Is Megaformer Pilates?

If you’ve heard of the Megaformer, chances are you’ve seen it called “Megaformer Pilates,” even though this isn’t technically right. It’s a common label, and we understand where it comes from. After all, the machine looks like a reformer. The moves feel precise and controlled. And yes, your core will absolutely be shaking during a Megaformer workout.

But technically, Megaformer isn’t Pilates—at least, not in the way most people think.

The method behind Megaformer, called Lagree, shares some DNA with Pilates, but it’s a different workout altogether. It’s higher intensity, slower in tempo, and laser-focused on muscular endurance and full-body strength.

At The Collective Studios, we’re super passionate about Mega. So if you’ve been wondering what Megaformer actually is and whether it’s right for you, you’re in the right place.

What is Megaformer Pilates?

The Megaformer can look a little intimidating at first, like a Pilates Reformer that’s been seriously upgraded, with more springs, more platforms, and way more ways to make your muscles shake. But here’s the thing: while people often call it “Megaformer Pilates,” the workout you’re doing isn’t actually Pilates at all.

The Megaformer was designed specifically for the Lagree Method: A high-intensity, low-impact training system that blends strength, endurance, cardio, and core into one seamless, full-body workout.

The Lagree Method was developed by Sebastien Lagree, a French-born entrepreneur who came to Los Angeles in the 1990s to pursue a career in acting. But instead of getting cast in films, he kept getting asked the same question in audition after audition: “Are you a personal trainer?”

Sebastien was a dedicated bodybuilder at the time, and after getting the question again, he finally said yes. Before he knew it, he was personal training full-time. As he built his personal training business, he started exploring Pilates and quickly became fascinated by the Reformer. He appreciated the focus on control and form but also realized something was missing from what he wanted for his clients.

Joseph Pilates originally designed the Reformer in the 1940s to rehabilitate the body and build foundational strength. Sebastien wanted something more intense, something that blended the structure of Pilates with the sweat, strain, and stamina of strength training.

So, he built it. Inspired by the Reformer, he designed the Megaformer: a machine made specifically for high-intensity, low-impact workouts. With more handles, pulleys, resistance, and instability, it challenges the body in ways the traditional reformer never could.

That’s how The Lagree Method was born: a full-body workout that blends strength training, cardio, endurance, balance, and flexibility all in one. The Megaformer is the machine that brings it all to life. Every movement is slow, controlled, and performed under constant tension, so your muscles are working the entire time.

It’s not Pilates. It’s not weight lifting. It’s something completely different, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

How is Megaformer different from Pilates?

Think less “stretch and flow,” and more “slow burn and shake.”

It’s easy to see why people confuse Megaformer with Pilates. Both are done on machines, both emphasize form and core strength, and both focus on control over momentum. But beyond those surface similarities, the differences run deep.

Pilates, especially classical reformer Pilates, is rooted in low-intensity, low-impact movement. It was originally developed to help with injury recovery and prevention, making it an ideal method for improving posture, flexibility, and body awareness. The pace is usually slower, and the movements are more restorative and alignment-focused.

Megaformer, on the other hand, is high-intensity and strength-focused while still being low-impact. It’s not about recovering from an injury. It’s about pushing to your edge (safely) and staying there. With Megaformer, you’ll hold exercises longer, move through transitions more quickly, and keep constant tension in your muscles. That’s where the notorious shake comes in.

Here’s how the two compare:

• Intensity

• Traditional Pilates: Low to moderate

• Megaformer: High (but still low-impact)

• Purpose

• Pilates: Alignment, flexibility, recovery, postural support

• Megaformer: Strength, endurance, stamina, cardio burn

• Machine

• Pilates: Traditional Reformer

• Megaformer: Custom-built for the Lagree Method

• Pace

• Pilates: Gentle, flowing transitions

• Megaformer: Slow, controlled, high-tension holds

• Heart Rate

• Pilates: Stable, calm

• Megaformer: Elevated without jumping or impact

• Feel

• Pilates: Calm and connected

• Megaformer: Shaky, sweaty, and surprisingly meditative

If Pilates helps fine-tune your body, Megaformer helps transform it. You’ll walk out of class feeling stronger, focused, and spent in the best way.

Is Megaformer better than Reformer?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

We hear this question a lot, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It really comes down to your goals and how you like to move.

If you love mindful movement, crave precision, and are focused on simply improving posture, alignment, and mobility, classical Reformer Pilates might be right for you. It’s elegant, intentional, and incredibly effective for building core strength and increasing overall body awareness.

If you want something fun and different that feels like strength training and cardio had a baby (with just enough burn to question your life choices), then Megaformer might be a better fit.

Here’s an easy way to look at it:

• Choose Reformer Pilates if you’re recovering from an injury, working on posture, or want to move with precision and flow.

• Choose Megaformer if you want a high-intensity, full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and mental focus without impact or strain.

Of course, you don’t have to choose between Megaformer vs. Reformer Pilates. Plenty of people love both modalities. But if you’ve plateaued with Reformer or are ready to shake things up, the Megaformer might be the challenge you need to get reinspired.

Is Megaformer a good workout?

If you like strong, slow, and sweat — yes!

Megaformer isn’t just a good workout; it’s a brilliantly designed one. Every movement is intentional. Every second counts. And every muscle (even the ones you didn’t know existed) gets its time to shine.

The beauty of the Lagree Method is that it trains multiple elements of fitness at once: strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and mental focus. You’re not bouncing around or doing endless reps. Instead, you’re holding, pulsing, resisting, and moving slowly through positions that challenge your entire body.

Here’s what makes it so effective:

It’s low impact, but high intensity.

Your joints get a break while your muscles do the work. This makes Megaformer a smart choice for people who enjoy the feeling of training hard but don’t want to risk burnout or injury.

Megaformer targets slow-twitch muscle fibers.

These are the muscles responsible for endurance and long-term strength. Training them takes time under tension, which is exactly what Megaformer delivers.

You build strength and stamina.

You’re not just lifting or strengthening; you’re doing both, while also working on balance, control, and grit.

Megaformer is efficient.

In just 45 minutes or fewer, you’ll hit every major muscle group and leave feeling like you did something that actually matters for your body’s fitness and conditioning.

It’s not about how many reps you can do, but about how deep you can go, how long you can hold, and how much you can show up for yourself in the process. And that’s honestly the type of workout most of us really need!

Can beginners do Megaformer?

Absolutely! And we’ve got you covered.

We know the Megaformer can look intense. And the first time you step onto one, you might wonder if you’ve made a terrible mistake. (Spoiler: you haven’t.)

Megaformer classes are 100% beginner-friendly, as long as you come in with a willingness to try something new and meet yourself where you are.

At The Collective Studios in Bedford, New Hampshire, we offer MEGA Essentials classes specifically designed for those who are brand new to The Lagree Method. These slower-paced sessions give you time to learn the machine, understand the movements, and build confidence.

Here’s what we tell first-timers in our Bedford studio:

• You don’t need to be “in shape” to start. The best way to build strength is to simply GET STARTED, and the Megaformer is a great way to do just that.

• You’ll move slow, but feel it fast. The movements aren’t complicated, but they’re incredibly effective. Your muscles will be talking to you (and that’s a good thing).

• Modifications are always available. Whether it’s your first workout in a while or you’re coming back from injury, we’ll help you adjust every move to your needs.

• Everyone starts somewhere. In our studio, you’ll never be judged for taking breaks, asking questions, or figuring it out as you go.

If you’re in the Bedford, NH area and curious about Megaformer, we’d love to have you in class. Try our beginner-friendly options and see what your body is capable of. You might just surprise yourself!

Where can I try Megaformer Pilates near me?

If you try googling “Megaformer Pilates near me,” you might not find what you’re looking for since studio owners are clear about Megaformer and Pilates being two different formats. Megaformer also isn’t as widely available as Pilates, so the odds are high that there will be more Reformer classes near you vs. Megaformer.
If you’re in or around Bedford, New Hampshire, however, you’re in luck, because we’ve created a dedicated Megaformer studio. Click below to book your first class and experience why so many people in Bedford are switching from Pilates to Megaformer.

Curious about mat Pilates instead? We offer those classes at our Londonderry studio—another great way to build strength, control, and body awareness.

Megaformer isn’t Pilates, but it just might be your new favorite workout

Megaformer and Pilates share some DNA, but ultimately, they’re different methods with different goals and totally different feels. One isn’t better than the other; it just depends on what kind of challenges you’re looking for.

If you’re curious, open-minded, and ready to feel strong in a whole new way, we’d love to see you on the Megaformer. Your first shake is always the hardest, but after that, you’ll be hooked.