Monika Schnarre takes on Studio Lagree’s M3 Megaformer in Forest Hill this month. The machine claims to give you the ultimate full-body workout experience, but she’ll be the judge of that.

How did you feel when you first stepped on to the M3 Megaformer?
It was a little overwhelming at first. There are numbers on the platform and bungee cords and handlebars. I was afraid that I might take off through the window and end up on Spadina if I did something wrong.

What makes this workout different from others? 
The absence of rest periods makes the Lagree fitness method different from other fitness regimes. The combination of working muscles to “failure” (shaking) and eliminating rest periods makes for a workout regimen that burns a maximum number calories in a minimal amount of time. Best of all, the effective intensity can always be adapted no matter what your level, which means you will never reach a training plateau.

How was the workout flow? 
A typical 50-minute class begins by working the core. A variety of core exercises are stacked together. After the initial core work, you move on to legs. Legs are targeted one at a time. Following the first leg series, the upper body is targeted. Again, a series of exercises are strategically stacked together to work the arms, shoulders, chest and back. Your other leg then follows suit before wrapping up the class with more core and abdominal work. This is an example of a classic class structure; however, they encourage creativity in their teachers so you will seldom encounter the exact same class.

Which part was most difficult? 
Imagine doing lunges while one foot is on a moving skateboard. You are constantly moving and engaging muscles that you never knew were there. Without any rest periods, you find yourself sweating and shaking like never before. If you’ve tried Pilates and think that this will be a cinch, think again!

What did you enjoy the most? 
I enjoyed stepping off of the Megaformer without my morning protein shake and coffee reappearing. In all seriousness, it was the most challenging and excruciating workout I’ve ever had. Run five kilometres without breaking a sweat? No problem. Hike up the San Jacinto Mountains with a 30-pound child on my back? No problem. Step on a Megaformer for 50 minutes? I was a reduced to a puddle of muck.

Where did you feel the burn?
The best part about the workout is that you utilize absolutely every muscle in your body (OK — well, almost). The next day (and for days beyond) I specifically felt the tightness in my abs, lats and obliques.

Was there a cool down after the workout?  
There is some abdominal work at the end before you roll yourself onto the floor.

Monika Schnarre is a model, actor, entrepreneur and television personality. She has appeared in over 50 television shows and films and on over 100 magazine covers.