Lagree vs Pilates: What’s the Difference?

Lagree and Pilates are often mentioned together, especially when people are exploring reformer-based workouts or controlled ways to build strength. From the outside, the machines can look similar, and both methods emphasize controlled movement and intentional pacing.

That visual overlap can make it hard to understand where they actually differ.

This guide breaks down what Lagree is, what Pilates is, and how they compare, using only official method descriptions and published research. The goal is to help you understand how each approach is structured, what the equipment is designed to do, and what science has — and has not — studied so far.

Pilates and Lagree at a Glance

Both Pilates and Lagree use resistance, controlled movement, and intentional pacing. However, they were developed in different eras and have followed different paths in terms of research and application.

Pilates has been studied for decades across rehabilitation, fitness, and clinical settings. Lagree is a newer method, and while it has gained popularity, it has a much smaller body of published research.

They are not interchangeable methods, and they have not been evaluated side by side in direct comparison trials.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a movement method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. It is described as more than a set of exercises, emphasizing a connection between body and mind and guided by foundational principles of controlled, intentional movement.¹

Pilates can be practiced in two primary ways:

• Mat-based Pilates, using body weight and gravity

• Equipment-based Pilates, most commonly on a reformer

In research literature, Pilates is often described as involving controlled or isometric muscle contractions, guided by principles such as precision, breath control, and movement awareness.²

Because of its long history, Pilates has been studied in a wide range of populations, including adults with overweight or obesity².

What Is Lagree?

Lagree is a training method created by Sébastien Lagree in the early 2000s. According to Lagree Fitness, the method is performed on a machine called the Megaformer and emphasizes slow movement, sustained muscular engagement, and adjustable resistance.³

Although Lagree uses spring-based resistance and a moving platform, Lagree Fitness describes the method as distinct from Pilates, rather than a Pilates class or variation.³

Published research on Lagree is limited but has examined outcomes such as balance and functional movement following structured Lagree programs.⁴

Reformer vs Megaformer

While the reformer and Megaformer may look similar at first glance, they are designed for different training systems.

Pilates Reformer

• Commonly used in Pilates practice

• Features a sliding carriage and adjustable springs

• Designed to support controlled, guided movement and alignment²

Lagree Megaformer

• Designed specifically for Lagree workouts

• Larger platform with multiple anchor points

• Allows for varied body positions and adjustable resistance³

There are currently no scientific studies that directly compare outcomes between the reformer and the Megaformer.

What a Pilates Workout Typically Looks Like

In research settings, Pilates workouts often:

• Include mat-based or reformer-based exercises

• Use controlled movement patterns

• Follow structured sessions lasting 30–60 minutes²

Pilates interventions studied in the literature range from 8 to 24 weeks, depending on the program design and population.²

What a Lagree Workout Typically Looks Like

Published Lagree studies describe workouts that:

• Use slow movement tempos

• Maintain continuous muscular engagement

• Progress resistance and duration over time⁴

A 6-week Lagree intervention study reported improvements in functional movement screen scores and dynamic balance in healthy adults.⁴ That study did not measure weight loss or body composition changes

Practicing Pilates or Lagree Outside a Studio

Both Pilates and Lagree are most commonly practiced in studio settings, where specialized equipment and instructor guidance are part of the experience.

That said, the way each method translates outside a studio environment differs.

Pilates outside the studio

Pilates has long included mat-based formats, which are widely practiced beyond traditional studios. Research on Pilates includes interventions delivered in structured settings as well as formats designed to be more accessible, particularly when exercises do not require large equipment.²

In addition, Pilates reformer training has traditionally required access to a studio-grade reformer.

Lagree outside the studio

According to Lagree Fitness, Lagree is an equipment-based method built around the Megaformer.³ Published Lagree studies focus on supervised, machine-based sessions, and the method is typically taught in licensed studio environments.⁴

Current research does not evaluate Lagree programs performed outside those settings.

What’s changed for Pilates at home

While reformer training has historically been studio-based, it’s now possible to bring studio-grade Pilates reformer workouts into the home. The Ultra 1 Reform RX-S is designed to deliver guided reformer-style training without requiring studio access, making reformer-based Pilates more accessible for people who prefer to train at home.

This creates a practical difference between the two methods: Pilates reformer training can now be practiced both in studios and at home, while Lagree, as described in current sources, remains centered on studio-based equipment and instruction.

Is Lagree Harder Than Pilates?

There are no peer-reviewed studies that compare:

• Perceived difficulty

• Effort level

• Intensity between Lagree and Pilates

Because difficulty is subjective and program-dependent, research does not currently support ranking one method as “harder” than the other.

Lagree vs Pilates for Weight Loss

What research shows about Pilates

A 2021 meta-analysis found that Pilates programs were associated with reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in adults with overweight or obesity, particularly in longer-duration interventions.² The same analysis found no significant change in lean body mass.²

What research shows about Lagree

Published Lagree studies have not evaluated weight loss or body composition outcomes.⁴

Because of this, there is no evidence-based comparison between Lagree and Pilates for weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lagree and Pilates the same thing?

No. They are distinct methods with different equipment and training structures.³

Is Lagree based on Pilates?

Lagree Fitness describes the method as its own system, even though both use spring-based resistance.³

Can Pilates be done without equipment?

Yes. Pilates is commonly practiced in mat-based formats.²

Does research show Lagree is better than Pilates?

No direct comparison studies exist.

Is Pilates effective for weight loss?

Research suggests Pilates may reduce body weight and body fat in adults with overweight or obesity under specific conditions.²

Does Lagree improve balance or movement quality?

A short-term intervention study reported improvements in balance and functional movement.⁴

Can beginners try either method?

Published studies describe Lagree programs that were taught with structured instruction and progressive exercise design. While research does not label Lagree or Pilates as “beginner” or “advanced,” the emphasis on guided movement and progression highlights the role of instruction when starting either method.

References

1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. The Pilates Method: History and Philosophy.

2. Frontiers in Physiology. Pilates for Overweight or Obesity: A Meta-Analysis. 

3. Lagree Fitness. What Is Lagree Fitness?

4. International Journal of Exercise Science. A 6-Week Lagree Intervention Improves Dynamic Balance and Functional Movement Screen Performance.

Nursing & Healthcare International Journal. Neuroscience – Lagree Method – Manual Medicine Physical Exercise and Rehabilitation Applications.

Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.