When people ask what kind of workout I do, I always hesitate for a moment before saying, “Lagree.” Nine times out of ten, they’ve never heard of it. My usual answer is, “It’s like Pilates, but way harder, and on a much nicer machine.”
What It Lagree
Lagree was created by Sebastien Lagree in the late ’90s. It’s a low-impact but high-intensity workout done on a machine called the Megaformer (or the Mega Pro). The key difference from Pilates is the way movements are done: everything is slow (painfully slow sometimes) on a 4-6 second count. The focus is on time under tension, meaning your muscles are under tension the whole time.
The class is full of lunges, squats, planks, and holds. The focus is on hamstrings, glutes, and core, but by the end it honestly feels like every part of you has been worked.
How Lagree Feels
To put it bluntly: Lagree is humbling. Even as someone who has tried lots of different classes, I was surprised at how challenging it felt. Within minutes, my muscles were shaking, and by the end I was drenched in sweat.
Lagree requires absolute focus, you can’t zone out or go through the motions. Each movement forces you to be present with your breath, your body, and the exact muscles you’re working. It’s part workout, part moving meditation.
My Experience
The first class I did was… brutal. I remember shaking uncontrollably and thinking, how can something so slow feel this hard? Even the instructors will say, “If you’re shaking, you’re doing it right.”
Over time though, I noticed the difference. My core feels stronger, which has really helped since I spend so much of my day sitting at a desk (I would recommend it you if you work with a computer all day). My back feels more supported, my posture’s improved, and I feel more grounded in my body overall.
It’s also a very mental workout. You can’t zone out, you have to concentrate on form, breathing, and staying in the movement. In a weird way, it clears my head. After class, I often feel calmer and more focused, almost like I’ve had a reset.
That said, it’s not perfect. For me, it doesn’t replace cardio when it comes to weight loss. I feel like I’ve gotten overall fitter and more muscular, but have not lost much weight. I sweat buckets in class, but I’d still pair it with running or cycling if that’s your main goal.
Things to Know Before You Try
1. Grippy socks are required.
2. The machines look intimidating, but you’ll get used to them quickly. (I find them way more stable than a classic reformer machine)
3. It takes a few classes to build up the strength, don’t expect to nail it right away. (Your core will be sore from all the planking)
Why I Keep Going Back
I have tried out two different Lagree studios, both were very similar. Lagree doesn’t get easier, and that’s exactly why I keep coming back. It challenges me physically, sharpens my focus and keeps me present in the moment.
The best way I can sum it up is this: Lagree teaches you to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. And there’s something strangely addictive about that.
If you’re looking for a workout that will truly test you, and transform you, Lagree might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
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