Lagree, Reformer Pilates, and Classical Pilates are three distinct methods that share a machine and a philosophy of controlled movement — but diverge sharply in intensity, purpose, and who they're best suited for. This guide draws the lines clearly so you can choose, or combine, with confidence.
Classical Pilates
Classical Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, originally as rehabilitation for injured dancers and soldiers. It uses the reformer (and several other apparatus) to perform a specific sequence of exercises focused on spinal alignment, joint mobility, and core activation. The pace is moderate; the emphasis is on precision and breath.
Best for: Rehabilitation, postural correction, returning to movement after injury, beginners seeking a structured introduction to body awareness and core work.
Intensity: Low to moderate. Classical Pilates is not designed to cause muscular fatigue — it's designed to restore and re-pattern movement.
Instructor style: Highly corrective. A Classical Pilates instructor spends significant time on cues, alignment checks, and individual adjustments.
Reformer Pilates (Contemporary)
Contemporary Reformer Pilates is what most people encounter at boutique studios today. It takes the Classical Pilates reformer and expands the exercise vocabulary considerably — adding exercises from other disciplines, increasing the pace, and pushing toward more muscular challenge than the original method intended.
Best for: People who want the mindfulness and alignment benefits of Pilates with more physical challenge. Good for all fitness levels; intermediate practitioners find it particularly effective for core strength and flexibility.
Intensity: Moderate. More challenging than Classical, less muscularly demanding than Lagree. Expect to feel it in the core and stabilisers, but not the full-body muscular fatigue of Lagree.
Class size: Reformer Pilates is typically done in small groups (4–8 people) or one-on-one. The instructor gives personalised corrections throughout.
Lagree on the Megaformer
Lagree takes the spring-resistance concept from Pilates and rebuilds it around the principles of strength training: maximum time under tension, minimal rest, and progressive overload. The Megaformer allows a wider range of positions and exercises than the reformer, and the class structure is designed to push each muscle group to fatigue within a 45-minute session.
Best for: People who want measurable strength and body composition changes. Athletes who want a low-impact method that still provides real muscular stimulus. Anyone who finds Classical or Reformer Pilates insufficiently challenging.
Intensity: High. Lagree is consistently rated as one of the most intense group fitness formats available. The low-impact nature is deceptive — first-timers almost universally describe post-session soreness as significant.
Class size: Typically 8–12 people. Less individualised correction than Classical Pilates, more group energy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Goal — Classical Pilates: Alignment and rehabilitation. Reformer Pilates: Core strength and flexibility. Lagree: Strength, endurance, body composition.
Intensity — Classical: Low–moderate. Reformer: Moderate. Lagree: High.
Impact — All three: Low. None involves jumping or running.
Machine — Classical: Pilates reformer. Reformer Pilates: Pilates reformer (expanded). Lagree: Megaformer.
Session length — Classical: 50–60 min. Reformer: 50–55 min. Lagree: 45–50 min.
Best for beginners: Classical or Reformer. Lagree is beginner-friendly but physically demanding from day one.
Can You Combine Them?
Yes — and many practitioners do. Classical Pilates two days a week combined with two Lagree sessions produces excellent results: the alignment and mobility work from Pilates supports the strength work in Lagree, and the muscular conditioning from Lagree makes Classical Pilates feel more controlled. See our full Lagree guide and the yoga vs. Pilates comparison for more context. For workout-appropriate clothing across all three, browse the HEY HONEY activewear range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lagree harder than Reformer Pilates?
Yes, consistently. Lagree is specifically designed to cause muscular fatigue through high time under tension and minimal rest. Reformer Pilates prioritises controlled movement and alignment over intensity. Most people who attend both classes describe Lagree as significantly more challenging, particularly in the first 4–6 weeks before the body adapts.
Can I do Reformer Pilates and Lagree in the same week?
Yes — they complement each other well. Reformer Pilates provides alignment work and lower muscular intensity, making it a good active recovery option between Lagree sessions. Many practitioners do 2 Lagree sessions and 1–2 Reformer sessions per week with good results.
What burns more calories: Lagree or Reformer Pilates?
Lagree, by a meaningful margin. The higher muscular intensity and continuous heart rate elevation in Lagree produces both more calories burned during the class and a larger post-exercise oxygen consumption effect. Reformer Pilates calorie burn is moderate; Lagree is comparable to a moderate-to-high intensity cardio session despite the low-impact format.
Which is better for back pain: Classical Pilates or Lagree?
Classical Pilates, particularly with a trained rehabilitation instructor. It was developed specifically for injury recovery and focuses on spinal alignment and core activation in a structured, low-stress environment. Lagree involves positions and loads that may not be appropriate during acute back pain. Always consult a physiotherapist or medical professional before starting any exercise programme when managing back pain.
