Lagree Vs. Pilates: Which Workout Is More Effective? Trainers Weigh In
There are a ton of reformer workouts out there. They might seem like they're all one in the same since they involve slow, controlled movements on a large, adjustable spring-based machine. However, some workouts are quite unique and distinct from the OG (read: reformer-based pilates)—as is the case with Lagree.
While Lagree and pilates do have some similar elements, the two methods are actually quite different. Pilates emphasizes a mind-body connection and the engagement of deep muscles, according to a 2024 review of articles on pilates and depression in International Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Meet the experts: Sebastien Lagree is the creator of the Lagree method. Dianna Falzarano is a trainer certified in pilates and Lagree, and the owner of Dynamic Studio.
However, Lagree fuses resistance training elements and moves with pilates, such as squats, lunges, and planks, and is performed on a different type of reformer, says creator Sebastien Lagree. He designed the method in the 1990s in Los Angeles after his personal training clients told him they loved how pilates made them feel, but that they wanted to see more aesthetic results. He took their notes and refined his method, and now, there are 600 Lagree studios worldwide.
Depending on your own fitness goals or desired results, you might prefer one reformer workout over the other, or decide to incorporate a mix of both. To guide your decision, here's a breakdown of the similarities and differences between Lagree and pilates classes, their benefits, and who each workout is best for.
The Similarities
While today's iteration of Lagree is a far cry from classical pilates, the two do share some similarities.
'They're low-impact and each method is a full-body workout,' says Dianna Falzarano, a trainer certified in pilates and Lagree, and the owner of Dynamic Studio. 'You're going to increase your body awareness, build core strength and muscular endurance, and work on balance.' (Increased body awareness can improve your athletic performance and lower your risk of injury, according to a 2024 review in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation of articles on proprioceptive training, or body awareness, and sports performance.)
The Differences
The Reformers
Pilates is done on a classical reformer that uses a system of cables and springs. 'Training with the springs is a phenomenal way of strength training,' Lagree says.
Lagree designed his own reformer called a Megaformer, where 'the springload is heavier,' he says. Plus, while a classic pilates reformer doesn't have handles—only a foot bar on one end—the Megaformer has handles in the front and the back of the machine to grasp, as well as an adjustable footbar and headrest, and shoulder blocks.
While many pilates studios have their own reformers, it's possible for studios to buy a Lagree license and use the Megaformer in their studio, too. If you have the license, you're welcome to use "Lagree" in the name of your studio or use your own moniker.
The Programming
During pilates, you go through a different style of routine compared to what you do in a Lagree class. 'On the reformer, you are performing reps and the instructor is creating a flow from one exercise to the next,' Falzarano says.
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For example, while lying faceup, you might raise your arms up, then do an abdominal crunch, hold at the top and extend one or both legs out, then put it all together in one motion. 'This way you can see the progression of the move and take the option that works best for you,' Falzarano adds.
However, in a typical Lagree class, you'll do some reps of classic strength training moves that you generally wouldn't see in a regular pilates workout. 'You can expect some squats, some lunges, some side planks, and then you'll do some unique twists on these exercises,' Lagree says.
There's also an emphasis on performing the exercises especially slowly in Lagree. While you might hold a pilates move for 10 seconds in a traditional class, with Lagree, you might take up to two minutes to do one full rep. (For example, you might lower yourself into a lunge for one minute, then take another minute to come up.) This increases your time under tension, which is one variable in resistance training that may drive better strength and muscle-building results, according to a 2022 review in Sports Medicine of research on the variables that influence muscle growth.
Intended Results
Classical pilates places a focus on promoting overall well-being, strength and stability, and flexibility and balance, with an emphasis on strengthening the core muscles, according to a 2022 review in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences of research about how pilates can reduce low back pain. The review also explains how it's sometimes used for injury rehabilitation (since it improves stability, balance, and flexibility).
On the flip side, the Lagree method was designed to change your body composition by using weight training-inspired exercises to help you lose fat and gain muscle, Lagree says.Gripper Ankle Socks
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Which workout is better?
Neither workout is inherently better, and whether you should choose one over the other will depend on your goals. 'I love the intensity and burnout of a Lagree class and I love the mobility, methodical approach, and body awareness of a pilates class,' Falzarano says. In other words, if your goals are to achieve flexibility, balance, and ease of movement, you should add more pilates classes into your routine, but if your goals are to build muscle with a more intense workout, you should do Lagree.
However, 'they are both great workouts and compliment each other very well,' says Falzarano. Even Lagree recommends doing one to two pilates sessions per week coupled with three Lagree classes. He says that because the two workouts 'address different sides of the same coin,' it's beneficial to integrate both into your schedule.
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