The Science Behind Pilates & Lagree Fitness

Published on April 5, 2022

Updated on January 20, 2025

By Mirjana Dobric

Pilates and Lagree Fitness are two well-loved workout methods known for building strength, boosting flexibility, and enhancing overall fitness. But what makes them different, and why are so many fitness fans making the switch from Pilates to Lagree? In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of both workouts, their unique benefits, and the science-backed reasons why Lagree Fitness could be the next step in your fitness journey. Whether you’re just starting out or want to learn more, this guide will help you understand what sets these two fitness methods apart.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a unique exercise method that engages both the body and the mind. Initially called "Contrology," it was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s as a system of gymnastic-inspired exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.(1) Inspired by his personal struggles with health during childhood, Joseph refined his method while interned in a POW camp during World War I, ultimately developing the exercises we know today.

Pilates focuses on repetitive, controlled movements to improve muscle endurance and flexibility, often using specialized equipment like the Pilates Reformer. (2) This rolling platform, paired with adjustable springs, creates resistance to target smaller, stabilizing muscles—particularly in the core. These exercises help improve stability and mobility.

Although Pilates gained a modest following in its early years, it experienced a surge in popularity around the 21st century as its benefits became widely recognized. According to the Pilates Foundation, more than 12 million people now practice Pilates globally.

The Science Behind Pilates and Its Effectiveness

Pilates focuses on controlled movements and efficiency rather than intensity. Exercises are typically repeated 3–5 times, ensuring targeted muscle engagement with minimal strain. Its low-impact approach makes it perfect for rehabilitation and easing muscle or joint pain.

Research shows several key benefits of Pilates:

• Developing core strength (3,4)
• Reducing muscle and back pain (2,5)
• Increasing flexibility and mobility (3)
• Improving posture (5)
• Enhancing brain function through focused breathing and mind-body connection (6)
• Preventing injuries (7)

While Pilates excels at improving flexibility, mobility, and stability, it doesn’t offer the same intensity needed to build larger muscles or significantly boost cardiovascular fitness.

What Is Lagree Fitness?

Lagree Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact workout developed by personal trainer Sebastien Lagree in 1998. While inspired by Pilates, Lagree introduces innovative techniques and equipment to create a dynamic fitness experience. Sebastien initially adapted bodybuilding exercises onto a Pilates Reformer. Over time, this evolved into a method emphasizing core strength, endurance, and calorie burning, all while minimizing joint stress.

The method's efficiency led to the development of the Proformer in 2006, followed by other specialized machines like the Megaformer. These advancements allowed Lagree to surpass traditional Pilates in effectiveness and appeal. Today, Lagree has a growing global community, with over a million participants worldwide.

The Science Behind Lagree Fitness: A Next-Level Workout

Lagree combines science-backed principles to boost results while keeping your joints and muscles safe. Here’s how these key elements work:

• Effective resistance: Adjustable spring resistance maximizes muscle effort without straining joints, tapping into the proven benefits of variable resistance training. (8)
• Effective range of motion: Controlled movement targets specific muscle groups, promoting better muscle development and overall strength. (9)
• Effective angle: The equipment's design ensures optimal resistance angles, engaging multiple muscle groups with precision.
• Effective tempo: Slow, steady, and continuous movements activate slow-twitch muscle fibers, helping burn fat and build endurance. (10)
• Effective duration: Longer exercise sets work both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles, boosting strength, stamina, and calorie burn.

Together, these principles create a workout that’s not just efficient but transformative—delivering faster results than Pilates while staying low-impact on your body.

What Are the Key Differences Between Pilates and Lagree?

From workout pace to equipment design, each method offers unique benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide which suits your fitness goals best.

• Pace: Lagree’s continuous, faster-paced movements provide a more intense workout compared to Pilates’ slower, deliberate exercises.
• Focus: Pilates emphasizes flexibility and mobility, while Lagree targets strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
• Calorie burn: Lagree burns more calories due to its higher intensity and dynamic movements.‍
• Equipment: Lagree uses advanced machines like the Megaformer, designed to challenge multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Lagree Fitness vs. Pilates Benefits: Why Lagree Outperforms Pilates

While Pilates and Lagree share similar foundations, Lagree stands out with its focus on endurance, calorie burning, and strength building. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Higher calorie burn: Lagree’s fast-paced, continuous movements burn more calories compared to Pilates' slower, controlled exercises.
• Full-body muscle activation: Some Lagree moves engage over 600 muscles at once, targeting both large muscle groups and smaller stabilizers for a well-rounded workout.
• Cardiovascular boost: Lagree’s high-intensity approach gets your heart pumping, offering cardio benefits that Pilates typically doesn’t emphasize.
• Enhanced strength and endurance: By activating both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers, Lagree helps you build strength and stamina faster than traditional Pilates.

If you're ready to challenge yourself, increase stamina, and see noticeable results, Lagree delivers a more dynamic and comprehensive fitness experience.

Unlock Your Potential with Lagree Fitness

Both Pilates and Lagree offer impressive health benefits, but Lagree goes a step further. Its innovative techniques, science-backed principles, and body-transforming workouts make it the top choice for anyone looking to build strength, boost endurance, and see results fast.

Ready to experience the difference? Book your first Lagree class at Lagree Fit 415 and kick-start your fitness journey today!

References:

1. Byrnes, K., Wu, P. J., & Whillier, S. (2018). Is Pilates an effective rehabilitation tool? A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22(1), 192-202.
2. Kloubec J. (2011). Pilates: how does it work and who needs it?. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 1(2), 61-66.
3. Bernardo, L. M. (2007). The effectiveness of Pilates training in healthy adults: An appraisal of the research literature. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(2), 106-110.
4. Kulkarni, M., Saini, S., Palekar, T., & Hamdulay, N. (2020). Effects of pilates on core muscle strength and endurance in post 6 months delivered women. Proteus J, 11(8), 136-151.
5. Krawczky, B., Mainenti, M. R. M., & Pacheco, A. G. F. (2016). The impact of pilates exercises on the postural alignment of healthy adults. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 22, 485-490.
6. García-Garro, P. A., Hita-Contreras, F., Martínez-Amat, A., Achalandabaso-Ochoa, A., Jiménez-García, J. D., Cruz-Díaz, D., & Aibar-Almazán, A. (2020). Effectiveness of a pilates training program on cognitive and functional abilities in postmenopausal women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10), 3580.
7. Cruz, J. C., Liberali, R., Cruz, T. M. F. D., & Netto, M. I. A. (2016). The Pilates method in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 29, 609-622.
8. Soria-Gila, M. A., Chirosa, I. J., Bautista, I. J., Baena, S., & Chirosa, L. J. (2015). Effects of variable resistance training on maximal strength: a meta-analysis. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(11), 3260-3270.
9. Valamatos, M. J., Tavares, F., Santos, R. M., Veloso, A. P., & Mil-Homens, P. (2018). Influence of full range of motion vs. equalized partial range of motion training on muscle architecture and mechanical properties. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(9), 1969-1983.
10. Pendergast, D. R., Horvath, P. J., Leddy, J. J., & Venkatraman, J. T. (1996). The role of dietary fat on performance, metabolism, and health. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 24(6_suppl), S53-S58.