Lagree vs Pilates?
Lagree vs Pilates: What’s the Difference?
If you are exploring new workout methods in Vienna, you have probably come across both Lagree and Pilates. At first glance, they can look similar. Both involve slow, controlled movement, both focus on core strength, and both are often practiced on machine-based equipment. But despite the visual similarities, Lagree and Pilates are not the same.
Understanding the difference between Lagree vs Pilates can help you choose the workout that best matches your goals, whether you are looking for rehabilitation, improved posture, muscular endurance, or a high-intensity full-body challenge.
At Crush, Vienna’s first Lagree studio, we often hear the same question: Is Lagree basically Pilates? The answer is simple: no. While the two methods share some elements, they are built on different principles and designed for different outcomes.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a training method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It was originally created to improve alignment, control, flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness. Pilates emphasizes precise movement, breath, concentration, and a strong connection between mind and body.
What is Lagree?
Lagree is a more modern workout method created by Sébastien Lagree. It is designed to combine strength training, muscular endurance, core stability, balance, and cardio intensity in one workout. Lagree is performed on a machine called the Megaformer, using spring-based resistance and slow movement to create deep muscular fatigue.
Lagree vs Pilates: The main differences
Although both methods value control and precision, the difference lies in the goal, intensity, and training effect.
1. Different training goals
One of the biggest distinctions in Lagree vs Pilates is the purpose of the method.
Pilates is primarily focused on alignment, mobility, flexibility, core control, and overall body awareness. It is often used for rehabilitation, postural improvement, and developing a balanced, well-functioning body.
Lagree, on the other hand, is designed to push the body further into muscular endurance, strength, and intensity. It is less about gentle control and more about controlled challenge.
2. Different intensity
Pilates can absolutely be challenging, but Lagree is typically much more intense. Lagree classes are structured to create continuous muscular effort with little to no rest, which leads to the signature shake, deep burn, and full-body fatigue.
That is why many people searching for Lagree in Vienna are often looking for a workout that feels more athletic, more demanding, and more results-driven than traditional Pilates.
3. Different equipment
Pilates is often performed on the Reformer, while Lagree is performed on the Megaformer. The machines may look somewhat similar, which is why people often confuse the two. However, they are designed for different movement patterns and different class structures.
The Megaformer used in Lagree is specifically built to support slow movement, constant resistance, and seamless transitions that keep the muscles under prolonged tension.
4. Different pacing
Another key difference in Lagree vs Pilates is how the class flows.
In Pilates, exercises are often performed with more pauses, resets, and a stronger focus on exact technique and control.
In Lagree, the movements themselves are very slow, but the transitions between exercises are intentionally quick. This keeps the body working continuously and creates a more intense cardiovascular and muscular challenge.
5. Different physical effect
Pilates often leaves you feeling more aligned, lengthened, centered, and connected.
Lagree often leaves you feeling deeply worked, energized, challenged, and surprised by how intense a low-impact workout can be.
Both methods can be highly effective, but the feeling they create in the body is very different.