload: resistance increases over time so the body keeps adapting.
Working to fatigue or failure: sets continue until the muscle can no longer maintain good form.
Control: slow tempo puts the emphasis on precise technique rather than momentum.
SRT can be performed with free weights, resistance machines, bodyweight or spring-loaded carriage machines. The tools differ, but the underlying idea is the same: slow down, stay under tension and let the muscle do the work.
What is the Lagree Method?
The Lagree Method is a trademarked fitness method founded by Sebastien Lagree, a fitness trainer who developed it in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It is taught through Lagree Fitness and its licensed studios and trainers, on machines developed for the method.
In general terms, Lagree is known for slow, controlled, continuous movement on a spring-based carriage machine, combining strength, endurance and core work in a single session with minimal rest. Its own materials describe it as high intensity and low impact.
It is one of several established approaches to spring-based strength training. Only studios licensed by Lagree Fitness can teach the Lagree Method under that name.
Other approaches to slow resistance training
Lagree is one well-known method, but slow resistance training is a wider field, with a number of distinct approaches.
Slow-tempo free-weight and machine training
Long before boutique studios, strength coaches were using slow tempos in the gym. One early example is the SuperSlow protocol, developed by Ken Hutchins in the 1980s, which used very slow repetitions on resistance machines. Today, many personal trainers prescribe controlled tempos with dumbbells, barbells and cable machines to increase time under tension.
Bodyweight SRT
Slow, controlled bodyweight movements, such as slow squats, lunges and press-ups held under tension, apply the same principles without equipment.
Independent carriage-based methods
A growing number of studios have developed their own methods on spring-loaded carriage machines. Each has its own exercises, sequencing, coaching style and equipment. They share a broad training philosophy with other SRT approaches, but they are separate methods in their own right.
The Tension Method, taught at Intension, is one of these.
The Tension Method: an independent approach
The Tension Method is an independent method developed by Intension. It is not affiliated with, licensed by or derived from the Lagree Method, and Intension is not a Lagree studio.
The Tension Method is a 50-minute personalised workout in a group setting. It is built on three principles: progressive overload, time under tension and core connection. Movement is slow, prolonged and precise, and each muscle is worked to failure, with dumbbells from 5kg to 12.5kg added when needed to get there. The focus is strength, not stretch or relaxation. Classes are capped at 14 people, one per machine, so the instructor can personalise the session for each member.
The Method was developed alongside the Tensionformer, a spring-loaded sliding carriage trainer specified by Intension. Every exercise and resistance level was built around the machine, which combines springs, cables, a foot bungee, poles and dumbbells. Its spring set was chosen by mapping resistance combinations, giving a wide resistance range, from fine low-end steps to serious load.
How to choose an SRT method
Because SRT is a broad category, the right method depends on what you value. A few questions worth asking:
What is the focus? Some methods lean towards endurance, others towards strength or conditioning.
How personalised is it? Look at class size and how much the instructor adjusts the workout for each person.
What is the equipment like? Comfort, grip and resistance range all shape the experience.
Who teaches it? Experienced, attentive instruction matters more than any branding.
Does it fit your week? Location, timetable and convenience decide whether training becomes a habit.
How does it feel? The only real test is to take a class.
Frequently asked questions
Is Intension a Lagree studio?
No. Intension is an independent strength studio. We teach the Tension Method, our own method, on the Tensionformer. We are not affiliated with or licensed by Lagree Fitness.
Is all slow resistance training the same as Lagree?
No. Slow resistance training is a broad approach to strength training. The Lagree Method is one trademarked method within that wider field, and there are many other ways to train with slow, controlled resistance, although many are similar.
What is the difference between SRT and Pilates?
SRT focuses on building strength through time under tension and working muscles to fatigue. Pilates centres on control, mobility and stretch. Some equipment looks similar, but the aims are different.
Is slow resistance training suitable for beginners?
Many SRT methods can be scaled for beginners. In the Tension Method, instructors adjust resistance and progressions for each member, so newcomers can start comfortably and progress at their own pace.
Try the Tension Method
The best way to judge any slow resistance method is to take a class. If you would like to experience the Tension Method, you will find us on Burnsall Street, just off the King's Road in Chelsea. Open an Intension account and take advantage of our £10 classes during our December soft launch.