We Tried It: Lagree at Komo Studio

What: Lagree class
Who: A mat Pilates regular…but a Lagree newbie
Where: Komo Studio, Kailua Square, 315 Uluniu St. #209
When: Various classes throughout the week
Cost: $39 for a single class. Class packs ($39–$330) and monthly memberships ($219–$279) are available.

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

I walked into Komo Studio feeling confident—and walked out with a whole new respect for the Lagree Megaformer (and the students in class who absolutely crushed it).

As someone who regularly takes mat Pilates classes—a mix of core-based movements with weights, resistance bands and bursts of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)—I figured I had a pretty good foundation. I expected the moves to be challenging but manageable. Turns out, the workout was harder than I thought it would be, but also really fun and empowering to push my body in a new way.

I left feeling stronger and genuinely motivated to go back. It was a great reminder of how important it is to switch up your workouts. When your body gets used to a certain routine, introducing something new can challenge different muscle groups and reignite your motivation.

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

What’s the difference between Mat Pilates, Pilates Reformer and Lagree?

Mat Pilates is mostly performed on the floor and often incorporates props like free weights, ankle weights and resistance bands, sometimes with HIIT-style intervals. Pilates Reformer classes, founded by Joseph Pilates, relies on a machine with a sliding carriage and spring-based resistance. It’s low impact and low-intensity with a focus on alignment, flexibility and control.

Lagree takes it up a notch. It’s performed on the Megaformer—a larger, more intense version of the Reformer. The workout is still low-impact, but with high intensity. Each move is slow and controlled, designed to burn out your muscles, make you shake and raise your heart rate, all at the same time.

Lagree at Komo Studio

Komo offers several types of Lagree classes, including PIHA Total Body, MANA Strength, MĀ.KIA Endurance, Restore: Body and Breath, KOMO Foundations and PIKO Core, which is the class I took. PIKO Core focuses more on the upper body and core. The instructor mentioned it was one of the more advanced offerings, but it was the one that worked with my schedule best. If you’re new to Lagree, I’d recommend starting with KOMO Foundations to get comfortable with the machine and movement style.

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

I arrived about 10 minutes early to check in and get a quick orientation. The instructor gave me a helpful rundown on the Megaformer. The carriage is the sliding platform in the center of the machine, and springs underneath control resistance—yellow for light, red for heavy. There are platforms at both ends for hand and foot placement, and moves on the back tend to be more challenging since the bands are more taut. Throughout class, we’d also be using the handles, straps, cables and bungee for added resistance, depending on the exercise.

Once I slipped on my grip socks, the instructor mic’d up, the music started and class began. We jumped right in, and used just about every part of the machine over the next 40 minutes.

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

Some exercises we did were side lunges with one foot planted on the front platform and the other sliding on the carriage, bungee kickbacks for glutes and cable rows to target the upper back. The hardest part for me was definitely the core work. One move, I think was called “the bear,” had us hover our knees above the carriage and slowly glide it back and forth using our abs. Another was “the French twist,” a plank-style movement that worked the obliques while rotating and sliding across the carriage.

What surprised me most was how slow movements are meant to be. Each rep is performed over a full 10 seconds out and another 10 seconds in. Every time I thought I had the hang of it, I’d realize I was still moving too fast.

One unexpected perk? The class was air-conditioned. I’m used to heated workouts that leave me dripping and rushing home for a shower. Here, I left feeling fresh, but still like I got a total workout. And it definitely made me realize I need to do more core workouts.

I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself, and Lagree was exactly that. It was different, intense and rewarding. If you’re curious about it—or just in the mood to shake up your fitness routine—it’s worth checking out.

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

After you park, head into the hallway marked by the Kailua Square sign, then take the first left and go up the stairs to the second floor. Komo Studio is the first door on your left.

Tips for First-Timers:

• Arrive early. Give yourself 10–15 minutes to check in and get oriented with the Megaformer. If you’re heading to a Sunday morning class, consider coming even earlier—parking can get hectic with the breakfast crowd at Cinnamon’s next door.
• Start with KOMO Foundations. This class is specifically designed for beginners and is a great way to get familiar with the machine and build confidence. I wish I had tried it first. (I’m still curious what it’s like.)
• What to bring: Just water and grip socks (you can rent a pair for $2 if needed.) Most importantly, bring a can-do attitude! The instructors are super nice, and just remember that everyone started out as a beginner.

Open daily, class times vary by day, 315 Uluniu Suite #209, Kailua, (808) 691-9161, komohawaii.com, @komohawaii