The Origins of Pilates and Lagree Fitness Method

As you know, the Lagree Fitness Method shares many of its core principles with Pilates, and in fact, most likely wouldn’t exist had Pilates not been created. Knowing that, I’d like to discuss the origins of Pilates and how it became such a popular workout over the years, as well as explaining how the Lagree Fitness Method originated and why it’s gained so much popularity since its inception.

Pilates is an exercise method created by Joseph Pilates. Born in Germany in 1883, Joseph Pilates developed the method during the first half of the 20th century as a way to rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I. He later moved to the United States with his wife Clara. There, they opened a studio in New York City where they taught the method, which they called "Contrology."

The Pilates method focuses on core strength, flexibility, and balance. It incorporates exercises performed on specialized equipment, called reformers, as well as utilizing mat exercises. Over time, Pilates gained global popularity not only for its rehabilitation purposes, but also for general fitness and well-being.

The Lagree Fitness method was created by Sebastien Lagree in the early 2000s and it was officially introduced as a distinct method separate from traditional Pilates around the year 2001. Over the years, this high-intensity, low-impact muscular endurance workout utilizing exercises performed on a machine called the Megaformer has evolved. Lagree has continuously refined both the exercises and the equipment used, most notably the Megaformer, to optimize the workout's effectiveness and efficiency. The method merges the principles of Pilates with strength training and cardio elements. Sebastien Lagree developed this method to offer a more intense and comprehensive workout than traditional Pilates, emphasizing slow, controlled movements and muscle engagement. The Lagree Fitness method has gained popularity for its ability to provide a challenging full-body workout in a short amount of time.

Sebastien Lagree developed the Lagree Fitness method in response to his observation that there was a gap between the benefits of traditional Pilates and the need for a more intense, time-efficient, and comprehensive workout. While he appreciated the principles of Pilates, especially its emphasis on core strength, balance, and flexibility, he believed that there could be improvements to better cater to those seeking a more challenging and integrated workout regimen. Here are some of the reasons and experiences with Pilates that prompted Lagree to create his unique method.

• Intensity & Efficiency: Sebastien wanted to create a workout that was more intense than traditional Pilates, merging strength, cardio, endurance, balance, and flexibility in a single session.
• Muscle Endurance: Traditional Pilates was more focused on core strength and flexibility. Sebastien wanted a method that would also challenge muscular endurance to sculpt and tone the body.
• Innovation in Equipment: Not feeling entirely satisfied with the traditional Pilates reformer, Lagree developed the Megaformer, a piece of equipment that allows for a wider range of movements and offers more resistance and functionality, making it more suitable for his high-intensity workouts.
• Low Impact: Despite its intensity, Lagree wanted the method to remain low-impact, thus ensuring its safety and reducing the risk of injury, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels.
• Evolving Needs: Recognizing the changing fitness landscape and people's desire for efficient and effective workouts, Lagree sought to develop a method that could deliver noticeable results in less time.

It was the culmination of these motivations and insights that led to the creation of the Lagree Fitness method, which has since gained significant popularity due to both its effectiveness and efficiency.

If you enjoy the traditional Pilates method, we’re sure you will appreciate the added intensity and wider range of exercises available to you utilizing the Lagree Fitness method. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about the suitability of Lagree in your workout routine.