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Born in Melbourne and now with 55 studios worldwide, fast-growing fitness franchise STRONG Pilates has officially announced a launch in the US market where it plans to open five to eight locations in the coming months.
Founded in 2019 by former F45 franchisees Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong, the brand is already in North America with a presence in Canada, but as a sign of its ambitions in the continent it has now established its second global headquarters in Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles.
Melbourne will still retain its HQ status in a dual relationship with the Californian office, with plans underway for studios in Texas, New York and Florida in the short term.
The news coincides with rapid expansion for the group which earlier this year announced plans to open 50 studios in Japan over the next five years, as part of a 150-strong pipeline of studios with other new launch territories including South Korea, the Philippines, Bahrain and Dubai.
STRONG Pilates already has a footprint in Singapore, Indonesia, the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.
"Our launch in the US is a monumental step for STRONG Pilates," says Ramsey, an Australian Young Entrepreneur Award - Fitness winner and Top 100 Young Entrepreneurs lister, who will also relocate to the US in 2024 alongside his fellow co-founder.
"It's our most ambitious expansion to date, and we're eager to bring our revolutionary fitness concept to the US market and meet the demand for a unique format which will carve a new movement and fitness standard across the country."
Armstrong notes STRONG Pilates - known for its 45-minute sessions combining Pilates, cardio, strength and resistance training using innovative Rowformer and Bikeformer machines - has seen success across all territories to date and a record number of members registering ahead of launch.
"Our proven model is representative of a dynamic offering which transcends across all communities," says Armstrong.
"We are currently taking expressions of interest in the US for studio locations and growth partners to join our thriving fitness community."
While the business continues to expand globally, it still has room for growth in Australia too, having launched last year in WA where it now has eight studios, Canberra and Mildura. The business now has more locations in Queensland than its home state of Victoria, and is on the cusp of opening another studio in Chermside in Brisbane's north.
STRONG Pilates may have never come about if it weren't for Ramsey breaking his ankle and doing Pilates as part of the rehabilitation. While he fell in love with the exercise, the entrepreneur also felt it lacked the sweat factor and vibe that circuit training can bring.
He then conducted surveys within the reformer space, and found that almost all consumers said they felt like they needed to go for a run after their workout or to do a HIIT (high intensity interval training) class.
"By establishing franchise locations in various areas, STRONG Pilates has contributed to the local fitness landscape, providing individuals with a unique and low-impact exercise option," Ramsey told Business News Australia as part of the Young Entrepreneur Awards initiative.
"The presence of these studios has not only promoted physical fitness but has also fostered a sense of community by bringing together individuals who share a common interest in health and wellness.
"Our model also offers entrepreneurial opportunities to fitness enthusiasts and professionals, empowering them to establish and operate their own businesses."
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