Announces 150+ studios to open across the globe
Australia: STRONG Pilates – a world-first Pilates-inspired, cardio-infused fitness franchise born out of Australia – has today announced its expansion into Japan, with plans to roll out 50 studios over the next 5 years. STRONG Pilates Japan (SPJ) has been appointed the master franchisee, established by Chair and CEO, John B. Boardman, with extensive experience and success in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.
One of the fastest-growing fitness franchises in the world, STRONG Pilates has launched over 50 studios globally since 2019, including Australia, New Zealand, UK, Singapore and Canada with over 150 new studios in the pipeline including new growth areas across Asia, Europe and the USA.
The franchise network has seen an exceptional 350% YoY growth due to its high intensity, yet low impact format using the exclusive Rowformer (part rower, part reformer) and Bikeformer (part bike, part reformer) machines. In 2023, ClassPass©, the largest health club aggregator globally, ranked Pilates as the number one fitness genre in the world based on bookings.
Chair and CEO of STRONG Pilates Japan, John B. Boardman believes STRONG Pilates will fulfil the growing demand for Pilates and HIIT training among the Japanese community. “As the master franchisee for Japan we are thrilled to soon introduce the highly compelling STRONG Pilates brand, innovative workout, and forward thinking STRONG philosophy and lifestyle to the Japanese market. I believe the STRONG Pilates offering will have significant appeal to both females and males in Japan who are looking to enhance their fitness routine,” said Mr. Boardman.
SPJ will act as the master franchisee of STRONG Pilates in Japan and will develop and operate studios, sell products and services, and assist franchisees in expanding their business through the formation of a franchise team, while aiming to increase STRONG Pilates’ presence in the Japanese market.
Full support will be provided to franchisees throughout the development of their studio – from finding locations to executing fit outs, implementing technology and delivering a comprehensive training Academy for instructors. The fitness format was founded by Australian duo Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong who recognised the need to continually evolve with the global fitness community. Previously successful F45 franchise owners, they sourced and exclusively licensed the Rowformer and Bikeformer machines, developing programs to challenge both the cardio and Pilates enthusiast in a 45 minute session.
STRONG Pilates co-founders, Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong said: “Our focus is always on delivering a format which resonates with fitness enthusiasts around the world. STRONG Pilates offers cardio, flexibility, mobility, strength, HIIT training and mental fitness all in one so our members are continually challenged to meet their goals.”
“We take great pride in expanding our global community and look forward to supporting the success of our master franchise partner, SPJ, as they grow the STRONG Pilates’ brand across Japan.” STRONG Pilates currently has over 8,000 members in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK and Canada, 350 instructors and 150+ locations confirmed to open across the globe.
To find out more about STRONG Pilates, visit www.strongpilates.com.au