Michelle Obama Swears By Lagree Pilates — What Is This New Fitness Trend?

Guests attend Lagree213 Grand Opening Of Third Studio In Downtown Los Angeles on June 30, 2024. Source: Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for Lagree213

Ever since Lori Harvey credited her washboard abs to Pilates, the reformer has had us in a chokehold.

On any given day you will come across a social media post of a #PilatesPrincess—or prince—headed to class in hopes of achieving Lori’s abs.

The mind-body exercise was invented by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Back then dancers got the most use of the method as it was primarily for injury recovery. Devotees say Pilates has endured the test of time because it’s customizable and effective.

Circa 2025 a new bombshell enters the villa and her name is Lagree. Though currently trending, Lagree is not at all a novice to the health and wellness plain. The patented exercise method has been transforming bodies since 1999. It’s also been working to distinguish itself from the often compared Pilates since then.

The list of Lagree’s celebrity followers include Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, and Kim Kardashian.

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - August 24, 2022

Lori Harvey shows off her abs on the streets of Los Angeles on August 24, 2022. Source: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin / Getty

Lagree vs Pilates

At first glance, the two could be fraternal twins. They have similar machines (the reformer and Megaformer), similar movements (low impact, strength-building techniques), and similar missions (core-strong bodies). However, per Lagree’s stance, the two are doppelgangers at best.

According to the Lagree Fitness website, the first distinguishing factor is that Pilates “lacks intensity”—a bold claim in my opinion. Lagree Fitness describes its method as “tried and proven bodybuilding training techniques not inherent to Pilates.” They claim that the union of bodybuilding techniques and low-impact qualities directly translate to rapid results.

The description goes on to explain that while Pilates is based on breathing, concentration, control, centering, flow, postural alignment, and precision, the Lagree Method is fundamentally based on the “Magic 8”: effective form, range of motion, tempo, duration, sequence, transition, tension, and plane of motion.

Mid adult woman doing pilates on a health club

Black woman doing pilates at a health club. Source: FG Trade / Getty

Lagree Fitness has also made a point to prove their machines are distinct. In an informational video, inventor Sebastien Lagree said comparing the Pilates reformer and Lagree Megaformer is like comparing apples and oranges.

“These machines were built at two different times for two different purposes,” he explained. “I train many athletes and bodybuilders so I decided to make a machine that was longer and bigger to accommodate taller and bigger people.”

Lagree also boasts the Megaformer, with its 184 patents, is more stable, durable, and effective. While admitting the Megaformer was inspired by the Pilates reformer, he says the likeness stops there.

Lastly, Lagree Fitness argues the differences in sessions are black and white. Their technique employs strength training with endurance and core for muscle building. The Pilates technique focuses on control, flexibility, and precision.

Pilates and Lagree instructor, MoJo, gave her two cents on the dueling methods. “Contemporary pilates is great for all levels. The classes are usually much smaller so you get more attention from the instructor. Lastly, there is so much variety in the moves, props, and apparatuses,” she said.

(L-R) Sharon Eastman, Erin Quintero, Dyani Dillard, Lizzie Lee, Carolyn Han, Joi Bourgeois, Abby Marasigan, Elizabeth Dore, Kayla Wagner and Lisa Goldsman attend Lagree213 Grand Opening Of Third Studio In Downtown Los Angeles on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Source: Jon Kopaloff / Getty

“While Pilates intensity differs, Lagree will be consistently challenging,” she continued. “Lagree is high energy, high intensity, and repetitive. It is not beginner friendly as it takes more time to build necessary strength for the classes. All movement is good movement, and you can be both a Pilates girly and a Lagree girly.”

It seems the greatest difference between Pilates and Lagree are the results produced. A toned body versus a built body, respectively. Whatever your goal is, a healthy body matters most, so give both a try.

SEE ALSO

Lagree And Pilates Are Not The Same: What You Need To Know