“Precise attention is paid to correct form and alignment, pace and tempo, breathing, sequencing, and scaling to ensure that a client is challenged at their own pace,” says El Hadj, founder of FORM and a previous student of Sebastien’s. When teaching at his West Hollywood and Malibu studios, El Hadj often had the Hilton sisters, Kardashians, NFL players, Victoria’s Secret models, Nicole Kidman, and more in her class. Currently, she’s spearheading the movement for Lagree in the UK. Across 50 minutes, “mindful movement” is paired with high-intensity strength training. What that looks like? Slow resistance training on the Mega Proformer (which El Hadj describes as a reformer machine with “more bells and whistles”) to build full body strength, balance, and endurance. Common moves include high reps of squats and lunges, and moves that induce serious shakes like kneeling crunches and inchworms, and a killer full body movement called the “scrambled eggs,” where you extend one leg to the side and sweep it back while keeping the core stable.

What are the main benefits of Lagree?

According to Lagree, you can expect—with some long-term commitment—to experience strengthening, firming, and muscle toning. “Lagree builds lean muscle, improves core strength, increases flexibility, and burns fat,” says Nour and Mona of MAD Lagree.

“It’s a low-impact workout, [that] is so gentle on one’s joints, that you can attend class five days per week,” El Hadj says. “Ideal for both rookies as well as seasoned practitioners and pro athletes.”

El Hadj says that, rather than elevating cortisol and spiking adrenaline like many high-intensity classes, Lagree has a more calming and meditative effect while effectively working your body. “The slow tempo exercises demand focus, body awareness, and precision,” adds El Hadj. “Turning inwards is vital for mental and physical development.” You’re basically body and brain training.