Lagree vs. Pilates: Why Lagree Isn’t Just Another Pilates Class
At first glance, Lagree and Pilates might look like close cousins—they both involve controlled, low-impact movements, and they’re often performed on machines that resemble each other. But once you experience Lagree, you’ll quickly realise: this is a completely different workout.
So what is Lagree, and how does it differ from traditional Pilates? Let’s break it down.
1. Lagree Is Built for Intensity
Traditional Pilates was built for rehabilitation, a strong focus on alignment, flexibility, and core strength—usually at a slower pace with an emphasis on precision. Lagree, on the other hand, is designed to push your limits. Sebastian Lagree designed Lagree to combine the best bits of a gym workout and a pilates workout. It mixes core-strengthening elements of Pilates with the intensity of strength training, endurance, and cardio—all packed into one low-impact workout.
Lagree is often described as "Pilates on steroids" for good reason. Expect to sweat. Expect to shake. Expect to feel muscles you didn’t even know existed.
2. The Machine Is Different
While Pilates typically uses a Reformer, Lagree is done on a Megaformer Pro—a patented machine designed by Lagree founder Sebastien Lagree. The Megaformer Pro adds more resistance, more instability, and more range of motion, making it uniquely challenging. The carriage and platforms also can be tilted, making it kinder on your joints and muscles.
Think of it as Pilates’ powerful sibling—bigger, bolder, and ready to push you harder (without pounding your joints).
3. Time Under Tension = Real Results
In Lagree, you move slowly and intentionally, keeping constant tension on the muscle for extended periods of time. This maximises time under tension, which is the key to building lean muscle, improving endurance, and creating long-lasting results.
There are no breaks between moves—just a seamless flow from one full-body burner to the next.
4. Cardio Without the Jumping
Lagree sneaks in cardio benefits without high-impact movements. The elevated heart rate comes from muscle fatigue, continuous movement, and short recovery periods. That means it’s easy on your joints, yet still gives you that sweaty, heart-pumping feeling you get from HIIT—without ever needing to jump.
5. Full-Body Every Time
In Pilates, sessions might focus solely on core or posture work. In Lagree, every workout is full-body. You’ll hit your core, legs, arms, glutes, and even muscles you didn’t know you had—all in just 45 minutes.
6. Functional Strength for Everyday Life
Lagree is designed for real-life strength. It improves balance, posture, mobility, and muscular endurance. This makes it an ideal method not just for sculpting your body, but for enhancing how you move through everyday life—from lifting groceries to chasing after your kids.
Final Thoughts: Lagree Is Its Own Category
Lagree isn’t a version of Pilates—it’s its own category of fitness. It combines the mindful movement of Pilates, the burn of strength training, and the sweat of cardio—all in a high-energy, music-driven class that leaves you feeling empowered and strong.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why Lagree isn’t just different—it’s a game-changer.