A global fitness trend is gaining momentum, marketed as “Not Pilates” yet drawing on the best of both Pilates and bodybuilding. The Lagree Method uses powerful, slow-tempo movements on large Megaformers to deliver a full-body workout that is intense, science-driven, and surprisingly accessible. In Thailand, fitness clubs and studios are taking note as health-conscious audiences seek efficient, low-impact options that still burn calories and build strength.
The movement began with Sebastien Lagree, a Paris-born fitness entrepreneur who relocated to Los Angeles. He noticed clients craved more cardio and challenge than traditional Pilates offered. Combining Pilates-inspired resistance with free weights and multi-joint movements, he developed workouts in his living room before opening a studio. The core equipment soon evolved into the Megaformer, a sturdy, 400-pound machine designed for sustained muscle engagement and high-intensity training.
Lagree distinguishes itself from classic Pilates through its high-intensity approach. Sessions emphasize slow, controlled movements, full-body engagement, and quick transitions with minimal rest. A typical class involves spending time on the Megaformer, with moves like slow squats, rows, and planks that push heart rate toward cardiovascular zones. Practitioners often report a demanding workout that delivers both strength and endurance benefits.
What makes the method distinctive is its integrated fitness philosophy. Every session targets endurance, strength, cardio, flexibility, and body composition. While some movements overlap with Pilates—such as the use of springs and sliding carriages—the Lagree method prioritizes maximal muscle engagement and continuous effort. Advocates highlight improved cardiorespiratory fitness, greater muscular strength, lean muscle growth, heightened core strength and balance, and potential mood-enhancing effects.
Scientific interest aligns with these claims. Research suggests that resistance training performed with extended time under tension stimulates muscle growth and fat loss. Lagree’s slow, controlled pace can drive muscle development while keeping joint impact lower than many high-impact regimens. The approach is often described as delivering a cardio workout within a resistance-based framework, which may appeal to Thais seeking safer, joint-friendly options for cardiovascular and strength training.
Thai enthusiasts who know Pilates from reformer studios in Bangkok or Chiang Mai may initially think Lagree is simply a turbocharged version of Pilates. Yet instructors emphasize clear differences: Pilates aims for low-intensity, rehabilitative movement, while Lagree pushes muscles toward fatigue to achieve rapid metabolic responses. In a country facing rising urban lifestyles and aging demographics, high-intensity, low-impact options could have substantial public health value, especially when considering accessibility for those mitigating joint pain or recovering from injuries.
There is a growing concern about “gray area” studios offering hybrids without official Lagree licensing, which can confuse consumers. Lagree himself stresses that genuine Megaformers are used only in licensed studios to ensure the workout’s safety and fidelity. He also notes that mixing elements of classical Pilates with Lagree can yield optimal results, underscoring that both approaches have their strengths.
Thailand has long embraced fusion approaches in wellness, blending traditional practices with modern fitness trends. Pilates has found a place in upscale gyms and boutique studios, and the Thai middle class is increasingly aware of lifestyle diseases and preventive health. This creates fertile ground for hybrid fitness concepts like Lagree, with local studios experimenting with reformer-inspired workouts and bold new equipment. However, import costs for Megaformers and licensing fees could keep Lagree-style sessions premium in the near term. As demand grows, more affordable adaptations may emerge, opening opportunities in university recreation centers, hospital wellness programs, and community studios.
The potential public health impact is notable. With rising rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, accessible, evidence-based exercise options can support Thailand’s health goals. In markets where Lagree has flourished, participants report improved muscle tone, mood, and reduced injury risk compared with some high-impact approaches. Thai gyms could explore various paths—adopting Lagree-inspired classes, developing fusion formats, or integrating Thai wellness wisdom with global trends—to broaden participation and improve outcomes.
What should Thai health and fitness leaders take away? First, prioritize accessibility by adapting high-quality, science-backed protocols to local needs and resources. Second, educate the public about the science behind different modalities—their physical, mental health, rehabilitation, and anti-aging benefits—to motivate broad participation across ages and regions.
For readers curious about this “Pilates-meets-bodybuilding” phenomenon, practical steps include exploring both traditional Pilates and higher-intensity, low-impact group formats. Inquire at local gyms about new class options and equipment, and consider the benefits of combining strength, cardio, and flexibility in one session. Even home workouts can begin with slow, controlled bodyweight movements, mindful breathing, and core engagement.
As Thailand continues to blend global wellness trends with local practices, the Lagree boom offers a compelling lesson: flexibility and adaptation are key. Whether studios adopt the method itself, create fusion classes, or integrate Thai fitness philosophies with modern science, the overarching message is clear—find a sustainable blend that keeps people moving, learning, and pursuing healthier lives.
For further reading, see:
- Research and commentary on Lagree’s science of fitness
- Articles highlighting the Megaformer trend and its health implications
- Public health insights from Thailand’s health authorities