
LAGREE VS. PILATES

We have Pilates, Lagree, and a bunch of workouts in between. Many of these classes look the same on the surface, but Pilates and Lagree are not the same. I think of these two methods as yin and yang. It's not that one is better than the other, but they are different, and they can complement each other.
Sebastien Lagree

Lagree
Strength + Cardio + Endurance in a single workout

Pilates
Low-impact training focused on flexibility, posture and core.
Lagree is an intense, low-impact workout that strengthens, tones, and improves endurance and core strength.
It is performed on the Megaformer and combines slow, controlled movements with constant muscle tension to offer maximum results in the least amount of time.
Unlike traditional workouts, Lagree works multiple muscle groups at once, taking the body to fatigue safely and effectively.


LAGREE VS. PILATES

We have Pilates, Lagree, and a bunch of workouts in between. Many of these classes look the same on the surface, but Pilates and Lagree are not the same. I think of these two methods as yin and yang. It's not that one is better than the other, but they are different, and they can complement each other.
Sebastien Lagree

Lagree
Strength + Cardio + Endurance in a single workout

Pilates
Low-impact training focused on flexibility, posture and core.
KEY DIFFERENCES
Pilates focuses on control and flexibility, while Lagree combines strength, endurance and cardio.

The team for each class is different.
“The only connection between Lagree and Pilates is the machine itself,” says Lagree. However, a classic Pilates machine is completely different from Lagree’s machine. A Pilates reformer is usually made of wood and is smaller, and Lagree’s machine has two sliding platforms instead of one. Both machines allow for low-impact workouts, but Lagree’s machine is generally designed for high-intensity workouts and building muscle endurance.

The classroom environment can be completely different
It's no secret that every fitness class has its own vibe, especially in the world of Pilates. Classic Pilates reformer classes, for example, tend to be smaller, and sometimes don't include music or are done at a slower, more mindful pace. Lagree, on the other hand, is taught to the beat of the music and can be more energetic, and while the movements are slow and controlled, the transitions are quick.

Pilates usually involves more stretching
Another key difference between Pilates and Lagree is the presence or absence of stretching, which varies depending on the studio and class you attend. “Stretching is a big part of traditional Pilates, but it’s not really a part of what happens in most machine-based workouts,” says Sebastien Lagree. Regardless of what type of exercise you’re doing, though, make sure to stretch before, after, and even throughout the day, some trainers say. The benefits of stretching far outweigh the risks.

Pilates is rooted in rehabilitation, and Lagree was more inspired by bodybuilding
“Joseph Pilates believed in the healing qualities of movement, and that movement helped you build a stronger immune system,” says Lagree. “He created a whole system to [help people] create a healthy life, and Pilates is a beautiful method. There’s no reason to change it.” Alignment, awareness, breathing, and concentration are key in Pilates, and while muscle development is possible, it’s not necessarily the primary goal.

Both workouts help your torso, but Lagree has a greater emphasis on muscle development.
There’s a lot more strength and endurance training in a machine-based workout like Lagree.” That’s why you can finish a Pilates class feeling like you’ve worked hard but aren’t completely exhausted, whereas Lagree can feel more like an intense boot camp. People call Lagree “Pilates on steroids.”

Lagree can make your heart rate increase more
“You’re much more likely to sweat and get your heart rate up [in Lagree] than you are in a Pilates class.” “I’m not saying you won’t sweat at all, but I think the biggest difference is mainly the intensity and the incorporation of functional strength training. That’s really the bread and butter of machine-based workouts.”

Lagree Vs. Pilates - d’un cop d’ull
Feature
Lagree Method
Pilates
Intensity
High intensity, slow and controlled
Low to moderate
Speed of results
Faster muscle transformation
Gradual improvement
Equipment
Megaformer
Reformer / Mat
Muscle activation
Continuous tension
Intermitent
Cardiovascular effect
Yes
Minimum
Time efficiency
High
Moderate

