At FORM Lagree, we don’t throw shade at Pilates, but we’d like to clear a few things up. Lagree is not Pilates. It’s a slow, resistance-based strength and cardio workout performed on a Megaformer. Pilates is also a resistance-based workout, but Pilates classes focus more on posture, flexibility, and breath control. Now that we have basic introductions out of the way (sans icebreakers), let’s dive deeper into what differentiates these two boutique fitness classes.

The Founders

Pilates and Lagree didn’t just come into existence with Lululemon leggings. Two fitness geniuses created them. Joseph Pilates was a carpenter and gymnast before he invented Pilates as a rehabilitation program for injured dancers and soldiers. He believed mental and physical health were closely linked. He called this link the “mind-muscle connection” and made it the basis of his exercise program.

Sebastien Lagree created Lagree Fitness while he was working as a Pilates instructor. Clients came to him for other workout suggestions to supplement their Pilates practice, and he developed Lagree in response. Inspired by his Pilates background, Sebastien took Pilates’ focus on core stability, flexibility, and strength and incorporated slower, more dynamic movements that activated muscle fibers in bulk (think Costco) for a higher-intensity workout, but that’s not all he did.

Mefagormer Crunch — THE EQUIPMENT

Ask any hair stylist–equipment is everything. You don't bring beach wave curler to a Dyson Airwrap fight, and you wouldn't confuse a Pilates reformer with a Lagree Megaformer. Pilates classes vary, but it’s not uncommon to find a mat, Wunda chair, and reformer classes in the rotation at most classical Pilates studios. You won’t find any of these items in a Lagree class.
At FORM Lagree, we use a Sebastien Lagree original creation–the Megaformer. It’s similar to a reformer in that it has a mobile carriage with straps and uses springs to add resistance to the machine, but that’s where the similarities stop.
A **Megaformer** is wider than a traditional Pilates reformer and has a lighter carriage with eyelets for optimal grip and adjustable straps. All of these differences enhance Lagree movements while ensuring everybody and every body can safely complete the workout. The Megaformer accounts for accessibility and efficiency for a strength-building and endurance-boosting 45-minute sweat session.

The Tempo:

When Tom Cruise said, "I feel the need–the need for speed,” he was probably talking about flying jet planes. However, for the sake of this blog, he was absolutely talking about a Pilates class because when you compare the two, Pilates is the hare, and Lagree is the tortoise. Most people don’t consider the speed of workouts unless they’re training for a race, but it’s one of the defining differences between the two methods.

Pilates often focuses on quick movements like flapping your arms in their signature “100” move or body fluidity. Like yoga, there is a flow to Pilates. The exercises require the utmost concentration and form to activate the right muscles and get the most out of the workout. Lagree also focuses on proper form, but its movements are stickier. We hold squats, lunges, and crunches for extended periods to build heat and tension within the targeted muscles. There’s no fast movement, only quick transitions.

At FORM Lagree, we perform our exercises using an 8-12 count, but we move to the next movement with lightning-quick efficiency. The result? Healthier hearts, improved endurance, and variety. The method brings some cardio work into what would primarily be a strength workout without it. Lagree also helps you burn more calories during and after the workout, but we’ll cover this more when we get to the intensity differences between Lagree and Pilates.

The intensity

While a slower tempo may sound like an easier workout on the surface, we’ve got some good (or bad, depending on how you look at things) news for you. Lagree is a higher-intensity workout than Pilates. Studies show you will burn more calories and fat in a Lagree class compared to a Pilates class, and it has everything to do with excess post-exercise consumption, or EPOC for short.
All workouts help you lose fat and build muscle. Lagree is no different, but unlike other workouts, Lagree can activate over 600 muscles in a single movement. This level of activation puts your body in a fat-burning zone while also strengthening those engaged muscles. Pilates also helps you shed pounds and build muscle, but not as efficiently.

The combination of muscle activation, isometric holds, and cardio-intensive transitions sets your body up for maximum EPOC as it fights to get back to a relaxed state after the workout, allowing your body to continue to burn calories for up to 38 hours after class. You won’t get that in a Pilates studio where cooldowns and breathwork are common practices. A Pilates class will get your heart rate up, but it struggles to keep it in those body-changing zones, unlike a Lagree class.

The Takeaways:

Pilates is not Lagree. If you’ve made it this far, you know that, but for the skimmers and internet enthusiasts, here is your too-long-didn’t-read assessment:

Lagree Focuses On:

Constant Muscle Tension
Effective Form
Slow In-Move Tempo
Fast Transitions
Range and Planes of Motion

Pilates Focuses On:

Mind-Muscle Connection
Posture
Precise Movements
Breath Work
Flow

Both Lagree and Pilates are low-impact exercises proven to increase flexibility, muscle tone, core strength, and balance. However, you should try a FORM Lagree class over a Pilates class if you’re interested in any of the following:

The Advantages of Lagree:

Results within 20 days (with consistent practice, of course)
An endurance workout
A strength workout
A cardio workout (Sorry, Pilates)
A community of like-minded people who are interested and working towards the same goal. (Plus, we’ve got some killer workout playlists and instructors.)

Ready to see a difference in your body? Book a FORM Lagree class near you and start seeing changes within the first 20 days. Did we mention we also give back to the Houston community with every class? Read all about our partnered nonprofits here.

Lagree VS Pilates: What’s the Difference