Lagree vs Reformer Pilates: Which One Should You Choose?

Hello everyone,

I wanted to write about the difference between Lagree and Reformer Pilates because people often compare them. Having tried both, I honestly do not think they feel the same at all.

I first tried Reformer Pilates about four years ago. At the time, Lagree was virtually unknown in the South of France and even Reformer Pilates was still quite difficult to find. There was only one studio near me. I tried it out of curiosity, but it never really clicked and I stopped after three classes.

Then, about six months ago, I discovered Lagree at KOSM in Les Angles, near Avignon. A friend of my sister-in-law had opened the studio and, because the machine looked a little like a Pilates Reformer, I expected something fairly similar.

It was nothing like it. That is exactly why I wanted to explain the difference.

Why Reformer Pilates Was Not for Me

When I tried Reformer Pilates, I could see the appeal, but it simply was not for me. Coordination is not exactly my strong point, for a start.
I had to think about my posture, breathing, arms, legs and whether I was doing each movement correctly. It felt like far too much thinking for a workout that was supposed to clear my head.

I also found the classes less energetic than I wanted, and the atmosphere was not really for me either. I know Reformer Pilates has changed enormously since then and is now incredibly popular. This was simply my experience at the time, and every class and studio is different.

The classes were also quite expensive. After three sessions, I knew I did not want to keep paying for a workout that did not make me want to return.

What Makes Lagree Different

I quickly realised that Lagree is not simply a more intense version of Reformer Pilates. They use different machines too: Pilates is performed on a Reformer, while Lagree uses a Megaformer.

Pilates places a great deal of emphasis on control, posture, breathing, flexibility and precise movement. Lagree focuses more heavily on strength and muscular endurance. The movements are very slow, but there is very little rest between exercises, so your muscles stay under tension almost constantly.

That is exactly what I loved about it.
There is serious core work, along with lunges and planks, and you train your legs, glutes, abs, back and deep muscles in a single session. It is intense without requiring you to run or jump around, and I find it genuinely good for both my body and my head.

Why I Loved It So Much

I loved it from the very first class. The exercises change, the pace feels much more sustained and I stay focused throughout the session. Basically, there is no room to think about anything except holding that core.

The funny thing about Lagree is that the movements look tiny, but trust me, they work.

You move only a few centimetres, everything is painfully slow and your muscles remain under tension. Eventually, your whole body starts shaking. Yes, really.
Your legs shake, your arms join in, and that is when you realise the movement that looked almost ridiculous at first is completely finishing you off.

The forty-five minutes go surprisingly quickly.
There are usually around seven women in each class. We laugh a lot and struggle through it together. 😂

The Results I Noticed

I did not expect to notice a difference so quickly.
Less than a month after starting, my legs already looked slimmer and my muscles were beginning to appear more defined.

I noticed the biggest changes in my hamstrings, calves and arms.
My triceps changed noticeably, even though I had always found that area difficult to work.

Of course, Lagree did not do everything on its own. I also do cardio and changed the way I eat. I explain the full story in my article about how I lost almost 10 kg with Lagree, cardio and the Montignac method.

But if I had to name the one workout that changed the shape of my body most, it would definitely be Lagree.

What Should You Wear?

I would choose fairly fitted workout clothes. With lunges, planks and constant changes of position, they are much more practical than loose jogging bottoms or an oversized top. You also get VERY warm, very quickly.

Grip socks are essential too. They stop your feet sliding on the machine, and many studios require them.

There is no need to buy an entirely new wardrobe. Leggings or cycling shorts, a sports bra or fitted top and a pair of grip socks are more than enough to begin.

Lagree vs Reformer Pilates: Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends on what you enjoy. If you want something calmer, with a strong focus on posture, breathing, precision and coordination, Reformer Pilates may suit you perfectly.

If you are more like me and need a stronger pace, enjoy feeling your muscles work and want a full-body session without running for an hour, I would genuinely recommend trying Lagree.