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Tag: Lagree

Information and details on the Lagree Method and how it is applied to fitness at Higher Terrain.

Lagree or Pilates: Which is the best workout?

Pilates is booming world wide, in 2025 being the most booked group class around the globe, with still a niche Lagree Method classes close behind. So which group fitness class is right for you? A Pilates class focuses on core, alignment, breath, and mobility. But don’t be fooled, it is a workout, just under a lower intensity environment. A Lagree Method class is designed to build strength, and endurance using many full body, functional movements that allow zero rest in a higher intensity workout. Looking to get fit, and stay strong in 2026? Try a Pilates or Lagree class with us and find the best workout in Aspen for you!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain team

5 Pilates Myths

Pilates is a popular exercise method that has been a mainstay in the fitness industry since the 90s. However, its wide spread popularity has also come with a cloud of myths. Higher Terrain is here to set the story straight!

MYTH 1. Pilates is for women

Pilates developed by Joseph Pilates actually developed the exercise method initially for men. It since became popular amongst ballet dancers, and slowly transformed into a method sought out by women. To debunk this myth, it’s important to note that Pilates does not have a gender. Anyone can take advantage of the many benefits of Pilates from core strength, flexibility, and mobility.

MYTH 2.

Pilates is just stretching

We challenge anyone who is under the impression that Pilates is just stretching to take a private or group Reformer class with us to experience first hand that Pilates is a great balanced, low impact, full body workout that can be very challenging!

MYTH 3.

Lagree is Pilates

Lagree, a method developed by Sebastien Lagree a personal trainer, and Pilates instructor, has been confused with the popular Pilates method from the get go. The Megaformer used in Lagree, and the Pilates Reformer used in Pilates are both spring based exercise machines, both are low impact, but the methods and exercises could not be more different. Lagree focuses on muscle fatigue, while Pilates focuses on core also referred to as the power house, breath, flexibility, and mobility. We’re here to set the record straight -Lagree is not Pilates!

MYTH 4.

You can’t develop muscle tone doing Pilates

Using a system of springs, and the overload principle, anyone can increase muscle tone, and strength doing Pilates. There are a variety of spring choices ranging from light to heavy for the perfect combination for anyone looking to find a low impact workout, that can also increase muscle bulk, and tone.

MYTH 5.

Pilates is expensive

While Pilates has definitely become associated with the rich and famous there are many methods, and platforms that anyone can take advantage of. Whether you do private Pilates, group Reformer classes, or use various online platforms like Pilates Anytime, Pilates is accessible to anyone.

We hope to see you in the studio!

Love, and Planks!

Higher Terrain Team

 

Lagree for Skiers

The Lagree method can help improve your skiing by improving balance, and stability, strengthening lower body muscles, and reducing your overall risk of injury. Lagree exercises are performed standing on the machine while performing functional movements like squats, and lunges which target quads, gluts, and hamstrings. The nature of the method “time under tension” is useful in building endurance in these large muscle groups that are used during skiing. Lagree is a great complement to skiing, used as cross training before or after you hit the slopes.

We hope you join us for some Lagree in Aspen!

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain studio

 

Top tips for your first Lagree Class

So you’re ready to take your first Lagree class in Aspen. Even if you’re a Pilates pro, Lagree isn’t like your regular Pilates class. Check out our tips below to ensure you’re on your A-game!

  1. Bring Grippy Socks: Grip socks are required for all Megaformer classes. The grippy surface on the bottom of the socks keeps you from slipping during the many standing moves on the Megaformer. It also helps keep our studio clean! Don’t have a pair? We sell them at the studio!
  2. Arrive Early – let the instructor know that this is your first class. This gives the instructor time to walk you through the use of the machine, and also gets a heads up you might need some additional help during class.
  3. Choose a Megaformer in the middle: Try to avoid the urge to hide on the end. It’s best to have other students to watch on either side of you. Pick a spot next to an experienced classmate to take your form up a notch!
  4. Don’t let the names of Lagree Exercises confuse you: Focus on the cues the instructor gives you to get in and out of exercises. After a few classes you will start to remember those names. Some may even become your favorite.
  5. Go Slow- Just Breathe: Lagree is hard. There’s no getting around the fact that the method is intense. Make form your priority, and always choose to modify if it means you have better form.
  6. Prepare to be sore: yes you will feel your muscles like never before after those Lagree shakes. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness DOMS is a good thing, it means you pushed past your limits and will be stronger the next time you book your Lagree class

Why we love offseason in Aspen, Colorado

In Aspen, Colorado we love our seasons. Winter has the best powder, summer the warmest days, and bluest skies. However, the locals will tell you it’s the offseason that is their favorite. Spring and fall are amazing times to be in the mountains. Quieter, and longer days also lend time to work on recharging, and shaking off the previous season. Pilates, or Lagree classes are a great way to accomplish both of these tasks. Looking to work on lower body strength, and endurance? Book a Lagree class! Looking to improve, mobility, and flexibility? Sign up for a Pilates Reformer class! Did we mention we have some amazing offseason deals on sale now!

Love, and Planks!

Higher Terrain studio

Pilates for Men: Not Just for Ballerinas

While Pilates started as a rehabilitation method for ballet dancers, it has since evolved into a methodology focusing on core, functional strengthening, posture, and flexibility. Many of these factors could benefit men who tend to overtrain certain joint, and muscles and neglect postural, and flexibility training creating movement imbalances. Pilates, at its simplest, zeroes in on these faulty patterns, creating balance and symmetry. Here are 3 tried and true Pilates for Men exercises that target the major areas of the body men tend to be imbalanced.

  1. Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent, and feet flat on floor. Engage the backs of your legs and lift you hips up so they are in line with your shoulders. Repeat 2-15x reps.
  2. The Swan: Lie on your stomach with your elbows bent at your sides: Engage your back muscles, and lift your chest higher than your hips. Lower back down to starting position. 2-15 reps
  3. Double Leg Side Lift: Lie on your side with your legs straight and stacked. Engage your obliques, and lift both legs off the floor. Repeat 2-15 reps.

We hope to see you guys in a Reformer class soon!

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain studio

Lagree or Pilates | Which workout is for me?

All group fitness classes at Higher Terrain Aspen are accessible to any fitness level, however students might be looking for different things in their workout. We’re here to break down the differences between our Lagree Method classes, and Pilates Reformer classes.

Lagree Method Classes

  1. Machine – Megaformer
  2. Fitness goals – Burn calories, build strength, and endurance, improve muscle tone.
  3. Intensity – High intensity, low impact.

Pilates Reformer Class

  1. Machine – Reformer
  2. Fitness Goals – Improve core strength, posture, flexibility, and muscle tone.
  3. Intensity – Low/moderate, low impact.

Still confused? Join us for a class !

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain Aspen

 

How is Lagree different from Pilates?

Are you looking to get in the best shape yet this year? If so, you might consider trying Lagree Method and Pilates Reformer workouts. Both of these versatile total-body workouts are designed to help you improve muscle tone and range of motion, get in shape, and improve your overall fitness level.

A Comprehensive Comparison: Lagree vs Pilates

The Lagree Method utilizes a special machine, the Megaformer, to help you target multiple muscle groups while simultaneously working on your balance, strength, and endurance. It is a high intensity, low impact functional workout targeting multiple muscle groups with a focus on endurance, strength, and full range of movement exercises.

Pilates Reformer likewise targets various muscle groups, however it focuses more on controlled movements, and breathe that build core strength, long lean muscles, and improved coordination. It is ideal for developing muscule strength that is focused on overall strength, flexibility, and stability.

Lagree, with its Megaformer workout, helps to strengthen and reshape your muscles with dynamic exercises, as well as burning tons of calories due to its high intensity. Pilates Reformer focuses on slow, controlled movements designed to elongate your muscles, improve body alignment, and help you move more efficiently.

Whether you’re looking to build muscle, improve your posture or get in the best shape of your life, Lagree and Pilates are great options to incorporate into your workout fitness routine.

Lagree vs Pilates: Are They the Same?

To be perfectly clear, Lagree is not Pilates, and Pilates is not Lagree. While both methods have their amazing benefits, and fit different students, they are two completely different methods that are performed on different machines.

Pilates was a method developed by Joseph Pilates, originally for rehabilitation. It became popular among celebrities in NYC, and quickly hit mainstream fitness as an amazing exercise method that targets and strengthens your core, improves posture, and flexibility. Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates Reformer , Cadillac, Chair as well as other apparatus which are currently used when teaching the Pilates Method.

Sebastien Lagree came to the fitness scene long after Joseph Pilates, developing the Megaformer™, and a completely different method, the Lagree Method, involving super slow movement, and a time under tension based workout utilized to target slow twitch muscles, and focus on complete muscle fatigue.

Which is better, Lagree or Pilates?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive workout with a variety of exercises that can give you toned muscles, improved posture, and greater overall physical fitness, it’s worth considering the main differences between the Lagree method and traditional Pilates. Both offer numerous benefits, but there are several distinct differences in terms of their approach and the outcomes they’re known for producing.

On the surface, traditional Pilates focuses on the utilization of controlled movements to increase muscular strength and flexibility, whereas the Lagree Method, also known as ‘Megaformer’ Pilates, relies on intense, isometric movements to improve core strength and cardiovascular endurance. This type of workout is designed to boost overall fitness and promote general wellbeing.

Potential benefits of the Lagree Method include increased body awareness and balance improvement, increased posture and joint mobility, improved strength, power and endurance, enhanced digestion, circulation, and cardiovascular health, and even weight loss and toning.

Comparatively, traditional Pilates has a number of similar benefits. It is equally effective in targeting the deep, postural muscles that tend to be inhibited by regular gym workouts and can also be beneficial for coordination, posture, spine alignment, joint mobility, strength, and even rehabilitation from injury.

Ultimately, choosing either Lagree or Pilates depends on the needs and fitness level of the individual. Both methods offer the potential for increased fitness and wellbeing, and many studios now offer classes combining elements of both methods for those who want to benefit from the advantages of both.

Understanding the Benefits of Lagree vs. Traditional Pilates

In the Lagree Method, full-body exercises using spring resistance on the Megaformer machine provides resistance without the use of weights, and creates a unique, dynamic approach to fitness. Ultimately, Lagree classes have become popular amongst athletes, dancers, and everyone in between, as it provides a total-body workout with elements of strength training, stretching, and cardio.

Meanwhile, traditional Pilates is a great way to build overall muscle strength, refine postural alignment, encourage joint mobility, and reduce stress. Whichever option you choose, both are excellent paths to a healthier lifestyle.

Both Lagree and Pilates are amazing workouts, and fit any level of fitness enthusiasts. Both offer intensity and variety, and include exercises that target core muscles, emphasizing strength and coordination. The best way to really learn the differences is to try both a Pilates and Lagree workout. Take a class, and learn the difference!

Higher Terrain Fitness is the only Lagree studio in Aspen, offering both Pilates and Lagree classes. We love both fitness methods and are here help you match which type of workout better suites your style and fitness goals.

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain studio