Trying to lose weight and wondering whether to choose Lagree or Pilates? You’re not alone. Both workouts are popular. Both claim to sculpt your body and boost your fitness. But which one actually helps you lose more weight?
This is an honest, detailed look at Lagree and Pilates. We’ll compare how each one works, what makes them different, and which one burns more fat. If you’re stuck between the two, this guide will help you decide.
Let’s dive in and break it all down.
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact workout that focuses on core strength, posture, flexibility, and control. It was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. Today, it’s practiced around the world in many forms.
There are two main types of Pilates:
- Mat Pilates
You use just a mat and your bodyweight. Sometimes, small props like rings, balls, or bands are added. - Reformer Pilates
You use a special machine called a Reformer. It uses springs, straps, and pulleys to add resistance.
Both styles aim to tone muscles, improve posture, and build deep core strength. The movements are slow and controlled. You work with your breath and focus on alignment.
Pilates may not make you sweat buckets, but don’t underestimate it. It’s tough in a quiet way.
What Is Lagree?
Lagree is often called “Pilates on steroids.” It was created by Sebastien Lagree. It also uses a machine, the Megaformer, which looks like a reformer but is more intense.
Lagree mixes strength training, cardio, core work, and balance into one fast-paced session. The workouts are usually 40 to 50 minutes long. You move slowly but with constant tension. There’s little rest between moves.
The focus in Lagree is time under tension. That means your muscles are always working. You shake, sweat, and feel the burn right away.
Lagree is harder than Pilates for most people. It’s like Pilates with added resistance, tempo, and intensity.
What’s the Main Goal of Each?
Pilates is about control, core strength, and body awareness. It’s excellent for posture, injury prevention, and gentle strengthening.
Lagree is about intensity, endurance, and strength. It builds muscle and burns fat at the same time.
That’s where the weight loss difference starts to show.
Calorie Burn: Which One Burns More?
Let’s talk numbers. When it comes to losing weight, burning calories matters.
Pilates (mat or reformer) burns about 180 to 250 calories per hour. This can be more if you’re doing a higher-paced reformer class, but it’s still on the lower end.
Lagree burns around 350 to 600 calories per session. That’s a big jump. Why? Because Lagree includes more resistance, less rest, and more effort.
The Megaformer keeps your muscles under constant stress. You also get your heart rate up and keep it up. That means you burn more during the workout, and after it too.
Winner for calorie burn: Lagree.
Which One Builds More Lean Muscle?
Muscle matters for weight loss. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories your body burns even when you’re resting.
Pilates builds long, lean muscle. It focuses more on deep core muscles and alignment. It doesn’t usually add bulk. It’s more about muscle endurance than growth.
Lagree, on the other hand, challenges your entire body. It combines resistance with short rest. That builds more visible muscle tone. Over time, this can boost your metabolism more than Pilates alone.
If your goal is a toned, sculpted body and a faster metabolism, Lagree will get you there faster.
Winner for muscle-building: Lagree.
Intensity Level: How Hard Are These Workouts?
Pilates is low-intensity. That makes it great for beginners, people recovering from injury, or anyone looking for a gentle but effective workout. You’ll feel muscles you didn’t know existed, but you won’t be drenched in sweat.
Lagree is high-intensity. You move slowly, but you feel the burn. Most people shake through the entire workout. It challenges your strength, balance, and stamina all at once.
You’ll leave a Lagree class feeling sore, sweaty, and accomplished.
Winner for intensity: Lagree.
How Often Can You Do Them?
Pilates is safe to do every day if you want. It’s low-impact and gentle on joints. You don’t need long recovery times between sessions.
Lagree is harder on the body. It’s best to give your muscles rest in between. Most people do Lagree 2 to 4 times a week.
If you’re just starting out, you may want to mix both. Do Pilates more often, and Lagree a few times a week for added burn.
Winner for frequency: Pilates.
Mental and Physical Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Pilates is great for mental clarity. The focus on breath and form brings a calming effect. Many people say they feel centered and relaxed after class. It also helps with chronic pain, posture issues, and flexibility.
Lagree can also be meditative in its own way. You have to stay focused because it’s so hard. But it’s more intense. The mental benefits come from pushing past limits and building confidence.
If stress relief and mind-body connection are your goals, Pilates is better.
Winner for mental clarity: Pilates.
Who Should Do Pilates?
- Beginners
- People with injuries or joint pain
- Seniors or those who prefer gentle movement
- Anyone looking to improve posture, balance, and mobility
- People who enjoy slow, focused workouts
Who Should Do Lagree?
- People with some fitness background
- Those looking to lose fat and tone fast
- Anyone who wants a high-intensity, low-impact workout
- Busy people who want maximum results in under an hour
- People who get bored easily and want a challenge
What If You Did Both?
Here’s the best part. You don’t have to choose one or the other.
Many people combine both. They do Lagree a few times a week to burn fat and build muscle. Then they use Pilates to recover, improve posture, and stay grounded.
You can alternate days. Or do Lagree two times a week and add a gentle mat Pilates session on the weekend.
This combo gives you the best of both worlds. Strength, fat burn, flexibility, and core control.
So, Which One Is Better for Weight Loss?
If we’re being honest, Lagree wins when it comes to burning fat and building lean muscle fast. It burns more calories, challenges your whole body, and gives visible results sooner.
But that doesn’t mean Pilates isn’t valuable. If you’re new to working out, Pilates is the perfect place to start. It prepares your body for harder workouts like Lagree.
And if weight loss is your only goal, don’t forget that what you eat matters even more than your workout.
Final Thoughts
Lagree is intense. It’s sweaty. It works fast. If you want quick changes and a toned body, it’s a great choice for weight loss.
Pilates is smoother. It’s gentle. It builds strength in a different way. If you’re looking for something kinder to your joints or to manage stress while staying fit, it’s a great option.
At the end of the day, the best workout is the one you’ll stick with.
If you love Pilates, you’ll show up. That matters more than anything.
If you crave challenge and change, Lagree will push you.
Try both. See what fits your life and body better. You might even love doing both. And that’s when the real results begin.
