Future of Fitness Michael Ramsey - The Black Sheep of Pilates: How Strong Pilates is Breaking All the Rules
Jul 29, 2025
Michael Ramsey, co-founder of Strong Pilates, transitions from personal trainer to fitness entrepreneur, shaking up the industry. He reveals how Strong Pilates innovatively combines strength training, cardio, and traditional Pilates, creating a unique workout experience. The rapid expansion to 95 locations across 14 countries highlights the brand's successful franchise model. Michael emphasizes the importance of member satisfaction, brand equity, and navigating challenges in the competitive fitness market, all while appealing to a diverse demographic.
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Injury Led To Strong Pilates Origin
- Michael Ramsey broke his ankle during an Adidas shoot and rehabbed on a reformer, which fixed many chronic issues quickly.
- He and his partner discovered the Roformer in the US and secured exclusive rights, leading to Strong Pilates' founding in 2019.
Organic Growth Fueled By Unique Format
- Strong scaled rapidly to nearly 100 studios with largely organic demand and minimal B2B advertising.
- Unique hybrid programming (strength + Pilates + cardio) and strong presale communities drove profitable openings.
Mix Modalities And Use Visual Guidance
- Let members choose their modality by offering rower or bike options and guided tech screens for visual instruction.
- Combine short cardio spikes with controlled Pilates movements to keep heart rate elevated and boost calorie burn safely.