If you've ever wondered what those megaformer machines that you keep seeing on your social media channels are, then no, they're not pilates reformers. Lagree and Pilates are two popular low-impact workout methods that focus on strength, endurance, and core stability. While there are definitely some similarities between the two, Lagree offers a more high-intensity, full-body workout that's a better alternative than Pilates for someone looking to increase calorie burn and muscle engagement. If you're wondering whether Lagree or Pilates is the better workout for you, we're here to help explain the key differences, benefits, and what to expect from each method.
Lagree vs. Pilates: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?
1. What is Lagree Fitness?
The Lagree Method is a high-intensity, low-impact workout method created by Sebastien Lagree. Unlike Pilates, The Lagree Method focuses on continuous muscle engagement with slow, controlled movements. It utilizes a Megaformer, a machine that allows for greater resistance training and full-body muscle activation. Check out our blog on 'What is Lagree Fitness' to get a full breakdown.
Key Features of Lagree:
- High-Intensity, Low-Impact: Lagree provides an intense workout without the stress on joints.
- Core Engagement: Every movement targets the core muscles while improving posture and muscle tone.
- Cardio and Strength: A high-intensity workout that keeps your heart rate elevated while incorporating strength training.
2. What is Pilates?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It emphasizes core strength, range of motion, and muscle control. The traditional Pilates reformer is used to support movements and improve flexibility while engaging muscle groups. In general Pilates involves slow, controlled movements that focuses on core stability and keeps the heartrate lower than a Lagree workout.
Key Features of Pilates:
- Controlled Movements: Focuses on slow and controlled movements to develop core stability.
- Low-Impact Strengthening: Helps improve posture, body awareness, and muscle strength.
- Rehabilitation Benefits: Often used for injury recovery and improving body alignment.
3. Lagree vs. Pilates: Main Differences
| Feature | Lagree Fitness | Pilates |
| Machine Used | Megaformer | Pilates Reformer |
| Workout Intensity | High-Intensity | Low to Moderate Intensity |
| Focus Areas | Cardio + Strength + Endurance | Core Strength + Flexibility |
| Movement Style | Slow, Controlled Movements | Flowing, Repetitive Movements |
| Target Audience | Fitness Enthusiasts, Athletes | All Fitness Levels, Rehab Clients |
Lagree offers greater variety than Pilates by incorporating strength training, resistance training, and cardio for a more intense workout in much less time.
4. Is Lagree Harder Than Pilates?
Yes! Lagree is harder than Pilates because it keeps your muscles under tension for longer periods. The Megaformer adds double the amount of springs compared to a Pilates Reformer, making each exercise more intense and better for calorie burn. A Lagree workout focuses on cardio, strength and fitness and burns up to 4 times more calories than a traditional Pilates class.
Why Lagree is More Challenging:
- High-Intensity Workout Method: Targets 600 different muscle groups simultaneously.
- Longer Time Under Tension: Engages muscle endurance and muscular strength.
- Less Rest Time: Keeps the heart rate elevated, increasing cardiovascular fitness.
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5. Benefits of Lagree Fitness
Lagree Fitness has gained popularity due to its rapid results in building muscle tone and cardiovascular health. Lagree is now the most popular workout in the US on ClassPass.
Key Benefits of Lagree:
- Full-Body Strength Training: Works muscle groups that Pilates alone does not.
- Higher Calorie Burn: Ideal for weight loss and improving physical fitness.
- Versatile and Scalable: Suitable for all fitness levels.
6. Benefits of Pilates
Pilates offers low-impact exercises that are ideal for improving posture, core stability, and muscular endurance.
Key Benefits of Pilates:
- Injury Rehabilitation: Developed by Joseph Pilates to help dancers recover from injuries.
- Enhances Body Awareness: Helps improve balance and alignment.
- Gentler on Joints: Works well for people with injuries or those new to fitness.
7. Which Workout Burns More Calories? Lagree or Pilates?
For help with your calorie defecit, Lagree is the better option. The high-intensity workout keeps your heart rate elevated, leading to better results in less time.
| Workout Type | Average Calories Burned Per Hour |
| Lagree | 500-800 calories |
| Pilates | 200-450 calories |
Lagree workout keeps your body working harder for longer, making it more effective for fat loss and cardiovascular fitness. The Lagree Megaformer especially helps with this due to it's springs, which offer varying levels of resistance. As you become stronger and fitter, the Megaformer adjusts with you. Source: www.verywellfit.com, www.fitnessvolt.com,
8. Which Workout is Better for Strength Training?
Both Lagree and Pilates offer resistance training, but Lagree incorporates more strength training due to the Megaformer's ability to target different muscle groups.
Strength Training Comparison:
- Lagree: Uses heavier resistance, making it ideal for building strength and endurance.
- Pilates: Uses lighter resistance, focusing more on muscular endurance and body alignment.
9. Who Should Choose Lagree?
Lagree is best for:
- Those looking for a high-intensity and full-body workout.
- Fitness enthusiasts who want better results in less time.
- People who want to combine strength, endurance, and cardio.
Pilates may be better for:
- Those who prefer a gentler, more controlled workout.
- Individuals recovering from injuries.
- People looking to improve posture and flexibility.
10. Conclusion: Which Workout is Right for You?
Both Lagree and Pilates have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your fitness goals.
Summary of Key Differences:
- Lagree is better for: High-intensity, strength, and calorie burn.
- Pilates is better for: Core stability, flexibility, and rehabilitation.
If you’re looking for a workout that combines strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness, Lagree offers a more challenging, calorie-burning experience. On the other hand, if you prefer low-impact exercises with a focus on flexibility and posture, Pilates may be the right fit.
Key Takeaways:
- Lagree incorporates resistance training, cardio, and strength in one workout.
- Pilates focuses on posture, core stability, and flexibility.
- Lagree burns more calories in less time compared to Pilates.
- Pilates is great for rehabilitation and improving body awareness.
- Lagree is a high-intensity workout that targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
Which workout will you choose? Let us know in the comments!
Are Lagree and Pilates the same?
No! Although similar, a Lagree workout incorporates cardio, strength and endurance workouts. Pilates focuses more on slow, controlled movements that focuses on core stability and keeps the heartrate lower than a Lagree workout.
Do Lagree and Pilates use the same equipment?
Lagree uses a machine designed by founder Sebastian Lagree cakked tge Megaformer. Piltaes is performed on a reformer.
Will I burn more calories with Lagree or Pilates?
Undoubtedly a Lagree workout will burn more calories than a Pilates class. Lagree exercises up to 600 different muscles and can burn up to 4 times more calories.
Can I increase my strength with Lagree or Pilates
For builidng strength, Lagree is the better option as it uses heavier resistance. Pilates on the other hand, uses lighter resistance, focusing more on muscular endurance and body alignment.
Can I perform Lagree or Pilates at home?
Yes! Both Lagree and Pilates have options for performing worouts in the comfort of your own home. Lagree have the Microformer and Mega Pro options that can be used depending on space and budget. There are various Pilates reformer suppliers where you can purchase for home use.
