Is Lagree The New Reformer Pilates?
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2 days ago
Everything you need to know about the workout du jour
Reformer pilates is having a moment right now – but have you heard of its buzzy sister workout, Lagree? The notoriously challenging class took off in LA a couple of years ago after a string of A-listers raved about its transformative benefits, from Jennifer Aniston to Meghan Markle and Rihanna. And recently, it has started gaining popularity this side of the pond too, with a 2,400 percent increase in Google searches over the last year – and the arrival of two licensed studios in London. But what sets Lagree apart from your classic reformer class?
What Is The Lagree Method?
Lagree is a high-intensity, low-impact workout created by fitness professional Sebastien Lagree over 20 years ago. His background was in bodybuilding, but he went on to teach pilates on the reformer machine. Quickly, however, he realised he needed a different machine to teach his signature method – and so the Megaformer was born. ‘I realised to perform my workout the way I wanted my students to, it was impossible to do on the reformer and I’d need to evolve the reformer and create my own machine, Sebastien told Forbes. ‘So, I created the Megaformer, with far more handles, pulleys, bars, resistance, etc. that enabled my students to do hundreds of versions of exercises. Soon enough, my workout was the talk among the pilates community, and instructors were coming in to take my class and try out the Megaformer.’
So what can you expect in a class? ‘The Lagree Method, often called the “Rolls Royce of Pilates,” is a revolutionary fitness approach that seamlessly combines functional movement, strength training, and pilates into a dynamic, high-intensity, yet low-impact workout,’ explains Elissa El Hadj, founder of new Queensway studio FORM x Lagree Fitness.
A Lagree class involves all the classic exercises, such as planks, lunges and squats, but the workout sets itself apart by using the time under tension technique. Movements are performed very slowly (at least four counts to move the carriage out, and another four to move it back in), with no breaks, using added resistance from the Megaformer.
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What Are The Benefits?
Built around five key principles – endurance, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility and strength – Lagree is designed to create a rounded workout. You might not be jumping up and down or lifting heavy weights, but be warned: it’s widely regarded as one of the most challenging workout classes around. Expect shaking and trembling in muscles you didn’t know existed.
‘These machines enable a full-body workout that seamlessly integrates strength, endurance, balance, and cardio into each session,’ says Elissa. ‘Unlike traditional pilates reformers, Lagree machines are engineered to safely push your body to achieve faster, more noticeable results.’ The slow, controlled movements help build muscular strength, while the lack of rest ensures your heart rate remains elevated throughout, improving cardiovascular endurance. It also boosts flexibility and balance, and helps with stability, posture and body alignment.
Despite its challenges, Lagree is suitable for all fitness levels too. ‘It’s gentle on the joints while delivering an impressive calorie burn, making it both effective and safe,’ notes Elissa.
Where To Do Lagree In London
MAD
Opened in 2023 on the King’s Road in Chelsea, MAD was London’s first licensed Lagree studio – with a second branch to follow in Mayfair. If you’re new to Lagree, begin with the Starter class to get used to the Megaformer, before progressing to the Classic workout or one of the targeted sessions, like Arms & Abs, or Legs & Booty. Both studios are beautifully designed, with luxurious changing rooms to freshen up in afterwards.
FORM Studios
FORM Studios is the brainchild of the aforementioned Elissa El Hadj, who trained under Sebastien Lagree in LA, alongside fitness trainer Jerry Abadom, who rose to popularity with their pilates-based class PUREcore. But this year, the pair expanded into Lagree with the launch of their new Queensway studio, which is decked out with 12 sparkling new Megaformer machines. Lagree classes here are 50 minutes long, with three workouts on offer: Rookie (for beginners), Classic and Boss (for those after a more intense session).
