Lagree Method Workout: The Complete Guide

If you're a fitness fanatic, you've probably heard the Lagree method workout mentioned in casual conversation, and if you've never heard of it before, well, then you're in the right place.

Many might argue that the Lagree method workout is just another form of Pilates. Refinery29 reports that some even refer to it as "Pilates on steroids" (if you've ever lived through a Pilates class, you know just how loaded that phrase is). Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Meghan Markle, and Khloé Kardashian are all fans of this grueling workout method. So, what exactly does it entail? And why are celebrities such big fans of it?

First things first: The Lagree Fitness method is named after Sebastien Lagree, and as you've probably guessed, he's the mastermind behind this popular workout. These workouts have some things in common with Pilates, but the Lagree method has a style that's all its own (via Lagreefit415). Sebastien's goal with Lagree was to create an exercise method that gives people an effective full-body workout while using movements that are low-impact. Pretty cool, right? This means you can go hard without risking injury. Sebastien first started working on the Lagree method in 1998, and now people are starting to take to it like ducks to water. Are you curious yet? Read on for everything you need to know about this popular workout method.

Speaking to Refinery29, Lagree instructor Nicole Byrnes explained that if you're looking for a complete full-body workout that's very likely to give you the results you seek, Lagree workouts might be the answer. "It is a total-body workout that improves endurance, flexibility, and strength," she explains, adding that this is one of the reasons it's so popular among celebrities. She says that you'll see the fruit of your labor pretty soon and that the classes are also easy to stick to because they're not super long — they usually range between 35 and 50 minutes.

According to The Lagree Method's website, these workouts will effectively push your body to the intensity threshold that produces results. Lagree incorporates various foundations of fitness, which include time under tension, slow movements, sensory-motor training, superset succession, rapid circuit training, and the famous mind/body connection. The time under tension for Lagree workouts is longer than typical workouts, with sets that continue for up to two minutes. You'll also be performing each movement for a count of eight or more (yikes!) and working on balance exercises to improve your sensory motor skills. As for supersets — different exercise movements that work the same muscles, performed in a row — you'll encounter them throughout your workout, along with circuit training, which means you'll be switching between exercises at breakneck speed (hello, cardio!). Last, but not least, Lagree workouts also focus on cultivating the mind/body connection by encouraging participants to stay focused on the muscles that are firing throughout each exercise.

As you've probably already guessed, a Lagree workout, while incredibly challenging, has many benefits if you do it consistently. According to Amanda Freeman, who is the founder and CEO of the workout studio SLT, you won't have to wait a long time to see results, in fact, you'll notice differences in your body after attending just a few sessions. "Obliques become more visible, glutes are lifted, and abs are flattened," Freeman told Glamour. Okay, now they have our attention.

According to Lagreefit415, you can expect way more than rock-hard abs after a few sessions. These workouts will promote muscle growth and bone health while also boosting your stamina and cardiovascular strength. Your flexibility will also improve and you might notice changes in your body composition. Additionally, these workouts combat poor posture and improve balance and coordination. It will also give your body image and self-esteem a boost. Lower stress levels and an overall better mood are also great side effects of this grueling workout. Another perk is an increased metabolic rate, so if weight loss is one of your goals, this workout method will definitely help you achieve it. Needless to say, as challenging as these workouts are, they sure work hard to help you get your body in the best shape it can be.

Before you go to your first Lagree class, there's something you need to know: You're going to be challenged. You should also keep in mind that this is not Pilates, so even if you've been acing Pilates for ages, it doesn't mean this class won't be hard. In fact, Lagree instructor Nicole Byrnes told Refinery29 that you can expect to find some of "the most challenging elements of Pilates" combined with cardio and classic strength training. Our muscles are already burning just thinking about it.

"You transition quickly from one move to the next, but the exercises move at a very slow pace," Byrnes explains, adding that the Megaformer will challenge your body in ways you've never encountered. She also notes that the slow-paced movements will develop your stamina and activate your slow-twitch muscles. You can expect to encounter movements you've never seen before and will likely develop a newfound respect for your body after you make it through a class — Byrnes says the slow movements paired with the resistance of the Megaformer are "brutal."

According to The Lagree Method's website, you can expect a workout that's made up of low-impact exercises, but don't be fooled — you won't be getting any time to rest during transitions. You'll move smoothly from one exercise to the next, which means you'll be reaping all the benefits of a high-intensity workout.

As you've probably realized by now, Lagree classes pack quite the punch, and here's the most startling part: There are no breaks between the exercises, according to Self. Yup, you heard that right. But before you decide never to set foot in a Lagree studio, keep in mind that just because there aren't any scheduled breaks doesn't mean that you can't rest when you need it. If you need a water break or know that your muscles need a quick rest, take a moment to do just that. You might be in a group class, but you still control your workout.

Something else to keep in mind is not to rush a Lagree workout. "With nearly everything we do in life, 'the faster, the better' is our motto. However, that doesn't apply to movements on the Megaformer," founder of SLT fitness studio, Amanda Freeman, told Popsugar. "When we move slowly, we engage our slow-twitch muscle fibers that lead to longer and leaner muscle development," she adds. Yes, the slower you move, the more that burn will set in, and the more intense your workout will be. Lagree is not about getting in as many reps as possible in the shortest amount of time. The focus is on making the muscle work as hard as possible, and that means slowing down the movement. Now you know.

Timing your meals right is imperative when you know you've scheduled a Lagree class for the day. According to Self, some of the movements you're likely to encounter during your workout won't agree with a full stomach, and you might find yourself feeling nauseated. At the same time, attempting a Lagree workout on an empty stomach is an equally bad idea — this grueling routine takes a lot out of your body, and you'll hardly be able to keep up if you haven't eaten anything. So, what should you do?

Speaking to Yahoo! Life, Lagree instructor Mary Miller recommended that you opt for a snack beforehand, like yogurt with granola, apple slices, peanut butter, or even a trail mix. Self recommends you eat your snacks no less than 30 minutes before class starts. If you're going to eat a full meal, do so at least two hours ahead of class to allow your body enough time to digest the food. And if you forget to eat well ahead of time, opt for a small snack rather than going in on an empty stomach — the latter will feel much worse.

It's incredibly important to stretch after any workout, and Lagree is no different. You might very well have a hard time walking the next day if you don't take a few minutes to show your muscles some love after an intense session on the Megaformer.

According to Women's Health, the Lagree instructor will usually guide the class through some stretches post-workout, but you should definitely not rely on that to keep you from walking like a robot the next day. Lagree instructor Cheri Byrd recommends you stay after class (if possible) and do some additional stretches before going about the rest of your day. "One of my favorite stretches is to just throw on a red and yellow spring, grab a foot strap, and lay down on the carriage while stretching out my leg," she says.

Something else to keep in mind is that Lagree is super intense, which means signing up for several classes on consecutive days is a bad idea. Two to three days a week are more than enough and will give your body enough time to recover between sessions. "We always suggest three times a week," Lagree instructor Mary Miller told Yahoo! Life, adding that she only recommends a fourth class to people who are seasoned Lagree students. "Your body does need to rest because your body is working up to 48 hours after you leave class, so you need a day to recover," Miller cautions.