Lagree Fitness has garnered widespread coverage over the past 20 years, partly due to a long list of celebrity clients like Sofia Vergara, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Obama. The media loves to call Lagree “Pilates on Steroids” and even “Pilates on Crack”.
So what IS the difference between Pilates and Lagree? Let’s start at the very beginning.
How Lagree Began
Founder, Sebastien Lagree, was introduced to the Pilates Reformer in 1988 and fell in love with the machine. However, as a bodybuilder, he envisioned more dynamic fitness applications. This led to the creation of the Lagree Method and a series of patented machines including the Megaformer M3S’s we have at LA Fit.
Lagree vs. Pilates: Key Differences
Pilates focuses on principles such as:
- Breathing
- Concentration
- Control
- Centering
- Postural Alignment
- Precision
- Relaxation
- Stamina
While these principles are beneficial, Lagree takes a different approach, emphasising:
- Form
- Range of Motion
- Resistance
- Duration
- Tempo
- Transitions
- Planes of Motion
What You’ll Experience with Lagree
Here’s what sets Lagree apart and what you’ll feel during your workouts:
- High-Intensity, Low-Impact: Lagree combines intense workouts with low-impact movements, making it safer and adaptable for all fitness levels.
- Continuous Movement: Unlike Pilates, Lagree workouts involve minimal transition time between exercises, keeping your heart rate up and your muscles engaged.
- Full-Body Workout: Every session targets multiple muscle groups, making it as efficient as it is effective.
The Megaformer: Not Your Average Reformer
The Megaformer is not a Reformer. It’s specifically designed for the Lagree Method. Here’s what makes it special:
- Versatility: With over a thousand exercises possible, the Megaformer can replicate the functions of various fitness equipment.
- Group-Friendly: Unlike the Reformer, which was designed for one-on-one sessions, the Megaformer was created for group classes, adding a fun and social element to your workouts.
- Modern Design: The Megaformer has evolved significantly, offering advanced features like an oversized carriage (hello boys!), centre spring system (hello fast transitions!), and anchoring points (hello alignment!).
Why Lagree?
When you choose Lagree, you’re opting for a science-backed method that promises results. The Lagree Fitness Method is based on thousands of repeat clients in over 32,000 sessions taught by Sebastien himself over 20 years. Lagree’s recent studies on the latest model Supraformer have shown improvements in bone density and muscle strength with just three 25-minute sessions per week!
Lagree is not just effective; it’s efficient, making the most of your time and effort.
So, the next time someone asks what you do for exercise, remember: it’s not Pilates, it’s Lagree!