Fitness expert who designed Meghan's favourite workout reveals how the Duchess got into shape - and why his exercises are great for all body types
- Sebastein Lagree's Megaformer workout is loved by dozens of celebrities
- Meghan Markle said it's 'hands down the best thing you can do for your body'
- He told Femail the secrets behind the workout - and why it's so loved by celebs
The fitness expert who designed Meghan Markle's favourite workout has revealed the secrets behind Meghan's enviable physique.
Sebastein Lagree, founder of the celebrity loved Lagree fitness class, said that the Duchess of Sussex, 37, is among the stars that loved his regime because of its fast results.
The class sees participants use a machine called a 'megaformer bed' - originally adapted from a Pilates reformer bed - as well as weights and perform a series of slow, multi-targeting exercises.
It's a favourite of celebrities including Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, the Kardashians, Bella Throne and a string of Victoria Secret models.
Sebastein Lagree, founder of the celebrity-loved Lagree fitness class, said that Meghan (pictured going to a class in Toronto in 2017 while filming Suits) is among the stars that loved his workout because of the fast results in the class. Meghan said the workout is 'hands down the best thing you can do for your body'
The class, designed by Sebastien Lagree (pictured) which is based on a 'megaformer bed' - originally adapted from a Pilates reformer bed - uses weights and poses and is loved by celebrities including Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, the Kardashians, Bella Throne and a string of Victoria Secret models
And it's not just women that go along to the class; famous male fans include Calvin Harris and Sacha Baron Cohen.
French-born Sebastien told Femail he'd love to see Prince Harry join new mum Meghan for her workouts.
'I suspect Meghan does it about three times a week,' he said. 'She looks like she's very committed and I recommend two or three times a week.
Share this article
'She goes to Studio Lagree in London, and went to Power Pilates in LA. Women love it because it's a graceful way to weight train.
'You don't bulk up; it's about strengthening and tightening and sculpting your body, which you can tell Meghan has done.'
French-born Sebastien says he suspects Meghan does a Lagree workout 'about three times a week' as she 'looks like she's very committed'
Sebastein, who's been dubbed a 'torturer to the stars' added he'd love to see Harry go along to classes with Meghan
Sebastein, who's been dubbed a 'torturer to the stars', added he didn't know Meghan was a fan of his workouts until she told Women's Health UK about it in 2017.
'It is hands down the best thing you could do for your body,' the American former actress said at the time.
'You keep coming back for several reasons: first off, your body changes immediately… give it two classes and you will see a difference; the people in class are cool, unpretentious, and motivating.'
'I found out with the rest of the world and it sent such a buzz around the Lagree community!' Sebastien told Femail.
'I had people coming up to me saying they want to look like Meghan.
'Meghan said you only need to go to the class a couple of times to see a difference, and I think that's part of the appeal.'
Pictured: A Lagree class in London. All UK instructors have been carefully selected and trained by a master trainer. Studio Lagree was developed by LA fitness visionary Sebastien Lagree in the 90s and quickly gained a following in the US
Pictured: Gym bunnies condition their body with the Megaformer. Instructor Nadine McCann previously told FEMAIL: 'In LA, Studio Lagree is a must-go for Victoria's Secret models'
'Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Sofia Vergara do it and they're curvy; it keeps your natural curves, but Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston do it and they're lean,' Sebastien continued.
'It's adaptable to all fitness levels, so there's a big appeal - you can do anything you want on the machine.
'You can have someone who's been doing it for years next to someone who's brand new.'
Sebastien, who has a background in bodybuilding, added that the class is great for new mums and people that are pregnant, and he hopes that Meghan keeps working out now she's had baby Archie.
Sebastien, pictured teaching a class in his adopted hometown of LA, has a background in bodybuilding and has been called 'torturer to the stars'
Ashley Graham was spotted getting in a grueling workout with her husband of seven years, Justin Ervin, in Los Angeles
'It's mostly women in the classes, not a lot of men, but I built a machine for men,' he said.
'When I started I advertised it as a Pilates class, which is a mistake. Over the years it's evolved and got better.
'I changed the name in 2012 - as it's actually nothing to do with Pilates.'
Sharlene Greechan, a Lagree instructor based in London, previously told Femail: 'The Megaformer looks like a reformer, but it's not Pilates. It's classified as high-intensity strength training, but there is zero impact.
'So unlike a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) class, which is also high intensity, pounding and jumping, it's very good for your joints. You also get cardiovascular training. For 45 minutes, you work out non-stop.
The sliding carriage has spring-loaded resistance and many of the exercises involve moving it back and forth with a precise muscle group — say, your abs — in a moving plank. Up you rise, like an inverted V, then down again, controlling the astonishingly resistant carriage.
By working intensely on one muscle group at a time, Sharlene explained: 'We activate the slow-twitch muscle fibres that build that long, lean muscle and really slim us down.
'But it's not so much about the aesthetics. We focus on core health and on correcting posture. We also work very slowly, as the slower you move the more effective it is. We focus on good form, and that keeps you safe.'
The class burns up to 800 calories and your metabolism stays boosted for hours.
The workout is loved by celebs, including Sofia Veraga, who Sebastien trains personally. The Modern Family star has a bed installed in her home gym
Singer and actress Vanessa Hudgens is also a fan of the class; here she's pictured swinging on a Megaformer bed
Sharlene added: 'You're going to get a smaller waistline and a nice derriere, but what's more important is building a strong body that will carry you through life.'
Meghan isn't the only star who's spoken about her love for Lagree.
Scarlett Johanssen's trainer previously told The Hollywood Reporter that she particularly struggled with it when training for Endgame, despite being able to lift 16 stone at the time.
'It's tough because most athletes usually work with reps and explosively,' Sebastien explained.
Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross, who is known for her trim figure, is also a fan of the classes
DJ and producer Calvin Harris, who is known for his incredible fitness transformation, is also often spotted in the classes
'When they lift they only contract for a few seconds; when they have to hold a position for two minutes, you're gonna get your a*** kicked'.
'Megaformer works because you can do so many exercises.
'I believe in the support benefit - the community is essential, if you want to change your body and your life - you need help!
'I always believe in the workout buddy system - it makes the whole experience better. It's more muscle endurance training than a Pilates workout. I'd love for Meghan's husband to do it with her'.
