..as network sales surpass £10 million for world's fastest growing Pilates-inspired, cardio infused training concept

Market Harborough and West Bridgford among other East Midlands studios to come imminently as former Australian cricketer targets century of UK studios

STRONG Pilates - the innovative Pilates-inspired, cardio-infused fitness franchise born out of Australia - has announced network sales of £10.8 million as UK managing director and former Australian cricketer John Hastings, 37, targets eleven new UK fitness studios by March.

The first of those eleven has just opened on Leicester's King Richards Road, as part of a long-term ambition to bring over 100 studios to the UK, and among the eleven new studios to come imminently, Market Harborough and West Bridgford also feature, alongside the likes of Fulham, Putney, Wimbledon, Exeter, Brighton, Dublin, Belfast and Mayfair.

Founded as recently as 2019, STRONG Pilates has already garnered over 8,000 members globally including some 200+ at its recently opened UK-first Islington studio, but with over 12 million people practising Pilates in the UK, and with HIIT training also experiencing a boom, Leicester born and bred franchisee Ian Briers, 51, is incredibly excited to be bringing the concept to the East Midlands.

Ian explains:

"It's hard to put into words how excited I am to bring the concept to Leicester. My background is in recruitment but fitness has always been a passion of mine. When I stumbled across the opportunity to open up my own STRONG Pilates franchise, I was instantly interested to learn more."

The concept is the first-of-its-kind, and uses a patented ‘Rowformer' machine - part Pilates reformer, part rowing machine, to provide a full-body workout that combines high-intensity with low-impact, controlled strength training - something which Ian acknowledges the UK market has been crying out for.

Ian comments:

"I'm training to be a PT and my partner is a holistic therapist, so we've witnessed first hand how the industry has changed to favour a holistic approach when it comes to fitness. I love the people in Leicester, and through STRONG Pilates, see a real opportunity to positively impact the lives of many across the city."

While STRONG Pilates now has in excess of 50 studios open across Australasia, also having recently introduced a ‘ride', bike element across studios, the concept was founded by Australian duo Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong, previously successful F45 franchise owners, who acknowledged a different fitness method driving the evolution of the fitness sector.

STRONG Pilates co-founder, Michael Ramsey explains:

"The industry has shifted away from 8-week challenges, dropping 10% body fat and before and after photos. Our users are telling us it's all about the holistic health piece."

Michael adds:

"That's what STRONG Pilates offers - it's cardio, flexibility, mobility, strength, HIIT training, injury prevention, mental fitness and more. As a full body workout, you save on needing multiple memberships and our members see incredible results."

Also expressing his delight towards the opening of what is an impressive 3,500 square foot studio in Leicester, John Hastings, STRONG Pilates UK managing director, explains:

"It's incredibly exciting to be opening our second UK studio in Leicester. I've always been a big advocate for reformer, particularly while I was playing international cricket. You see the toll it takes with Ben Stokes a perfect example of that, and I personally, always turned to Pilates as both an injury prevention and recovery tool. Like Ian, I'm excited to see the impact STRONG Pilates has on the lives of people across Leicester and the East Midlands."

Premium and sustainable water brand, VOSS Water, have also partnered with STRONG Pilates Leicester to support the studio's launch, ensuring the hydration of members is on-point, and the Leicester studio's opening will create several of an anticipated 1200+ jobs nationwide in-line with STRONG Pilates' 100-studio+ UK ambition.

To find out more about STRONG Pilates Leicester, visit www.strongpilates.co.uk/leicester. Membership options available from £49.00