Megaformer vs. Reformer Pilates: What's the Difference?
The Lagree Megaformer and the Pilates Reformer may look alike, but they’re actually very different machines. We understand where the confusion comes from, though. After all, the two machines look similar; they both use springs, they both involve controlled movements, and they’re both rooted in core strength, alignment, and mind-body connection.
But Megaformer workouts and Reformer Pilates are not the same thing. Not even close.
They were built for different purposes. They move at different paces. And they train your body in completely different ways. One focuses on rehab and posture, while the other is about full-body strength, muscular endurance, and next-level control (with a side of sweat and shaking).
At The Collective Studios in Bedford, NH, we exclusively teach Megaformer classes using The Lagree Method. And while we love and respect classical Pilates, we’re here to break down why these two modalities shouldn’t be lumped together and how to know which one is right for you.
Megaformer vs. Reformer Pilates: How the Machines Are Built (and Why It Matters)
At a glance, the Megaformer machine and the Pilates Reformer look like cousins. Both have a moving carriage, springs for resistance, and platforms at either end. But once you step on one and start moving, you’ll realize they were built for very different purposes.
The Pilates Reformer
Originally created by Joseph Pilates in the 1940s, the Reformer is designed for rehabilitation, flexibility, and postural alignment.
It’s compact and focused, with a footbar, straps, springs, and a small carriage.
Movements are typically linear and controlled, with emphasis on spinal alignment and breath.
The Reformer is great for improving mobility, core strength, and body awareness, especially after injury or during low-impact recovery phases.
The Megaformer Machine
Invented by Sebastien Lagree in the mid-2000s, the Megaformer is built for strength, endurance, and full-body conditioning.
It’s longer, heavier, and outfitted with multiple platforms, bungees, handles, pulleys, and spring combinations that allow for high-tension, multi-directional movement.
Every element is designed to keep your muscles under continuous tension for max time under load, and yes, it’s just as intense as it sounds.
Great for building strength, boosting muscle stamina, and keeping your heart rate up without wrecking your joints.
While the Reformer and Megaformer have some similarities, they serve different purposes, target different goals, and create completely different training experiences.
What Exercises Can You Do on a Megaformer vs. a Pilates Reformer?
This is where the difference becomes really clear. While both machines use spring-loaded resistance and core engagement, the types of movement you do and the way that movement feels in your body are quite different.
Pilates Reformer Exercises
Pilates Reformer workouts are all about precision, alignment, and flow. A well-structured Reformer session includes graceful transitions, breathwork, and slower, smaller ranges of motion that emphasize control and spinal articulation.
Some signature Reformer moves include:
Footwork series for alignment and core/lower-body activation
Legs in straps to improve hip mobility
Short spine or long spine stretch for spinal decompression
Elephant for hamstrings and posture
Kneeling arm series to strengthen the upper body with light resistance
These movements are quite accessible and incredibly effective for individuals recovering from injury, working on mobility, or developing deep mind-body awareness.
Megaformer Exercises (The Lagree Method)
Megaformer workouts, built around The Lagree Method, are structured for slow, high-intensity, full-body strength. The goal is to keep your muscles under tension for as long as possible.
Some core Megaformer moves you’ll see include:
Scrambled Eggs, an oblique destroyer in plank position
Bear, a slow, shaking crawl that targets your entire core
Reverse Carriage Kicks, which will set your glutes on fire
Wheelbarrow, a move that targets your core, lats, and mental toughness all in one
French Twist, a slow, rotating movement to sculpt your obliques
Each of these movements is designed to activate multiple muscle groups at once, with no rest and no momentum. You’ll work harder, longer, and deeper, without ever jumping or lifting a single dumbbell.
So while both machines offer strength-based movement, you could say the Pilates Reformer focuses on mobility and refinement, while the Megaformer challenges strength, stamina, and time under tension.
How are Megaformer Workouts Structured vs. Reformer Pilates Classes?
The structure of a workout tells you a lot about what kind of results to expect and how your body will feel afterward.
While both Megaformer and Reformer classes are instructor-led and low-impact, the rhythm, pace, and intensity of each are built for different outcomes.
Pilates Reformer Classes
Reformer Pilates is generally slow, controlled, and rooted in breath-to-movement coordination. Classes often follow a sequence that targets one muscle group at a time, with rest and transitions built in between.
What you can traditionally expect:
Series-based format, like a block of leg work, then core, then arms
Flowing transitions with plenty of cueing
Time to reset between exercises
Focus on posture, alignment, and breathing
Calmer, more meditative energy
Reformer classes are a beautiful, restorative way to train, and ideal if you’re working on mobility or recovery.
Megaformer Classes
Megaformer classes are structured for constant time under tension. That means one exercise rolls right into the next, with zero breaks and very little downtime. Your muscles stay loaded, your focus stays dialed in, and your heart rate stays elevated.
What you can typically expect at Lagree classes:
Time-based intervals instead of reps (think 60–90 seconds per move rather than 10-12 reps)
Seamless transitions to keep your muscles working and reduce downtime
Isometric holds, pulses, and ultra-slow movement
No resting muscle groups—everything stays engaged the entire class
High-energy playlists and instructors to keep you going
Lagree isn’t a circuit or a HIIT class. It’s a focused burn that builds strength, stability, and mental grit.
How Do Megaformer and Reformer Pilates Workouts Impact the Body?
Both Reformer Pilates and Megaformer workouts train strength, control, and alignment, but how they challenge the body and the kinds of results they deliver are different.
Reformer Pilates: Restore, Realign, Rebuild
The Reformer was originally developed as a rehabilitative tool, with exercises that could be done from a hospital bed. This modality is ideal for improving mobility, flexibility, and muscular control, especially the deep stabilizing muscles around the spine, hips, and core.
Over time, Reformer Pilates can:
Improve posture and body awareness
Increase joint mobility and flexibility
Strengthen the core and pelvic floor
Support injury prevention and recovery
Help build long-term muscular control and balance
It’s a subtle strength, one that builds slowly but deeply.
Megaformer Workouts: Strength, Stamina, Shake
Megaformer workouts are built for muscular endurance and full-body conditioning. The focus on slow tempo and continuous resistance creates deep, targeted fatigue in both large and small muscle groups while keeping the body in a fat-burning, strength-building zone.
Consistent Lagree training typically results in:
Increased muscle definition and endurance
Faster improvements in core and glute strength
Elevated calorie burn due to intensity and heart rate elevation
Enhanced balance, stability, and control under fatigue
Improved mental toughness and focus
In short, Reformer Pilates builds foundational control, while Megaformer builds athletic capability. Neither one is “better;” it just depends on what you’re training for or recovering from.
Which Is Better—Reformer Pilates or Megaformer Workouts?
Let’s be clear: neither machine is “better.” They just serve different purposes. Choosing between Reformer Pilates and Megaformer workouts comes down to what your body needs, what motivates you, and how you want to feel after class.
Here’s one way to think about it:
Choose Reformer Pilates if you:
Are recovering from injury or easing back into movement
Want to improve posture, mobility, or flexibility
Prefer gentle pacing and smaller, more precise movements
Enjoy a slower, more meditative workout
Are looking to build foundational strength and control
Choose Megaformer if you:
Want to build full-body strength and muscular endurance
Like a workout that makes you sweat, shake, and focus
Are short on time but want maximum impact
Prefer intensity without impact (like no jumping or running)
Want to feel stronger, leaner and mentally tougher
And if you’re curious but unsure where you fit? Try both. Many people start with Reformer Pilates and then graduate to Megaformer when they’re ready for more intensity. Others go straight to Lagree and never look back.
Where Can I Try a Megaformer Workout?
Megaformer studios aren’t as common as Reformer Pilates studios—yet.
But if you’re near Bedford, New Hampshire, you’re in luck. The Collective Studios is the only Megaformer studio in the state, and we’ve got intro offers just for new students.
You can try Megaformer classes with one of our introductory offers:
2 weeks of unlimited classes for $69
3 classes for $65
Our studio is built for intensity, without the intimidation. Whether you’re completely new to movement or have years of Reformer Pilates under your belt and want something different, we’ll help you feel confident on the machine and supported from start to finish.
By the end of your first class, you’ll understand how the Megaformer works, feel the difference in your body, and walk out knowing you just did one of the most effective workouts of your life.