When it comes to low-impact, full-body workouts, Pilates and Lagree Fitness are two popular methods that often get compared. Both are renowned for their ability to tone muscles, improve flexibility, and increase core strength, but they’re distinct in terms of equipment, intensity, and overall philosophy. If you're considering which method is right for you, it’s important to understand the key differences between traditional Pilates and the Lagree Megaformer. Let’s dive in!

1. What is Traditional Pilates?

Traditional Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, focuses on building strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Originally performed on a mat, Pilates exercises can be adapted to various equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair. The essence of Pilates is centered around controlled movements, deep breathing, and engaging the mind-muscle connection.

Pilates is well-known for its emphasis on posture, alignment, and the activation of core muscles. The method relies on slower, more deliberate movements designed to engage specific muscle groups, enhance body awareness, and improve flexibility. Classes typically involve a series of floor exercises (mat Pilates) or exercises on specialized equipment (Reformer Pilates), often performed with light resistance.

2. What is the Lagree Megaformer?

Lagree Fitness, developed by Sebastien Lagree in the early 2000s, is a high-intensity workout system that combines elements of Pilates, strength training, and cardio. The signature equipment used in Lagree classes is the Megaformer, a sophisticated, upgraded version of the Pilates Reformer. The Megaformer incorporates additional resistance, springs, and unique adjustments to provide a more intense workout.

While both Pilates and Lagree focus on muscle activation and endurance, Lagree pushes participants to work at a faster pace and with a greater level of intensity. The Megaformer machine allows for a variety of exercises that target every muscle group, with an emphasis on slow, controlled movements (just like Pilates) but combined with faster transitions between exercises to keep the heart rate elevated.

3. The Key Differences Between Traditional Pilates and Lagree Megaformer

a. Equipment

• Pilates: In traditional Pilates, exercises are usually performed on a Reformer, a sliding platform that uses springs for resistance. Other Pilates equipment like the Cadillac or Wunda Chair may be used, but the Reformer is the most common.
• Lagree Megaformer: The Megaformer is a custom-built machine that is more complex than the Reformer. It includes adjustable springs, pulleys, and a larger platform for greater range of motion and resistance. The Megaformer’s unique design allows for a wider variety of exercises that can be done in a more dynamic and fluid manner.

b. Intensity & Pace

• Pilates: Traditional Pilates is typically slower-paced, focusing on controlled movements with a high degree of precision. While Pilates is challenging and can be intense, the focus is primarily on form, breathing, and mindful movement rather than maximizing calorie burn or cardiovascular output.
• Lagree Megaformer: The Lagree method is designed to be more intense. It combines slow, controlled movements with high-intensity intervals that engage multiple muscle groups at once. The pace of a Lagree class is quicker than traditional Pilates, incorporating rapid transitions between exercises to keep your heart rate up and challenge your muscles for longer periods.

c. Muscular Endurance vs. Strength

• Pilates: Traditional Pilates is known for improving core strength, posture, and flexibility. The exercises are more focused on muscular endurance and alignment, targeting deep stabilizing muscles. It’s great for rehabilitating injuries and improving overall flexibility.
• Lagree Megaformer: Lagree training is more geared toward developing overall muscular endurance, with an added focus on strength. It challenges both large and small muscle groups, with the goal of building lean muscle and promoting fat loss. The workout is intense and designed to push your limits, often leading to faster results in terms of muscle tone and overall fitness.

d. Cardiovascular Challenge

• Pilates: Traditional Pilates is not usually considered a cardiovascular workout. While it improves muscle tone and flexibility, it doesn’t elevate the heart rate in the same way as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or other cardio-focused activities.
• Lagree Megaformer: One of the key aspects of Lagree is its ability to increase the heart rate and deliver a cardiovascular benefit. The faster transitions between exercises, combined with resistance, create an intense workout that challenges both strength and endurance, with many people referring to it as a mix of Pilates and cardio.

e. Overall Experience

• Pilates: Traditional Pilates tends to be more meditative and mindful. It’s ideal for those looking for a low-impact workout that emphasizes body awareness, flexibility, and postural alignment. Many people find it relaxing, despite its challenging aspects.
• Lagree Megaformer: Lagree workouts are intense, fast-paced, and designed to push you past your comfort zone. The Megaformer allows for a full-body workout that targets muscle groups in unique ways, often causing a “burn” that lasts long after the session ends. It’s a high-energy environment that provides both physical and mental challenges.

4. Which One Is Right for You?

The decision between traditional Pilates and Lagree depends on your personal fitness goals, preferences, and physical condition:

• Traditional Pilates may be right for you if you’re looking for a more controlled, mindful workout that focuses on flexibility, posture, and core strength. It’s perfect for those with joint concerns or people who are recovering from injury, as the movements are low-impact and rehabilitation-focused.
• Lagree Megaformer is ideal for those looking for a faster-paced, higher-intensity workout that challenges both strength and cardiovascular fitness. If you enjoy feeling the burn and want to push your limits, Lagree can offer quick results in terms of muscle toning and fat loss, all while maintaining the low-impact benefits of Pilates.

5. Final Thoughts

Both traditional Pilates and Lagree Fitness offer incredible benefits, but they cater to slightly different fitness needs and goals. Traditional Pilates is perfect for building a strong foundation of core strength and flexibility, while Lagree’s Megaformer provides a more intense, full-body workout that will challenge both your muscles and endurance.

At ReformAthletica, we offer both styles of training, so you can experience the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking for the precision and control of Pilates or the high-intensity challenge of Lagree, we have the classes and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals.

Ready to try something new? Book your first class today and discover which method works best for your body!