Reformer Pilates vs Lagree: Why Everyone Mixes Them Up (and Why I Stick to Classical Pilates)

I hear it all the time: “Oh, you teach Pilates? I go to “proceeds to mention a Lagree studio.”

And honestly, I get it. From the outside, the machines look kind of similar. They both slide, they both have springs, the movements look slow and controlled, and both make your muscles shake. So people assume it’s the same workout with a different name.

But once you’ve actually trained properly in both, you realise how different they feel.

I do go to Lagree sometimes, especially when I want that really intense, burn-every-muscle kind of session. Lagree is heavy, fiery and very fast-paced in its own controlled way. It’s designed to make you shake, hold positions forever and basically challenge every muscle you have. The Megaformer is built for that.

At MAD MAYFAIR

Classical Reformer Pilates is just… different. The energy is softer but deeper. It’s more about intention and control. You focus on your alignment, your breath, how you place your body, how you move from your core rather than just pushing through tension. You end up feeling longer, calmer and more connected, not wiped out.

And honestly, the Cadillac is my favourite thing ever. I could live on that machine. The stretch, the opening, the strength, the support… It makes my body feel completely reset. It allows me to move in a way that feels intelligent and freeing at the same time. Nothing compares.

At Aura Pilates

So yes, I understand why people mix Lagree and Reformer together. They do look similar from the outside. But the intention behind each movement is totally different. Lagree wants intensity. Pilates wants precision. Lagree is about tension and fatigue. Pilates is about control and awareness.

They both have their space in the fitness world, but my body always feels its best when I stay with classical Pilates, especially on the Cadillac. It just feels right for me.