At first glance, Lagree and Reformer Pilates look alike: both happen on a machine with a sliding carriage and springs, both are low-impact, and both leave you stronger than when you walked in. Step onto each machine, though, and they feel very different.
We teach both at The Reformr — Reformer Pilates at our Shams Boutik studio on Al Reem Island and Lagree at our Abu Dhabi Mall studio — so we get asked this question every week. Here’s an honest guide to the differences, and how to choose.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates grew out of the work of Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century. The reformer — his invention — is a bed-like frame with a carriage that glides on rails, springs that add or reduce resistance, a footbar, and straps for the hands or feet.
A Reformer Pilates class is built on control, alignment and breath. Movements are precise and flowing, and the springs can make an exercise harder or easier: they can challenge a strong client or support someone who is rebuilding strength. That versatility is why Reformer Pilates is loved by beginners, athletes, new mums (with their doctor’s approval) and people returning from injury alike.
You’ll leave feeling: longer, looser, more aligned — and surprisingly worked, especially through your core.
Read more in our guide: What is Reformer Pilates?
What is Lagree?
Lagree is a fitness method developed by trainer Sebastien Lagree and performed on his own machine, the Megaformer. Although it is often grouped with Pilates, Lagree is its own method with its own principles.
The Megaformer is larger than a reformer, with platforms at both ends, a spring-loaded carriage in the middle and handles and cables for the upper body. In class, you move slowly and continuously, transitioning between exercises with minimal rest so your muscles stay under tension for longer. The pace is deliberately slow — and that’s exactly what makes it intense. Expect your muscles to shake.
Like Reformer Pilates, Lagree is low-impact: there is no jumping or pounding, which is kind to your joints. The difference is the goal of each exercise: Lagree works your muscles towards fatigue to build strength and endurance.
You’ll leave feeling: like you’ve had a full-body strength session — challenged, energised and proud of it.
Discover more: Lagree in Abu Dhabi
Lagree vs Reformer Pilates at a glance
| Reformer Pilates | Lagree | |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | Reformer: carriage, springs, footbar and straps | Megaformer: carriage, springs, front and back platforms, handles |
| Pace | Controlled and flowing | Slow and continuous, minimal rest |
| Intensity | Adjustable, from gentle to athletic | High-intensity, low-impact |
| Focus | Core control, alignment, mobility, posture | Strength, muscular endurance, conditioning |
| Feel after class | Taller, looser, centred | Worked, shaky, energised |
| Great for | Beginners, posture, recovery, mindful movement | Building strength and endurance without impact |
| At The Reformr | Shams Boutik, Al Reem Island | Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiyah |
Which should you choose?
There’s no wrong answer, but your goals and how you like to feel during a workout will point you in one direction.
Choose Reformer Pilates if you…
- are new to exercise, or coming back after a break;
- want to improve posture, mobility and core control;
- are recovering from an injury — with clearance from your doctor or physiotherapist, and after telling your instructor;
- enjoy precise, mindful movement where technique comes first;
- prefer a ladies-only class — available at our Pilates studio.
Choose Lagree if you…
- want a challenging strength workout that is still gentle on your joints;
- enjoy pushing to the point where your muscles shake;
- are looking to build muscular endurance and full-body conditioning;
- like the focus that comes with slow, continuous, demanding work.
Still unsure? Book a tryout class of each. Most people know within one class which feeling they love — and many discover they love both.
Can you do both?
Absolutely, and they complement each other beautifully. Reformer Pilates sharpens the control, alignment and mobility that make you move better in Lagree; Lagree builds the strength and stamina that make Pilates exercises feel easier to control.
A balanced week could include a couple of Pilates classes and one or two Lagree classes, with rest days in between. Listen to your body, and ask your instructor to help you plan the mix that suits your goals.
To make this easy, our Mixed package lets you choose Pilates or Lagree class by class, at either studio. It comes as 10 or 20 classes — see all options on our prices and packages page.
Common questions
Is Lagree harder than Reformer Pilates?
It’s different rather than simply harder. Lagree is designed to be intense from start to finish, while Reformer Pilates can be made gentle or very demanding depending on the class. An Athletic Reformr. class will challenge even very fit clients.
Is Lagree suitable for beginners?
Yes. Everything on the Megaformer can be adjusted, and our coaches guide first-timers through each position and transition. Start with a tryout class and tell your coach it’s your first time.
I’m pregnant or have an injury. Which should I choose?
Speak to your doctor first. For pregnancy, we require your physician’s approval before prenatal Reformer Pilates. For injuries, tell us when you book so your instructor can advise whether a group class, a private session or a different class is the right place to start.
What should I wear?
Fitted, comfortable clothing that moves with you — loose clothing can catch on the springs and carriage. Grip socks are required on the reformer; for Lagree, check with reception when you book.
Try both in Abu Dhabi
- The Reformr Pilates Studio — Shams Boutik, 1st floor, Al Reem Island. Ladies-only and mixed Reformer Pilates classes, from Beginner to Athletic. Explore our Reformer Pilates classes.
- The Reformr Lagree Studio — Abu Dhabi Mall, 1st floor, Al Zahiyah. Slow, intense, low-impact training on the Megaformer.
Whichever you choose first, we can’t wait to welcome you.
