If you’re even slightly immersed in the fitness scene or keeping up with social media, you’ve likely encountered Lagree. This innovative workout combines high-intensity, low-impact movements focusing on the entire body, incorporating endurance, strength training, and cardio on the celebrated “Megaformer” machine. It may seem intimidating at first, but this trendy workout routine has garnered a passionate following, with myriad success stories flooding social media. Whether you’re a devoted Pilates enthusiast or a HIIT lover, there’s something here for you.
As a long-time Pilates enthusiast, having dabbled primarily in reformer Pilates, I experienced a shoulder injury during an extraordinarily demanding HIIT session, which impeded my ability to perform burpees and the like with heavy weights rapidly. During my rehabilitation, I sought out ways to stay active while still craving that exhilarating sense of community from group classes—yoga, however, felt too languid and proved ineffective for calming my turbulent mind.
While browsing through Reddit, I discovered Pilates as a suitable option—an activity that centers around core stability, flexibility, and proper alignment. I was amazed by how Pilates altered my outlook on exercise and my body: I learned that slow doesn’t equate to easy, the significance of breath, and the vital mind-body connection. As I committed to this practice, I saw transformation: my posture improved, shoulder discomfort diminished, and my neck appeared elongated. I felt more attuned to my body and could visibly track my progress, thanks to the adaptability of the exercises and equipment. Thus, I became thoroughly captivated.
When my Instagram began to showcase enticing images of dimly lit Megaformer studios from locations as near as Brooklyn and as distant as Bali, I mistakenly assumed it was merely a fancier variant of Reformer Pilates. It turns out, I was completely off the mark. Established in Los Angeles by Sebastien Lagree and patented in 2006, the comparisons between Lagree and Pilates delve much deeper than just the machines and the tempo of a workout. “People are increasingly seeking strength-focused workouts for both health and longevity,” states Elissa El Hadj, founder of Lagree studio FORM. “The brilliance of Lagree lies within the seamless fusion of mindful movement and high-intensity strength training. It’s an optimal blend for both a well-functioning body and a stunning physique.”
Below, Sebastien Lagree and other experts in the Lagree method delve into the details of this practice, outlining its benefits and key distinctions from Reformer Pilates.
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Everything You Should Know About the Lagree Method
What exactly is the Lagree method?
“I used to instruct Pilates, but my clients were not seeing the outcomes they desired,” Lagree explains. “Consequently, I developed my method to achieve the results that Pilates fell short of. To me, Pilates is not a body sculpting routine, nor is it a physical workout; it serves more as rehabilitation.” Lagree advocates for Pilates’ effectiveness in recovery, alleviating back pain, and enhancing body mechanisms, thanks to its low-impact movements that strengthen the core and boost flexibility. However, Lagree’s objectives extend beyond this.
“Lagree is a comprehensive workout integrating strength and endurance,” he describes. “The goal is to cultivate muscle density while minimizing bulk. Lagree employs unique training strategies such as time under tension, isokinetics, and isometrics.”
“Every detail is meticulously attended to regarding proper form and alignment, pacing, breathing, sequencing, and scalability to ensure each client is sufficiently challenged according to their capacity,” notes El Hadj, founder of FORM and an alumnus of Sebastien’s teachings. During her time instructing at his studios in West Hollywood and Malibu, she taught numerous high-profile individuals like the Hilton sisters, Kardashians, NFL athletes, and Victoria’s Secret models. Currently, she’s leading the charge for Lagree in the UK. Over the span of 50 minutes, “mindful movement” is synchronously paired with vigorous strength training. What does this look like? Think slow resistance training on the Mega Proformer—a reformer machine enhanced with additional features—to cultivate overall strength, balance, and endurance. Typical movements include high repetitions of squats and lunges, potent exercises that induce shakes like kneeling crunches and inchworms, plus a challenging full-body maneuver called the “scrambled eggs,” where one leg extends to the side and sweeps back while the core remains engaged.
What benefits does Lagree offer?
Lagree asserts that with consistent dedication, one can anticipate improved strength, firmness, and muscle toning. “Lagree builds lean muscle, refines core strength, enhances flexibility, and facilitates fat burning,” affirm Nour and Mona from MAD Lagree.
“It’s a low-impact exercise that’s so gentle on the joints that you can participate in classes five days a week,” El Hadj declares. “It’s quite suitable for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners and professional athletes.”
Moreover, El Hadj emphasizes that unlike many high-octane classes that elevate cortisol levels and trigger adrenaline spikes, Lagree fosters a calming, meditative atmosphere while providing an effective workout. “The slow-paced exercises necessitate focus, body awareness, and precision,” adds El Hadj. “Turning inward is pivotal for both mental and physical growth.” This approach serves to train both body and mind.
Photo: Getty Images
When can you anticipate seeing results? What is the optimal routine?
“Results can manifest after as few as three sessions, depending on body fat percentage,” Lagree claims. “An ideal routine should commence with 20 to 30 minutes of integrated leg exercises, followed by 10 minutes for the obliques, and conclude with 10 minutes targeting the arms.”
El Hadj concurs. “Due to its intensity, results come swiftly,” she notes, stating that “it’s highly addictive, with many clients attending classes three to five times a week.”
“It’s an all-encompassing workout with a central focus on the core, so each session emphasizes strength, balance, posture, flexibility, cardio, and endurance.”
What machines are used for Lagree workouts?
Lagree can be performed on various machines: micro, mini, mega, and evo. “The micro is lightweight and portable, usable virtually anywhere. At the opposite end is the mega, a tremendous powerhouse. No machine is inherently superior; each serves its purpose,” Lagree explains. Studios will typically inform newcomers about the machines used and offer an introduction on how to utilize them.
What distinguishes Lagree from Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates utilizes a reformer machine initially designed by Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates. This machine is positioned low to the ground and features a sliding platform, straps, pulleys, and a spring-based resistance system affixed to a lengthy rectangular frame. Most reformers are fashioned from wood or metal, equipped with front and rear platforms and various attachments like handles and foot bars.
The primary and most notable difference between Lagree and traditional Pilates is the equipment used. Lagree advises regarding the reformer as more of a rehabilitation device, with several exercises performed while lying back. Conversely, the Megaformer is deemed a “fitness machine.” Although both machines use spring-based resistance, the Megaformer’s larger size and ergonomic design afford a broader range of exercise options, equipped with front and back platforms and handles. “Consider it the Rolls Royce of workout machines,” El Hadj adds. The reformer is limited to a footbar and fewer adjustable spring settings.
“Pilates tends to be slower and more therapeutic, while Lagree is more vigorous, dynamic, and focused on tangible results, featuring minimal rest between exercises and heightened muscle engagement,” declare Nour and Mona of MAD Lagree.
In terms of class structure, the distinctions are as follows: Lagree emphasizes more muscularly intense patterns (muscle fatigue as a goal); it also weaves in non-impact cardio and higher intensity movements such as squats, lunges, and various forms of planking, along with sustained, fluid motions. Transitions between exercises tend to occur more swiftly than in reformer sessions, resulting in less downtime and more perspiration.
The concept of “time under tension” is crucial in Lagree workouts. “The longer muscles experience pressure and fatigue, the deeper the engagement, which leads to improved muscle definition and strength,” El Hadj explains. In classical Pilates and Reformer practice, muscle failure is not typically the objective.
Are you ready to sign up for your first Lagree class? Ensure you arrive a little early to receive a walkthrough from your instructor, wear your grip socks, take your time acclimating, and remember to stay hydrated.
