WHAT IS Lagree Fitness?

A Revolutionary Fitness Method That Transforms Mind and Body

A Brief History of Lagree

Lagree Fitness was developed by Sebastien Lagree in the early 2000s as a way to combine the benefits of strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardio into one workout. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional fitness methods, Sebastien designed the patented Megaformer, which introduced a high-intensity yet low-impact workout that is safe and effective for all fitness levels. By 2009, Lagree had gained recognition for its innovative approach to full-body fitness and is now practiced in studios worldwide.

The Science Behind Lagree

Lagree Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact method that works all five components of physical fitness:

  • Strength: Builds lean muscle through controlled, resistance-based movements.

  • Endurance: Increases stamina with sustained time-under-tension exercises.

  • Flexibility: Improves joint mobility and muscle elasticity with full-range movements.

  • Cardiovascular Health: Elevates heart rate through continuous, controlled transitions.

  • Core Stability: Engages the core throughout every movement for better balance and posture.

This scientifically grounded approach ensures a comprehensive workout that targets every muscle group while protecting the joints and connective tissues.

The Unique Benefits of Lagree

  • Low-impact exercises reduce stress on the joints while delivering high-intensity results.

  • High-intensity training boosts your metabolic rate, promoting calorie burn even after class.

  • Weight-bearing exercises help strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

  • Strengthens intrinsic stabilizing muscles to improve alignment and overall body awareness.

Lagree’s combination of controlled movements and resistance-based exercises creates microtears in the muscle fibers, which leads to muscle growth and improved strength. This process, known as mechanical tension, is key to building lean muscle while maintaining joint health. Additionally, Lagree’s continuous transitions keep the heart rate elevated, aligning with the principles of cardiovascular endurance for a balanced workout.

How Lagree Transforms The Body

The 10 Principles of Lagree

Lagree Fitness is based on 10 core principles that ensure each workout is effective, safe, and results-driven. Here's a brief overview of these guiding principles:

  1. Time Under Tension
    Keeping muscles under tension for extended periods to target slow-twitch fibers, building strength and endurance quickly.

  2. Slow and Controlled Movements
    Emphasizing control over speed, engaging muscles deeply and reducing injury risk while improving coordination and focus.

  3. Core Engagement
    Every movement activates the core, improving posture, stability, and overall strength.

  4. Full-Body Activation
    Engaging all muscle groups for a balanced workout, enhancing overall strength and muscle tone.

  5. Constant Movement
    Maintaining an elevated heart rate throughout the workout to promote cardiovascular health and fat burning.

  6. Adaptability
    The workout is suitable for all fitness levels, with adjustments to challenge and progress at your own pace.

  7. Precision and Alignment
    Focusing on proper technique and alignment to ensure safety, maximize muscle engagement, and prevent strain.

  8. Low-Impact, High-Intensity
    Offering a low-impact format that’s gentle on the joints while still delivering high-intensity results.

  9. Variety
    Providing a wide range of exercises that target different muscle groups, ensuring no workout is the same.

  10. Mind-Body Connection
    Encouraging mindfulness throughout the workout, helping to build mental discipline while strengthening the body.

These principles work together to create a transformative fitness experience, enhancing both physical strength and mental focus.

The Megaformer: The Heart of Lagree

Lagree utilizes the patented Megaformer, a revolutionary machine designed to provide variable resistance and accommodate all fitness levels. Unlike traditional weights, the Megaformer’s spring-based resistance allows for peak muscle engagement while minimizing strain on the body. Each movement is precisely calibrated to target slow-twitch muscle fibers for optimal results.

Lagree vs. Pilates: What’s the Difference?

While Lagree and Pilates share a focus on low-impact, core-centered movements, Lagree takes it further with high-intensity, full-body workouts designed for total transformation. Often called "spicy Pilates" by our clients, Lagree keeps your heart rate elevated while protecting your joints.

Using the patented Megaformer, Lagree emphasizes time under tension to target every muscle group, delivering faster, more noticeable results compared to Pilates.

Who Can Benefit from Lagree?

Lagree Fitness is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, making it accessible and beneficial for people of all ages, fitness levels, and goals. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or are a seasoned athlete, Lagree offers a full-body workout that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Here's how different groups can benefit from Lagree:

  • Beginners: If you’re new to fitness, Lagree provides a safe and low-impact introduction to strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. The controlled movements and adjustable resistance on the Megaformer allow you to build a solid foundation at your own pace, with minimal risk of injury.

  • Athletes: For athletes, Lagree enhances performance by improving strength, endurance, and flexibility. The method’s high-intensity, low-impact nature supports recovery while helping to prevent injury, making it a perfect addition to any cross-training routine.

  • Seniors: Lagree is an excellent option for older adults looking to maintain or improve their mobility, strength, and balance. The low-impact nature of the exercises reduces strain on the joints, making it safer for those with arthritis or other joint issues, while still providing a challenging workout.

  • Post-Rehabilitation: After an injury or surgery, Lagree’s gentle yet effective exercises help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore functionality. With its focus on controlled, precise movements, Lagree can aid in the rehabilitation process, allowing for gradual progression without risking further injury.

  • Prenatal/Postpartum: Lagree can be adapted for expectant and new mothers, offering a safe and effective way to regain strength, improve posture, and rebuild core stability. With proper modifications, Lagree supports muscle toning, joint health, and overall wellness during pregnancy and after childbirth.

  • Weight Loss Enthusiasts: Lagree’s high-intensity, low-impact exercises elevate your heart rate and burn calories both during and after your workout. The combination of muscle engagement and cardiovascular training helps accelerate fat loss while building lean muscle, giving you a toned, sculpted physique.

  • Busy Professionals: With its time-efficient, full-body workout, Lagree offers an excellent solution for individuals with limited time. The method’s intensity ensures that you get the most out of every session, providing maximum results in less time.

No matter your age or fitness level, Lagree can be customized to help you achieve your fitness goals. Its focus on strength, endurance, flexibility, and core stability offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to improve general fitness or target specific goals.

What Our Clients Say

  • “It’s like Pilates but on steroids!”

  • “I thought Pilates was challenging until I tried Lagree—it’s next-level.”

  • “Spicy Pilates is the perfect name for it—your muscles will burn, but you’ll love the results!”

Experience Lagree, the transformative fitness method that strengthens mind and body, offering a scientifically backed way to achieve your goals and elevate your routine.

FAQs: What is Lagree?

  • Wondering, “What is a Lagree workout?” Lagree Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact workout method that combines strength training, endurance, and core stabilization. It is performed on a Megaformer, a specialized machine that uses controlled resistance and slow movements to maximize muscle engagement. Developed by Sebastien Lagree, this workout is designed to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance while minimizing joint strain.

  • Yes! Lagree is perfect for beginners. The workouts are designed to be scalable, meaning that anyone, regardless of fitness level, can adjust the intensity to suit their abilities. The Megaformer machine allows for modifications, ensuring a safe and effective workout. Beginners can start at their own pace and progress as their fitness improves.

  • For optimal results, it’s recommended to practice Lagree 2-4 times per week. This frequency allows your muscles to recover while still being challenged for muscle growth and cardiovascular benefits. Beginners may want to start with 1-2 classes per week and gradually increase frequency as their fitness level improves.

  • Lagree and Barre both focus on low-impact, full-body workouts that target muscle tone and flexibility, but Lagree tends to offer a more intense, full-body workout. While Barre often focuses more on small, isolated movements, Lagree emphasizes time under tension, combining strength training with cardiovascular conditioning. If you're looking for a higher-intensity workout with a stronger emphasis on muscle building and endurance, Lagree may be the better option.

  • Yes, Lagree is a form of strength training that focuses on slow, controlled movements to build muscle endurance and core stability. The Megaformer adds resistance and engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Unlike traditional strength training, Lagree emphasizes time under tension and low-impact movements for a full-body workout.

  • No! Lagree is designed for all fitness levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, the Megaformer can be adjusted to match your fitness level. The exercises are low-impact, and in our Beginners class, you can ease into the workout at your own pace and receive expert guidance from our instructors.

  • Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking workout clothes that allow for a full range of movement. We recommend wearing socks with grips to ensure you don’t slip on the Megaformer during exercises.

  • Yes! Lagree provides a full-body workout that can help you improve endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, in addition to building muscle. Whether you’re looking to tone, slim down, or simply get fitter, Lagree’s low-impact, high-intensity nature can help you reach your goals.

  • Lagree and Pilates share similarities but differ in intensity, equipment, and workout goals. Lagree is a high-intensity, low-impact workout performed on a Megaformer, focusing on slow, controlled movements for strength, endurance, and core stabilization. In contrast, Pilates, often done on a Reformer or mat, emphasizes flexibility, alignment, and controlled breathing with a lower-intensity approach.

  • While both yoga and CrossFit are excellent workout methods, Lagree is unique because it combines strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardio all in one low-impact workout. Unlike CrossFit, which can be intense on the joints, and yoga, which focuses more on stretching and flexibility, Lagree uses the Megaformer to offer a complete full-body workout with a focus on controlled movements and time under tension.

  • Yes, Lagree can be adapted for prenatal and postpartum women, though it’s important to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy. Lagree focuses on low-impact, controlled movements that are safe for most expectant and new mothers, especially when modifications are made.

  • Our Lagree classes typically last 40 minutes, making them a time-efficient way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. The intensity ensures that you’ll get maximum benefits even in this shorter period.

  • Yes! Lagree can be easily combined with other fitness routines such as running, cycling, or weight training. Many people use Lagree as part of a balanced fitness plan, as it complements other activities by focusing on strength, flexibility, and core stability.

  • Results can vary depending on your fitness goals, but most people start to notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and muscle tone after about 4-6 weeks of consistent practice. For more noticeable changes, continuing 2-4 classes per week will help you achieve long-term results.