Article -> Article Details

When you scan a class list at a studio, Lagree vs pilates can look almost the same. Both promise strong muscles, better posture, and a healthy body. But inside the room, the machines, moves, and pace can feel very different. This guide walks you through those changes in a simple way, so you can pick the class that fits you best.

What Are Lagree and Pilates in Simple Words?

Both Lagree and Pilates are low impact ways to train your whole body. That means they are kind to your joints, but still make your muscles work hard. They both focus on slow, controlled moves and good form.

You do not need to be super fit, young, or very flexible to start. Many people use both styles to help back pain, build core strength, and feel more safe and steady in daily life.

A Quick Look at Pilates

Pilates has been around for a long time. It was first used to help people heal and move better after injury and illness. Today, you can find Pilates in gyms, studios, and even on TV or apps.

You can do Pilates on a mat or on special tools like the Pilates reformer. The goal is to work your deep tummy, back, and hip muscles. You move with your breath and keep your body in good lines. The feel is calm, smooth, and very focused.

A Quick Look at Lagree

A Lagree workout is newer. It was built to mix strength, cardio, and balance into one class. It uses a large machine with springs and cables, often called a Megaformer machine.

In Lagree, you still move slowly, but the work can feel much more intense. The springs give strong pull and push. You hold deep lunges and planks for longer and feel a big burn in your muscles.

How Lagree vs pilates Differ in Equipment

The main change between the two styles is the gear they use. The tools change how hard the class feels and what muscles work the most.

Classic Pilates Equipment

In a studio, you may see several Pilates tools:

• Pilates reformer – a flat bed that slides back and forth on rails

• The “tower” or “cadillac” – a frame with bars and springs

• Chairs and small tools – like balls, rings, and bands

The springs on a reformer can help or resist your moves. You might lie on your back and push a foot bar, or kneel and pull straps with your arms. The feel is:

• Smooth, flowing moves

• Easy to adjust for pain or injury

• Great for low impact exercise

Pilates often starts with small range moves and builds up. It is very good for standing taller, easing stiff joints, and gentle core strength work.

Lagree Megaformer and Other Tools

A Lagree workout mainly uses the Megaformer machine. It looks a bit like a long reformer, but with more handles, straps, and places to stand.

On a Megaformer you might:

• Stand in a deep lunge with one foot on the floor and one on the moving platform

• Hold a long plank while the carriage slides under you

• Use cables or handles to add arm and back work

The springs are often set to keep tension the whole time. You rarely fully rest. This can turn class into a very strong full body workout that feels like strength, cardio, and balance all in one.

Side‑by‑Side Look at the Equipment

Techniques: How the Moves Are Put Together

The gear is only part of the story. The style of teaching and the way moves link also change the feel of each class.

Pilates Technique Style

In Pilates, you often:

• Move with your breath: inhale to prepare, exhale to power the move

• Focus on form more than speed

• Use clear set reps or short sets

A teacher may stop the class to help with your shape or to explain a cue. You might spend time learning how to hold your ribs, hips, and head in a safe line. It can feel like body school, in a good way.

Lagree Technique Style

In Lagree, the pace of change is faster, even though the moves stay slow. You may:

• Hold one move for a long time, then switch fast to the next

• Move at a slow, steady count (for example, eight counts out, eight counts in)

• Keep your muscles under strain most of the time

The teacher often speaks all the time, giving tips on where to feel the work and how many counts are left. There is less pause, so your heart rate stays higher, even though the moves are not jumpy.

How the Work Feels in Your Body

The two methods can shape your body in different ways, even if some moves look alike.

How Lagree vs pilates Moves Feel in a Class

In Pilates, your muscles may feel warm and gently tired. You work on:

• Balance and control

• Deep core strength

• Range of motion in your spine and joints

After class, many people say they feel taller, more open in the chest, and more calm in their mind.

In a Lagree workout, you may feel shaky and very tired in your legs and core by the end. It aims to:

• Hit your muscles to near “failure” (when they can hardly move)

• Keep your heart rate up without jumps

• Give you a strong full body workout in a short time

You might sweat more in Lagree than in a classic Pilates class, even though both are low impact exercise styles.

Which Style Is Right for You?

So when you think about Lagree vs pilates, ask what you want most from your class and how your body feels right now.

If You Are New to Exercise or Have Pain

You might start with:

• Mat Pilates

• A gentle Pilates reformer class

• A small group where the teacher can watch you closely

Pilates can be easier to adapt if you have back, knee, or shoulder pain. You can use fewer springs, smaller moves, or more support. It is a kind way to learn how your body moves.

If You Want a Big Burn in a Short Time

If your joints are mostly healthy and you like to feel a strong burn, Lagree might be a good fit. A Lagree workout:

• Packs a lot into 30–45 minutes

• Builds strength and stamina

• Can help shape and tone muscles across your whole body

If you try Lagree first, it is fine to let the coach know you are new. They can lower the spring load, give simpler moves, and watch you more closely.

Tips Before You Try a Class

No matter which class you choose, a little prep helps you feel safe and calm.

• Tell the teacher about any injuries, pain, or if you are pregnant

• Wear grip socks if the studio asks for them

• Ask to arrive 10–15 minutes early for a quick tour of the machine

• Stop if you feel sharp pain, strong dizziness, or numbness

Many studios will let you watch a class first, or offer a “first time” deal so you can test if you like it.

FAQs

Is Lagree harder than Pilates?
For most people, yes. Lagree often feels more intense and sweaty, while Pilates can feel calmer and more gentle.

Can beginners do Lagree?
Yes, but it is smart to tell the coach you are new so they can make moves easier and keep you safe.

Is Pilates enough to get strong?
Yes. With steady work, Pilates can build real core strength and full body power, not just stretch.

Are both Lagree and Pilates low impact?
Yes. Both are low impact exercise styles that are kind to your joints when taught well.

How often should I do these workouts?
The most suitable initial frequency is two to three times a week separated by days of rest.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body and Enjoy the Journey

Both Lagree and Pilates can help you stand taller, feel stronger, and move with more ease. The main change is the gear they use and how hard the class feels while you are in it. Neither is “better” for everyone; the best choice is the one you enjoy and can keep up.