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read moreSTRONG Pilates recognises outstanding achievements and unveils new equipment innovations
STRONG Pilates, the world-first Pilates and cardio-infused fitness franchise, held its annual conference and Awards ceremony on 14th November 2024 during which recognition was given to the studios which have delivered excellence across its Australian and global network.
Singapore studio, STRONG Tanjong Pagar was named 2024’s coveted ‘Studio of the Year’ with Ash and Laura Minchin, studio owners of STRONG Gladesville and STRONG Burleigh, named as ‘STRONG Humans of the Year’.
The awards ceremony, an annual event held as part of STRONG's end-of-year conference, included Awards for regional, team and individual effort including STRONGEST Improver and Rising Star as well as STRONGEST Studio Manager.
Channel 9 Presenter, Clint Stanaway presented the Awards as Master of Ceremonies and Australian Entrepreneur and Profile, Mark Bouris AM (pictured above left) shared his career insights and experiences in an engaging Q&A with STRONG Co-founder, Michael Ramsey (pictured above right)
Earlier in the day, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks NRL Player, Nicho Hynes spoke with STRONG’s Movement Consultant, Montana Farrah-Seaton about his journey with mental and physical fitness, attributing his longevity in training to fitness formats like STRONG Pilates.
Michael Ramsey, Chief Executive and Co-founder of STRONG Pilates advised "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.
“STRONG attracts highly motivated studio owners, members and supporters who all strive towards achieving peak goals in health and fitness - both for themselves and their community. We are proud that our business values, which focus on feeling STRONG-ER, resonate with so many around the world.”
Equipment innovations
As part of the conference, STRONG Pilates also unveiled its new equipment innovations for 2025 including the reverse spring system allowing members to do squats and deadlifts under substantial load.
Ramsey noted “this is a world-first for Pilates which has been two years in the making. 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.”
These innovations will only continue to enhance STRONG Pilates' remarkable growth trajectory, with the network exceeding $35 million in total annual revenue in June 2024 financial year, marking a 184% increase in gross revenue.
Last month, the fitness franchise announced 100 studios to open across the USA, launching its first studio in Stone Oak - San Antonio, Texas in September, attracting the attention of NBA San Antonio Spurs Player, Zach Collins.
Ramsey added "as we continue our global expansion, maintaining the exceptional standards demonstrated by our studios remains paramount. These studios and individuals exemplify the innovation and community-focused approach that has driven our success across nine countries."
Regional Excellence Awards across Australia and New Zealand were presented to:
The ceremony also recognised outstanding international performance with STRONG Holland Village in Singapore securing the STRONG Rising Star distinction. STRONG Byron Bay was celebrated for fostering the STRONGEST Community and STRONG Pilates St Leonards received the STRONGEST Improver award. STRONG Keswick took home the STRONGEST Socials award for exceptional digital engagement.
Individual Excellence Awards were presented to:
For more information about STRONG Pilates
Images from top: STRONG Pilates Conference Award Winners; Michael Ramsey, Ash and Laura Minchin, STRONG Humans of the Year; Mark Bouris and Michael Ramsey; Michael Ramsey, Montana Farrah Seaton and Nicho Hynes; STRONG Pilates Franchisee Owners at Annual Conference 2024.
22nd October 2024 - STRONG Pilates announces acceleration of USA expansion
23rd May 2024 - STRONG Pilates to open second base in the USA
5th March 2024 - Hapana launches challenge capability with STRONG Pilates
23rd January 2024 - STRONG Pilates expands into Japan
23rd October 2023 - STRONG Pilates backs Gotcha4Life charity during Mental Health Awareness month
4th September 2023 - STRONG Pilates continues expansion with Canada launch
13th June 2023 - Strong Pilates unveils AFL and NRL stars as brand ambassadors
5th June 2023 - Strong Pilates opens first Singapore studio
4th April 2023 - STRONG Pilates continues expansion with Singapore launch
28th November 2022 - Australian fitness franchise STRONG Pilates announces expansion into UK
15th November 2024 - One Playground to introduce Semi-Private Reformer Pilates at Urban Oasis
12th November 2024 - Fitness industry leaders among speakers announced for 2025 Pilates Journal Expo
5th November 2024 - KX Pilates announces expansion into Japan
12th October 2024 - Nominations open for The Pilates Journal Awards 2024
8th October 2024 - The Pilates Journal Expo returns in 2025
1st October 2024 - Les Mills Asia Pacific launches new Pilates program
20th September 2024 - LES MILLS LIVE Singapore welcomed 6,600 session participants and debuted Les Mills Pilates
30th August 2024 - New Les Mills program looks to exploit growing popularity of Pilates
27th August 2024 - AUSactive launches its inaugural Best Practice Pilates Guideline
13th August 2024 - JETSET Pilates to launch its milestone first international studio in Melbourne
2nd August 2024 - Balanced Body distributor HF Industries destroys counterfeit Pilates equipment
15th July 2024 - Looking to expand Vaura Pilates studios continues with Hapana
2nd July 2024 - Pilates Reformers Australia launches latest Align-Pilates innovation
9th May 2024 - AUSactive seeks input in developing Pilates Industry Guidelines
7th May 2024 - Pilates bed supplier ‘Your Reformer’ launches ReformerPro digital infrastructure
26th April 2024 - The ‘Pilates Journal Expo’ to be launched at Bondi Beach
10th April 2024 - Gallagher offers fitness insurance solutions for gym owners, Pilates and yoga studios and instructors
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