Pilates has never been as popular as it is now and I can see why. I've found it to be an incredible way to build core strength, and improve my posture and coordination.
That's why I was intrigued by a type of workout called Lagree, which looks very similar to reformer Pilates (Lagree uses a machine called the Megaformer), but claims to offer a completely different experience.
Celebrities including Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston have reportedly used Lagree to keep fit and strong, so I wanted to see what all the fuss is about.
My experience trying Lagree
I went to MAD Lagree in Mayfair, London to try out a class and my first impression was that the setup looked very similar to reformer Pilates. However, within the first few minutes of the workout, I realised this was an entirely different workout.
We started with a plank, with our feet on the fixed platform and our hands resting on the moveable platform. Holding a plank on the Megaformer is a lot more challenging than holding a regular plank, because a lot of strength and stability is required to keep your body steady on the moving platform.
From there, we moved into a pike position with our hips high in the air and then back to the plank for about three minutes. I've been working out around four or five times a week for years, but I found that I had to take multiple breaks during this first exercise because my core was on fire.
The rest of the workout followed a similar format—moving in and out of exercises for about three minutes, with added pulses and holds—targeting a different part of the body each time.
There was a focus on lower-body strength, which is something I often think Pilates workouts fail to really challenge me with. I was impressed just how much my legs were burning without using any weights at all, and I think Lagree is a very effective way to build strength, particularly if you don't like going to the gym and lifting weights.
On top of this, moving on the Megaformer required a lot of stability. I have a longstanding knee injury so I have to prioritize stability to protect my knee and the muscles and joints around it.
There are a few exercises I come back to in the gym to promote lower-body stability, but this Lagree workout trumped them all. Almost every exercise required me to think about engaging my core and focusing on my balance to remain stable.
The same was true for the other parts of the workout, which included upper-body and core exercises, and my entire body was aching for days after this workout.
It's a workout I'll be trying again and if there was a studio nearer to where I lived, I'd consider swapping out my usual weights workouts for Lagree.
And although this is a very challenging workout, I still think it's suitable for beginners because there are plenty of ways to scale back the movements and lower the intensity.
It's also a great option for anyone who enjoys Pilates, but is looking for a greater challenge and a greater focus on building strength. Just be prepared for a tough workout!
Lagree FAQs
What is Lagree?
The Lagree Method was created by Sebastien Lagree and it is a high-intensity, low-impact full-body workout which uses a machine called a Megaformer.
"Lagree seamlessly combines strength, endurance, cardio, core, balance and flexibility into every move," explains Lorraine Jenkins, Lagree instructor and founder of Love Lagree.
Is Lagree different to Pilates?
The Megaformer looks very similar to the reformer machine you'll use in reformer Pilates but there are some key differences.
Jenkins told me that the Megaformer has a larger platform than the reformer, making it safer for standing exercises which feature prominently in Lagree.
Lagree is also more high-intensity than reformer Pilates. "The intensity comes from engaging major muscle groups and performing lower-body exercises for up to three minutes, elevating the heart rate," says Jenkins.
Why is Lagree so effective at building muscle?
Lagree uses a bodybuilding principle called time under tension, which is very effective at encouraging muscle growth.
"Lagree uses slow, controlled movements that activate slow-twitch muscle fibers, sculpting and strengthening your body in ways you’ve never experienced before," says Jenkins.
This means the benefits you'll get from this style of movement are more similar to lifting weights than Pilates. "[The benefits of strength training] are mirrored in a Lagree workout with some extra advantages which are ultimately kinder and safer to the body," says Jenkins.
"Using cables as opposed to free weights provides continuous tension throughout the range of movement," says Jenkins.
Because it's low-impact, Jenkins says that Lagree is "an effective workout for people of all ages and fitness levels."
