Strong Pilates has named Singapore studio Strong Tanjong Pagar as the 2024 Studio of the Year and Gladesville, Burleigh and Southport franchisees Ash and Laura Minchin as Strong Humans of the Year.
Michael Ramsey, CEO and co-founder of Strong Pilates said, “Our franchisees are the lifeline of our business and it’s always an honour to acknowledge their efforts in not only driving growth in their local communities but also, across the country and on a global scale.”
A second Singapore studio, Holland Village, scored the Strong Rising Star award.
Regional Excellence Awards across Australia and New Zealand were presented to studios in Elsternwick, Gladesville, Burleight, Henley Beach, Joondalup, and The Bays in New Zealand.
The studio in Byron Bay scooped the Strongest Community award, while the Strongest Improver was the St. Leonards studio. The Keswick business took out the Strongest Socials award for its exceptional digital engagement.
Strong Pilates celebrates individuals with 2024 awards
Individual Excellence Awards were also presented to Soila Suomela at Springwood – Instructor, Studio Manager Karren Valdez in Gladesville, Master Trainer, Kenzie Smith in Adelaide, Carley Cunningham HQ Member.
The awards ceremony is part of the brand’s end-of-year conference which featured entrepreneur Mark Bouris AM sharing his experiences in a Q&A.
The brand also unveiled equipment innovations for next year, including a “world-first for Pilates”.
“We’ve developed a system that allows us to do heavy lifts, like deadlifts upwards of 50kg, on a Reformer which is a gamechanger when combined with Pilates and cardio,” Ramsey said.
Last month, the fitness franchise announced 100 studios to open across the US.
“As we continue our global expansion, maintaining the exceptional standards demonstrated by our studios remains paramount,” Ramsey said. “These studios and individuals exemplify the innovation and community-focused approach that has driven our success across nine countries.”
Strong Pilates operates in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Canada, US, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with upcoming studios in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Dubai and Bahrain.
This article has been updated to include Southport in Ash and Laura Minchin’s franchise portfolio.
