What is Lagree and Why Do People Call it Pilates?
Love the Lagree Method, but not sure how to tell your friends what it is? Are you used to telling people it’s Pilates but high intensity or not sure what to tell them at all? Have you called it Megaformer Pilates more than once? Although you may notice both machines use moving carriages, platforms, and controlled movements, you may be surprised to know that Lagree and Pilates are two completely different workouts. A lot of people reference Lagree as “Pilates on steroids”, but there are three major differences between the two.
Two Men
Sebastien Lagree formed The Lagree Method in 1998 as a way of combining the high-intensity of body-building with low-impact movements. It is this basic idea that leads to such a muscle-shaking workout. The true mission of Lagree is to strengthen, tighten, and tone the muscles quickly and safely.
Joseph Pilates created the Pilates Method during World War I as a way of helping bedridden soldiers strengthen their bodies through resistance training. Over the years the machinery and method has transformed but continues to be low-impact and low-intensity. The mission of Pilates is to strengthen the body to improve general wellness.
Two Machines
Sebastien Lagree created the patented Megaformer. This machine is made up of resistance coils, pulleys and platforms, offering more variation than the traditional Pilates reformer. The Megaformer machine allows you to make more adjustments with features like a larger carriage, different handle lengths, eyelets & straps for comfortable limb placement, more resistance options, and a back platform. Movements happen slowly and use multiple muscle groups with little rest between exercises.
Joseph Pilates created the Reformer. The Reformer has a carriage and one platform. It’s focus is on isolated muscles individually through fast, light reps with breaks between exercises.
Two Completely Different Methods
The Lagree Method
The Lagree Method is a high-intensity, low-impact workout that focuses on 7 principals:
Form
Range of Motion
Tempo
Duration
Tension
Transition
Plane of Motion
The Pilates Method is a low-intensity, low-impact workout that focuses on
Breathing
Concentration
Controlled Movement
Centering
Flow
Postural Alignment
Precision
So who is Lagree & Pilates for?
Both workouts are phenomenal for the body and the core especially. What I tell me friends, family, and clients is that if you are looking for the high energy you get from HIIT, strength training, cycling, or running, but something that is friendly on your joints? Lagree is for YOU!
Have you tried both Lagree and Pilates? Tell us the differences you’ve noticed in the comments.
References:
https://www.lagreefitness.com/lagree-vs-pilates