The Lagree Method, a strength and endurance workout that's high-intensity but easy on the joints, is gaining traction in Charlotte as more dedicated studios open in the city.
Why it matters: The popular fitness method helped shape today's trendy reformer Pilates workouts, like Solidcore.
Driving the news: MPower Fitness is a certified Lagree Method studio opening in Elizabeth soon. Its owner, Marnie Foster, tells us there are few certified studios in Charlotte — she takes classes at Strength + Wellness Collective on West Morehead, which opened last year.
- High-intensity, low-impact workouts are on the rise. Here's what to know about Lagree, and where to try a class in Charlotte.
Context: Lagree (pronounced luh-GREE) is a patented fitness method created by former bodybuilder and Pilates instructor Sebastien Lagree in the early 2000s. His goal was to blend strength training with Pilates-inspired control and balance, but with more intensity.
- Lagree designed the Megaformer; it's similar to a traditional Pilates reformer but bigger and designed for resistance-based strength training.
- The workout is centered on 10 principles called "The Magic 10," which include form, range of motion and tempo.
- Instructors must be certified through official Lagree training programs and need a license to use the name and equipment.
Between the lines: Modern reformer machines, like Solidcore's "Sweatlana," are inspired by the Megaformer.
What makes Lagree different from traditional reformer Pilates?
While both methods use spring-based resistance and a moving platform, the similarities mostly stop there, says Foster.
Lagree focuses on muscular strength and endurance with:
- Extremely slow and controlled movement (1–2 reps per minute).
- Progressive overload (increasing resistance over time).
- Time under tension.
- Little to no stress on joints.
By contrast, traditional reformer pilates is more rehabilitative and typically emphasizes flexibility, mobility and overall balance of the body.
What they're saying: "Think of it like a Venn diagram," says Foster. "One circle is Pilates, one is Lagree — and in the middle are your studios like Solidcore."
By the numbers: Lagree currently has over 600 licensed studios worldwide, according to its website.
- Two of them are in Charlotte.
MPower Fitness
A locally owned, Lagree-certified studio opening in Elizabeth on Labor Day weekend.
What to expect: 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact full-body classes on the Megaformer.
- Upbeat playlists, like house and EDM.
- "You're moving slow, but that doesn't mean that you need to be using slow music," says Foster.
- Classes are limited to 12 participants.
If you go: Unlimited memberships are $229/month through opening weekend. After that, prices will increase.
- Class packs, including four and eight classes per month, are also available.
Stop by: 1933 E 7th St.
Strength and Wellness Collective of Charlotte
Claims to be Charlotte's first Lagree-certified studio — opened in late 2024 on West Morehead Street.
What to expect: Small group Lagree classes on the Megaformer.
- A restorative stretch class also on the Megaformer.
- The studio offers boxing, strength circuit, power flow yoga, personal training, physical therapy and nutrition coaching.
If you go: An unlimited membership (12-month) is $239/month and grants access to all fitness classes.
- New members can get two weeks of unlimited classes for $79.
Stop by: 628 W Morehead St.
Tremble Charlotte (Lagree-inspired)
A Lagree-style studio based out of Miami — opening its first NC location this winter in LoSo. While not officially Lagree-certified, it's inspired by the method.
What to expect: High-intensity, low-impact full-body workouts on reformers, says Franchise owner Delanie Pettyjohn.
- Workouts move at a faster pace than Lagree.
- Class types include: full-body, arms and abs, legs and abs, stretch, and beginner foundations.
- It has 10 reformer machines.
Vibe: Think Solidcore, with moody red lights, loud music, and non-stop movement.
What's next: The studio is expected to open by the end of the year.
- Pricing is still being determined, but we're told membership options will include unlimited and class packs.
Stop by: 3216 South Blvd., at The Platform next to Sun's Kitchen.
Go deeper: Where to try reformer and mat Pilates in Charlotte
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