What Is the Megaformer? The Machine Behind the Lagree Method

Discover how the Megaformer powers the Lagree Method and why it has become one of the world’s most innovative approaches to low impact strength training.

What Is a Megaformer?

The Megaformer is a patented fitness machine invented by Sebastien Lagree, creator of the Lagree Method. Specifically engineered for low impact, high intensity strength training, it combines adjustable spring resistance, a moving carriage, and carefully designed platforms to challenge the entire body through slow, controlled movement.

Although it may resemble a Pilates Reformer at first glance, the Megaformer was created for a completely different purpose. Rather than focusing primarily on flexibility, mobility, or rehabilitation, it was designed to build strength, muscular endurance, core stability, balance, and coordination in a single 45 minute workout.

Today, the Megaformer is used exclusively as part of the authentic Lagree Method and has become one of the most recognized pieces of equipment in boutique fitness worldwide.

Why Was the Megaformer Created?

Like every great innovation, the Megaformer was created to solve a problem.

Sebastien Lagree wanted to develop a workout that delivered the benefits of strength training while reducing the repetitive impact associated with many traditional forms of exercise.

He believed people shouldn’t have to choose between an effective workout and one that they could sustain for years to come.

The result was the Lagree Method: a scientifically designed system that combines strength training, muscular endurance, cardiovascular conditioning, balance, coordination, and core stability into one efficient workout.

The Megaformer wasn’t created first with a workout built around it later.

The machine and the method were developed together, with every platform, spring, handle, and movement serving a specific purpose within the Lagree Method.

How Does the Megaformer Work?

Unlike traditional gym equipment, which often isolates individual muscles, the Megaformer encourages the body to work as one integrated system.

The moving carriage creates constant instability, requiring your muscles to remain engaged throughout every exercise.

Adjustable springs provide resistance, while slow, controlled movement keeps the muscles under continuous tension from beginning to end.

Rather than relying on momentum or speed, every repetition demands precision and control.

This combination of continuous muscular tension, progressive overload, and extended time under tension is what makes the Lagree Method such an effective form of strength training.

The machine doesn’t do the work for you.

It simply creates the environment where your muscles have to work harder.

Why Does the Megaformer Feel So Challenging?

One of the most common things we hear after a first class is:

“I didn’t expect it to be that hard.”

From the outside, the movements look slow and controlled.

Inside the workout, however, your muscles are working continuously.

Instead of lifting heavy weights quickly, the Lagree Method asks you to resist movement, control movement, and maintain excellent technique while your muscles remain under constant tension.

This creates deep muscular fatigue without the repetitive impact associated with jumping or running.

Many clients also notice their muscles begin to shake during class.

This is completely normal.

As muscles fatigue, the nervous system recruits additional muscle fibres to maintain movement, often creating the shaking sensation that Lagree is known for.

It’s not a sign that you’re doing something wrong.

It’s simply a sign that your muscles are being challenged.

Even experienced clients continue to experience this sensation as exercises become more advanced and the workout continues to evolve alongside their strength.

Is the Megaformer the Same as a Pilates Reformer?

No.

Although they share some visual similarities, they were designed for different training methods with different objectives.

The Pilates Reformer was created as part of the Pilates Method to improve movement quality, posture, flexibility, body awareness, and control.

The Megaformer was designed specifically for the Lagree Method to develop strength, muscular endurance, and overall fitness while remaining low impact on the joints.

The two machines aren’t different versions of the same equipment.

They are entirely different machines created to deliver different training experiences.

If you’d like to learn more about how they compare, read our page Lagree vs. Pilates.

More Than a Machine

As the popularity of the Lagree Method has grown around the world, so too has the number of machines that resemble the Megaformer.

While some may appear similar, the Megaformer is protected by multiple patents and has been continuously refined over many years by Sebastien Lagree.

More importantly, the Megaformer was never intended to exist independently of the Lagree Method.

The equipment and the method were designed together.

Every spring setting, every platform, every handle, and every exercise serves a specific purpose within the method.

Owning a machine that looks similar to a Megaformer does not mean a studio is teaching the Lagree Method, just as owning a piano does not make someone a concert pianist. The equipment is only one part of the experience. The method, the programming, and the instructor’s expertise are what bring it to life.

Studios offering the authentic Lagree Method operate under a licence from Lagree Fitness, ensuring they use licensed Megaformers and deliver the method as it was intended. Instructors complete specialized training in the Lagree Method and continue their education as the method evolves.

At Forma Fitness Studio, we are proud to offer the authentic Lagree Method using licensed Megaformers, taught by instructors who have completed specialised training in the Lagree Method and are committed to delivering it as it was designed.

Is the Megaformer Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely.

One of the greatest strengths of the Megaformer is its adaptability.

Every exercise can be modified to suit different fitness levels, from someone attending their very first class to an experienced athlete looking for a new challenge.

At Forma Fitness Studio, every class is coached by instructors who provide continuous guidance throughout the session, helping each client move safely, confidently, and with excellent technique.

Our New Client Experience has been designed to help you become comfortable using the Megaformer, experience different instructors, and build a solid foundation in the Lagree Method before choosing the membership that’s right for you.

Experience the Megaformer at Forma Fitness Studio

The Megaformer is more than an innovative piece of fitness equipment.

It’s the foundation of a training method that has transformed the way people approach strength training.

At Forma Fitness Studio, every 45 minute class combines the authentic Megaformer, expert coaching, and evidence based programming to deliver a full body workout that is challenging, efficient, and sustainable.

Whether you’re new to strength training or looking for an intelligent alternative to the traditional gym, we’d love to introduce you to the Lagree Method and help you discover what your body is capable of.

Key Takeaways

The Megaformer is the patented machine designed specifically for the Lagree Method.

It is not the same as a Pilates Reformer, despite their visual similarities.

The Megaformer develops strength through continuous muscular tension, progressive overload, and slow, controlled movement.

The authentic Lagree experience combines licensed Megaformers, the Lagree Method, and instructors who have completed specialised training in the method.

At Forma Fitness Studio, every 45 minute class is delivered using authentic Megaformers in our studios in Aveiro and Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Megaformer?

The Megaformer is a patented fitness machine invented by Sebastien Lagree specifically for the Lagree Method. It was designed to build strength, muscular endurance, core stability, balance, and coordination through low impact resistance training.

Is a Megaformer the same as a Pilates Reformer?

No. Although the two machines look similar, they were created for different training methods and different goals. The Pilates Reformer is used for the Pilates Method, while the Megaformer was designed exclusively for the Lagree Method.

Why is the Megaformer so difficult?

The challenge comes from slow, controlled movement, continuous muscular tension, progressive overload, and minimal recovery between exercises. These principles create significant muscular fatigue while remaining gentle on the joints.

Why do you shake on the Megaformer?

Shaking is a normal response to muscular fatigue. As muscles become tired, the nervous system recruits additional muscle fibres to maintain movement, often creating the shaking sensation experienced during Lagree.

Is the Megaformer good for beginners?

Yes. Every exercise can be adapted to suit different experience levels, and instructors provide personalised coaching throughout every class to ensure you move safely and confidently.

Is the Megaformer low impact?

Yes. The Megaformer was specifically designed to minimise stress on the joints while maximising muscular intensity, making it an excellent option for people looking to build strength without repetitive impact.

Who invented the Megaformer?

The Megaformer was invented by Sebastien Lagree, who also created the Lagree Method. The machine and the method were developed together and continue to evolve through ongoing innovation.

Is the Megaformer patented?

Yes. The Megaformer is protected by multiple patents and is exclusively associated with the authentic Lagree Method.

Can anyone teach the Lagree Method?

No. Authentic Lagree studios operate under a licence from Lagree Fitness, and instructors complete specialised training in the Lagree Method before teaching classes. Ongoing education ensures they remain up to date as the method continues to evolve.

Why does it matter if a studio uses authentic Megaformers?

The Megaformer was designed specifically for the Lagree Method. The equipment, programming, and teaching methodology work together as one integrated system. Choosing a studio that uses licensed Megaformers and delivers the authentic Lagree Method helps ensure you’re experiencing the workout as it was designed to be taught.