Australian fitness franchise Strong Pilates is heading to the UK, with three flagship London locations in the pipeline.
The two-year-old business has picked Islington, Holborn and Fulham as prime sites for its launch in to the British market.
Strong Pilates has ambitious global goals – at least 100 studios open by 2027. There are currently 21 studios across Australia and New Zealand.
Next year the business is planning expansion to Canada, Singapore and the US.
Strong Pilates expands to UK under high-profile leadership
The UK growth is led by Strong Pilates UK managing director and former Australian international cricketer, John Hastings. Matt Berriman, serial entrepreneur and investor, is backing the business.
Hastings said “We identified a gap in the international market for a fitness offering like Strong Pilates, particularly given the rapid growth within the Pilates space. This is an opportunity to balance high intensity with controlled strength training – something the UK market has been demanding for some time now.”
Matt Berriman said “As an ex-elite athlete transitioning into business some 15 years ago, I saw the market opportunity for Strong Pilates after their hyper-growth in Australia and UK’s thirst for the offering.
“I have first-hand seen John build his franchises in Australia, so it was a great opportunity to not only back a fellow elite sportsman transitioning into business but also invest in a space where we can clearly see a mass need for a high quality, intense, but low impact fitness experience.”
Potential for Strong Pilates’ fitness concept
Strong Pilates is a unique fitness method which combines Pilates with strength-based training. It was co-founded by former F45 franchisees Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong,
They believe the UK’s respect for Australian fitness brands and the unique nature of the low-impact concept will be a winner internationally.
Strong Pilates is a full body workout in a high-intensity 45-minute class. It uses a purpose built Rowformer to combine Pilates and rowing.
UK-based fitness service provider GymCatch believes at least 12 million people practise Pilates, based on Google keyword searches.
Strong Pilates also cites a 25 per cent rise in HIIT training across the UK.
In September Studio Pilates founder Jade Winter announced plans to open the chain in the UK next year. Another Aussie fitness concept BFT unveiled its first outlet in the United Kingdom in October.
