Find your strength · Inspire Seattle
Lagree vs. Pilates: What's the Difference?
Controlled movement. Different methods. Discover the workout that fits your goals.
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that builds strength and improves core stability, you may have come across both Pilates and Lagree. While the two methods share some similarities, Lagree and Pilates are not the same workout.
Both emphasize controlled movement, proper form, and core engagement, but Lagree adds continuous resistance, muscular endurance, and higher-intensity strength training using a specialized machine called the Megaformer. Understanding the differences can help you decide which type of workout best fits your fitness goals.
What Is Lagree?
Lagree is a low-impact, high-intensity workout designed to challenge strength, muscular endurance, balance, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance within a single workout. At Inspire Ballard and Queen Anne, Lagree classes are performed on Megaformers and last 40 minutes.
Inspire West Seattle offers 40-minute Xformer workouts. Instead of moving quickly or relying on momentum, Lagree uses slow, controlled movements combined with spring resistance and continuous muscular tension.
The goal is to keep your muscles working throughout each movement and transition, creating a challenging full-body workout without relying on high-impact exercises such as running or jumping.
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that emphasizes controlled movement, core strength, posture, flexibility, breathing, and body awareness. Depending on the type of Pilates class, exercises may be performed on a mat or using specialized equipment such as a Pilates Reformer.
Pilates can be an effective way to develop core strength, improve movement quality, and increase flexibility and control. Although some movements and principles may look similar, Pilates and Lagree are distinct exercise methods with different equipment, programming, pacing, and training goals.
The two methods, side by side
Lagree vs. Pilates — What's the Difference?
Both methods emphasize controlled movement and core engagement, but the workout experience is different.
Equipment
PilatesPilates may be performed on a mat or on equipment such as a Pilates Reformer.
LagreeLagree classes at Inspire Ballard and Queen Anne are performed on the Megaformer, a machine specifically designed for the Lagree method. Inspire West Seattle uses Xformers.
Strength Training
PilatesPilates incorporates resistance and body-weight exercises with an emphasis on control, alignment, mobility, and core strength.
LagreeLagree places significant emphasis on muscular strength and endurance through spring resistance, slow movement, and extended time under tension.
Intensity
PilatesIntensity varies considerably depending on the style of Pilates and the individual class.
LagreeLagree is specifically designed as a high-intensity workout while remaining low impact.
Pace
PilatesPacing depends on the particular Pilates style and instructor.
LagreeLagree uses slow, controlled movements combined with efficient transitions designed to keep the muscles engaged throughout the workout.
Cardio
PilatesTraditional Pilates is generally not designed primarily as a cardiovascular workout.
LagreeLagree's continuous movement and transitions can elevate the heart rate while the muscles remain under resistance.
Workout Length at Inspire Seattle
Inspire Seattle's Lagree classes are 40 minutes, providing a time-efficient full-body workout.
Is the Megaformer the Same as a Pilates Reformer?
No. Although the Megaformer and Pilates Reformer may look somewhat similar at first glance, they are different pieces of equipment created for different exercise methods.
The Pilates Reformer was developed for the Pilates method. The Megaformer was developed specifically for the Lagree method and is designed to accommodate Lagree's combination of resistance training, continuous muscular tension, controlled movement, and efficient transitions.
This is why a Lagree class on a Megaformer should not simply be considered another form of Reformer Pilates.
Why Do People Compare Lagree to Pilates?
There are understandable reasons people sometimes associate the two workouts.
- Low-impact movement
- Core engagement
- Controlled movements
- Spring resistance
- Specialized exercise equipment
- An emphasis on proper form and body control
But the similarities don't make the methods interchangeable. Lagree was developed as its own fitness method with a greater emphasis on high-intensity strength training, muscular endurance, continuous tension, and efficient full-body conditioning.
Is Lagree Low Impact?
Yes. One of the defining characteristics of Lagree is the combination of low-impact movement with high-intensity muscular work.
Lagree doesn't require jumping or running to create intensity. Instead, resistance, slow movement, time under tension, and continuous muscular engagement create the challenge.
That makes it possible to perform a highly challenging workout without relying on the repetitive impact common in many other high-intensity exercise formats.
Is Lagree Good for Beginners?
You don't need previous Lagree or Pilates experience to begin. At Ballard and Queen Anne, new clients can be introduced to the Megaformer before class.
At West Seattle, new clients are introduced to the Xformer. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your first class.
Inspire also offers introductory classes and private sessions for clients who would like additional instruction as they become familiar with the workout.
Should I Choose Lagree or Pilates?
The right choice depends on the type of workout you're looking for. If your priorities include traditional Pilates principles, mobility, flexibility, controlled movement, and core-focused exercise, a Pilates class may be a good fit.
If you're looking for a workout that combines controlled, low-impact movement with strength training, muscular endurance, core work, and higher intensity, Lagree may be worth trying. You don't need to choose one method exclusively.
Some people incorporate both Pilates and Lagree into their overall fitness routine. If you're curious about Lagree, experiencing a class is often the easiest way to understand how different it feels from Pilates.
Your Seattle studios
Try Lagree in Seattle
Inspire was the first studio to bring Lagree Fitness to Seattle. Today, you can experience Inspire's 40-minute, low-impact, high-intensity workouts at three Seattle locations:
Ballard
Experience Lagree and Megaformer workouts at our Ballard studio.
Explore Inspire Ballard →Queen Anne
Experience Lagree and Megaformer workouts at our Queen Anne studio, where Inspire's Seattle story began.
Explore Inspire Queen Anne →West Seattle
Experience our 40-minute Xformer workouts at Inspire West Seattle.
Explore Inspire West Seattle →Frequently Asked Questions About Lagree vs. Pilates
Is Lagree a type of Pilates?
No. Lagree and Pilates are separate exercise methods. They share some characteristics, including controlled movement and core engagement, but they use different equipment, programming, pacing, and training approaches.
Is a Megaformer the same thing as a Pilates Reformer?
No. The Megaformer was developed specifically for the Lagree method, while the Reformer is Pilates equipment.
Is Lagree harder than Pilates?
The intensity of any workout depends on the class, instructor, exercises, and individual. Lagree is specifically designed as a high-intensity, low-impact workout and places substantial emphasis on muscular endurance and time under tension.
Do I need Pilates experience before trying Lagree?
No. Previous Pilates or Lagree experience isn't required.
How long is a Lagree class at Inspire Seattle?
Inspire Seattle classes are 40 minutes.
Where can I take Lagree in Seattle?
Inspire Seattle offers Lagree classes on Megaformers at Ballard and Queen Anne. Our West Seattle studio offers 40-minute Xformer workouts.
Experience the Difference
If you've been considering Pilates but are looking for a workout that combines controlled movement with strength, endurance, and intensity, come experience Inspire for yourself. Our 40-minute workouts challenge strength, control, and endurance.
Ballard and Queen Anne use Megaformers; West Seattle uses Xformers.