Lagree: the story behind the workout method that’s revolutionizing fitness!

Sebastien Lagree, Founder and Creator of Lagree Fitness

Why Lagree? The Evolution of a Smarter, Stronger Workout

In the early 2000s, Sebastien Lagree set out to change the way we train. Drawing inspiration from the foundational principles of Pilates—like core strength, control, and alignment—he saw an opportunity to evolve the method into something more dynamic, efficient, and results-driven.

The result was the Lagree Fitness Method, officially launched around 2001. Built on the core tenets of Pilates, Lagree integrates strength training, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular intensity—all performed on a specialized machine called the Megaformer.

Unlike traditional Pilates, Lagree emphasizes slow, controlled movements under tension, pushing muscles to their limit while minimizing impact on the joints. It's high-intensity, yet low-impact. Intense, yet safe. And it delivers powerful full-body results in less time than most conventional workouts.

Sebastien Lagree’s vision was born from a simple insight: while Pilates is elegant and effective, many people were seeking something more comprehensive—something that could build strength, tone the body, challenge the heart, and transform the mind. Lagree is that next step. It’s not just an evolution of Pilates—it’s a revolution in the way we train.

Whether you're already a Pilates lover or completely new to this style of movement, Lagree offers an elevated experience—smart, sophisticated, and designed for real transformation.

From Obsession to Innovation: The Lagree Origin Story

What began as a teenage obsession with fitness became one of the most revolutionary training methods in the industry. At just 13 years old, Sebastien Lagree fell in love with weightlifting while growing up in his home country of France. By 24, he had moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting—but it was his side job as a personal trainer that would quietly set the stage for something far bigger.

In 1998, Sebastien was introduced to Pilates. While he appreciated its focus on control and alignment, he began experimenting—blending traditional Pilates techniques with strength training principles. He noticed something remarkable: his clients were transforming faster, gaining strength, tone, and endurance in record time. This was the spark.

By 2001, he had opened his first Lagree studio—in his tiny apartment behind a popular restaurant in L.A. His style evolved from private Pilates sessions to dynamic group bootcamps, using modified reformers and an approach rooted in intensity and precision.

As demand grew, so did Sebastien’s vision. In 2006, he released the Proformer—a machine engineered specifically for his method. It sold quickly. Clients wanted them at home. Aspiring studio owners wanted them in their spaces.

In 2007, the next generation arrived: the Megaformer. This now-iconic machine pushed the method to new heights—allowing for high-intensity, low-impact, full-body workouts that were unlike anything else in the industry.

Today, Lagree Fitness is its own category, distinct from Pilates, with over 700 studios across 45 countries. Backed by science and engineered for results, the method is constantly evolving—but its core mission remains the same: a smarter, safer, more effective way to train.

At Forma Fitness Studio, we’re proud to bring this powerful method to Portugal—where premium fitness meets precision, performance, and lasting transformation. 

Sebastien and Senior Master Trainer Heather