If you've walked past a Lagree studio in London and wondered what the fuss is about — this is for you. Lagree is not Pilates. It is not HIIT. It is its own thing.
The short version
Lagree is a 45-minute group fitness class performed on a spring-loaded carriage apparatus. The movements are slow, controlled, and held under continuous tension. The goal is muscle fibre failure — the involuntary shake — within 60–90 seconds per move. The result is a workout that builds strength and burns hard, without joint impact.
Who invented it
Sebastien Lagree, a French fitness entrepreneur, developed the method in the 1990s and 2000s. The apparatus he invented — the Megaformer — became the cornerstone of his brand. Lagree Fitness Inc. now licenses the method and apparatus to 2,000+ studios worldwide. In recent years, smaller versions of the apparatus (the Micro Pro, the Evo) have made the method accessible to compact boutique studios in cities like London.
What HILIT actually means
HILIT — High-Intensity, Low-Impact Training — is the category Lagree invented. The intensity comes from sustained muscle engagement under load. The low-impact comes from eliminating jumping, jarring, ballistic movement, and sudden direction change. You get the cardiovascular and muscular response of high-intensity training without the joint cost.
This is why Lagree has accelerated in the UK since 2022. Bodies in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond can't sustain the impact load of CrossFit-style training over decades — but they can sustain Lagree. It's a method designed for longevity.
The shake
"The shake" is the involuntary muscle tremor that signals you've reached fibre failure. In Lagree, the shake is not a sign of weakness — it's the point. It is the visible cue that slow-twitch fibres have run out of glycogen and are recruiting deeper. When an instructor says "find your shake," they are asking you to push your body to the biologically optimal threshold for muscle adaptation.
The 8 principles
The Method is governed by eight principles every certified Lagree instructor learns:
- Effective angle
- Tempo (4 counts up, 4 counts down)
- Tension (continuous, no momentum)
- Duration (60–90 seconds per move)
- Range (precise, full-range)
- Resistance (spring choice as a programming variable)
- Form (alignment under load)
- Transitions (seamless flow)
If you want the deeper dive, read the full method page →
Why it's not Pilates
Both use a carriage and spring resistance. The similarity ends there. Pilates prioritises flexibility, alignment, and core stability through controlled, repeatable movement. Lagree prioritises muscular failure through sustained, slow-burn tension. A Pilates teacher cues for grace. A Lagree teacher cues for the shake.
Who Lagree is for
Almost everyone, with one caveat. The Micro Pro and Megaformer spring system can be modified to accommodate every body type, from elite athletes to those in recovery. Spring choice is the variable — light springs reduce load, heavy springs increase it. We've trained 70-year-olds and pro footballers in the same class.
The caveat: it is demanding. You will be tired after your first class. You will shake. You will probably sweat through your top. Come hydrated, wear grip socks, eat something an hour before.
How often should you do it?
2–4 sessions per week is the sweet spot. Daily Lagree is too much — your slow-twitch fibres need 48–72 hours to recover. Most consistent practitioners settle into 3 sessions per week, with one rest or active recovery day between each. More on cadence →
Where to try it in London
If you're in London Bridge, come to Sloane — we are London's first studio dedicated to the Lagree Micro Pro apparatus. Try Me: 2 classes for £38, or 14 days unlimited for £130. See class options →
If you want to teach it
Once you've taken 10+ classes and the method makes sense, you might consider teacher training. The Sloane Lagree Training is a 4-day intensive in London Bridge issuing official Level 1 Lagree Fitness HQ certification. Next cohorts 26–29 June & September 2026 — tuition shared on application. Apply now →