Home/Lagree vs Pilates Teacher Training
A practical guide · Updated June 2026
Lagree and Pilates teacher training, compared.
Two distinct teacher training pathways for two distinct methods. This is a practical, evenhanded look at what each involves and what each is built for.
Pilates and Lagree are often discussed together because both methods use a spring-loaded carriage. The teacher training pathways for each, however, are quite different — different durations, different formats, different scopes. If you are choosing between them, the right question isn't which is "better" but which fits the teaching practice you want to build.
The two pathways at a glance
Comprehensive Pilates teacher training is a long-form education — typically 9–18 months, 450+ contact hours, delivered through one of the established Pilates schools. You learn multiple pieces of apparatus (reformer, Cadillac, chair, barrel, mat), with deep grounding in anatomy and a pathway into clinical and rehab work.
Lagree teacher training is a focused, single-apparatus pathway. The Lagree Fitness HQ Level 1 certification is delivered as a 4-day intensive on a single apparatus (Megaformer or Micro Pro), with prerequisites and on-going advanced courses available afterwards. Sloane is the official Level 1 provider in London.
The structured comparison
| Lagree teacher training | Comprehensive Pilates teacher training | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 4-day intensive plus prerequisites | 9–18 months, multiple modules |
| Contact hours | ~24 hours in-studio plus pre-reading | 450+ hours typical |
| Apparatus covered | One — Micro Pro or Megaformer | Multiple — reformer, Cadillac, chair, barrel, mat |
| Certifying body | Lagree Fitness HQ (centralised) | Multiple respected schools (BASI, Polestar, STOTT, others) |
| Clinical / rehab scope | Limited — focused on fitness | Strong — long tradition of rehab and physio integration |
| Time to first paid class | 1–8 weeks post-certification | 2–6 months post-certification |
| Recurring fees | None — certification doesn't expire | Varies by school |
What each pathway is best for
A comprehensive Pilates training is the right choice if you want a long, deep education across multiple apparatus; if you are drawn to alignment, flexibility, and rehab work; if you want to teach mat alongside the studio apparatus; or if you have time and capital for an extended commitment.
A Lagree certification is the right choice if you want a focused, single-apparatus pathway; if you are drawn to the high-intensity, low-impact strength side of boutique fitness; or if you want a globally recognised credential you can earn in a single intensive.
Many teachers do both, in either order. A Pilates background gives you anatomy depth that strengthens any Lagree training. A Lagree certification adds a specialised single-apparatus credential to a Pilates teaching career. Roughly half of our cohort members come from a Pilates background.
The honest reality of each
Comprehensive Pilates training is a serious time and capital commitment. Many who begin don't finish, and the schools rightly screen carefully. The reward is a deep, respected qualification with broad apparatus scope.
Lagree training is shorter and more focused, but it is also intense. Four days is a lot to absorb. The day-four practical assessment is real. Vetting your provider matters — look for an official Lagree HQ certification, named Master Trainer faculty, and a clear post-certification pathway.
The Sloane Lagree Training
Sloane runs the official Level 1 Lagree certification in London Bridge — a 4-day intensive on the Micro Pro, Master Trainer–led by Melissa Mestelan or Sarah Reimann, depending on the cohort. Next cohorts 26–29 June & September 2026. Apply → or see dates and tuition.