Lagree vs Pilates: Which Workout Is Right for You?

When it comes to selecting a workout, it’s essential to find one that aligns with your fitness goals and preferences. Two of the most popular and highly effective forms of exercise today are Lagree Method and Pilates Reformer classes. Both methods are known for their low-impact nature and ability to deliver exceptional results. However, they differ significantly in terms of equipment, intensity, and fitness outcomes.

In this guide, we will break down the Lagree Method and Pilates Reformer, comparing them in detail so that you can make an informed decision about which workout is best suited for your unique fitness needs.

What is the Lagree Method?

The Lagree Method is a high-intensity, low-impact workout that combines elements of Pilates, strength training, and cardio to deliver a full-body fitness experience. Unlike traditional Pilates, which often focuses on core strength and flexibility, the Lagree Method emphasizes strength, endurance, and muscle toning.

The Equipment: Megaformer

The key piece of equipment in a Lagree Method class is the Megaformer. This machine is similar to a Pilates reformer, but it offers more resistance and movement options. The Megaformer has adjustable springs, moving platforms, and various handles, which allow for a wide range of exercises targeting multiple muscle groups at once.

The Megaformer provides the unique ability to perform slow, controlled movements under high tension, ensuring maximum muscle engagement. The adjustable resistance allows instructors to customize the difficulty of each exercise based on individual fitness levels.

Fitness Goals with Lagree

The Lagree Method is designed to help individuals achieve the following fitness outcomes:

• Burn Calories: The intense nature of the workout ensures that participants burn a significant amount of calories in a short period of time.
• Build Strength and Endurance: The constant movement and resistance engage multiple muscle groups, which helps to improve muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
• Tone Muscles: One of the primary benefits of the Lagree Method is its ability to sculpt and define muscles, particularly in areas like the core, glutes, legs, and arms.
• Increase Flexibility: Although flexibility is not the primary focus, the low-impact movements of the Lagree Method can improve range of motion and joint flexibility over time.

Intensity of the Lagree Method

One of the standout features of the Lagree Method is its high-intensity nature. The workout is designed to keep the heart rate elevated while incorporating resistance exercises that challenge both strength and endurance. Despite being low-impact, the exercises are highly demanding, making it ideal for those looking for a calorie-torching, full-body workout.

Instructors typically keep the pace fast, incorporating interval training to maximize fat burning and muscle definition.

What is Pilates Reformer?

Pilates Reformer is a classic method of Pilates exercise that focuses primarily on improving core strength, posture, flexibility, and muscle tone. The Pilates Reformer machine uses a system of adjustable springs and resistance to guide participants through movements that enhance both stability and flexibility.

The Equipment: Reformer

The Reformer is a bed-like structure with a sliding carriage, springs, and various straps and pulleys that provide resistance. Unlike the Megaformer, the Reformer is less versatile in terms of resistance settings and does not incorporate the same level of cardio-based movements. The springs on the Reformer can be adjusted to increase or decrease resistance, allowing for a more tailored workout experience.

The Reformer machine is typically used in Pilates to perform a series of controlled movements aimed at improving alignment, muscle control, and flexibility.

Fitness Goals with Pilates Reformer

The Pilates Reformer focuses on a few key fitness objectives:

• Core Strength: Pilates is renowned for its emphasis on core strength, engaging the deep abdominal muscles for improved stability and posture.
• Posture and Alignment: Pilates exercises help to improve body alignment by working on the muscles responsible for maintaining good posture, which can lead to a reduction in back pain and other posture-related issues.
• Flexibility: The slow, deliberate movements of Pilates on the Reformer help increase flexibility in the muscles and joints, allowing for a greater range of motion.
• Muscle Tone and Definition: While Pilates may not have the same intense fat-burning component as the Lagree Method, it still helps to tone and sculpt muscles, particularly in the core, legs, and arms.

Intensity of Pilates Reformer

The Pilates Reformer workout is generally lower in intensity compared to the Lagree Method. It focuses on controlled movements, breathing, and slow-paced exercises. Pilates Reformer exercises are designed to engage muscles in a more subtle way, requiring concentration and precision in every movement.

The intensity of Pilates can be increased by adding more springs for resistance or performing more challenging exercises, but it remains relatively moderate in comparison to the high-intensity nature of Lagree.

Key Differences Between Lagree and Pilates Reformer

1. Intensity and Workout Style

The Lagree Method is a high-intensity workout that combines strength training and cardio, designed to burn calories and build endurance. In contrast, Pilates Reformer is typically low to moderate in intensity, focusing more on improving flexibility, posture, and core strength.

2. Equipment Used

The Megaformer in the Lagree Method allows for a wider variety of movements and exercises, providing a more dynamic workout. The Reformer, while highly effective, is more specialized in movements focused on alignment, flexibility, and strength without the same cardiovascular component.

3. Fitness Outcomes

• Lagree Method: Best for those looking to build muscle strength, endurance, burn calories, and tone their body.
• Pilates Reformer: Ideal for individuals focusing on core strength, posture, flexibility, and overall muscle toning with a gentler approach.

4. Suitable for Different Fitness Levels

Both workouts can be adapted to suit various fitness levels, but Lagree Method tends to be more challenging due to its higher intensity and fast-paced nature. If you’re someone who enjoys high-energy workouts and a tougher challenge, the Lagree Method may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more balanced and controlled workout, Pilates Reformer may suit your needs.

Which Workout Should You Choose?

When deciding between Lagree Method and Pilates Reformer, consider your fitness goals, preferences, and the type of workout experience you are seeking.

• If you want a challenging, calorie-burning workout that combines strength training with endurance and toning, the Lagree Method is the right choice.
• If you’re looking to improve core strength, posture, flexibility, and experience a more gentle, controlled workout, Pilates Reformer might be the best option for you.

Both workouts offer significant benefits, but ultimately, your choice will depend on the type of results you want to achieve and your preferred workout intensity.

For the premier Pilates class in North York, register online or contact Serenev Pilates Reformer Studio today.

We offer three distinctive Pilates north york practices: Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates and Barre Pilates.