STRONG Pilates, the global fitness franchise known for its unique blend of Pilates, cardio and strength training, has launched its latest and most advanced technology to date: CONNECT. The new in-studio connected training experience, powered by integrated tablets, is designed to elevate the member experience and set a new benchmark for personalized training in boutique fitness.
Purpose‑built for STRONG studios, CONNECT creates a seamless experience for both members and instructors by delivering programming directly from a central system into STRONG’s proprietary Rowformer and Bikeformer machines. This removes the need for manual setup, streamlines class delivery and standardizes workouts across the global network. It also establishes the foundation for more personalized, real‑time feedback in every class – with advanced features set to come later this year.
At the core of CONNECT is personalization at scale. The integrated tablets introduce STRONG Zones, a new performance‑feedback system that displays individual intensity ranges based on each member’s output. These color‑coded zones enable real‑time, one‑to‑one coaching that supports progression, safety and confidence. The system also retains members’ past performance to help inform and tailor future sessions.
Co‑founder and Chief Executive Officer of STRONG Pilates, Michael Ramsey, said the launch of CONNECT reflects the brand’s commitment to industry-first innovation that directly enhances the member experience and outcomes.
“We’re a brand built on innovation, always looking for ways to elevate STRONG’s member experience, streamline operations and better equip our instructors to deliver exceptional coaching.”
“CONNECT is the next evolution of STRONG. We’ve been building towards this for years, and seeing it come to life across our studios is a milestone for our business. It pushes the brand forward in a way the industry hasn’t seen before and sets a new standard for boutique fitness globally. Over the next year, we will be introducing even more features that will completely transform the member experience,” said Ramsey.
CONNECT will roll out in two phases, with an initial launch across Australia and the United States.
Phase Two, later in the year, will introduce deeper technology integration, expanded data capabilities, and a global rollout across STRONG’s rapidly growing international network. A comprehensive rewards platform will be introduced to recognize member milestones, with lifetime metrics recorded within the system.
A particularly exciting feature will be CONNECT’s ability to set level-based workout goals and assess members according to their age, gender and fitness levels, classifying them as STRONG, STRONGER or SUPERHUMAN. Members will also receive real-time recognition throughout their workout as they achieve their goals.
Nic Davidson, Head of Technology at STRONG Pilates, led the development of CONNECT and focused deeply on how this industry-first technology could enhance fitness outcomes.
“CONNECT has been built to deliver a streamlined, consistent experience for our members, challenging them at every workout.”
“We’ve created technology that automates complex work processes and tracks individual performance metrics so members can continue exceeding their benchmarks. This is the most advanced innovation for STRONG to date and will set a new standard for personalized member training. Wait until you see what Phase Two will bring,” he said.
All instructors will receive comprehensive training through the STRONG Academy to ensure confident, consistent delivery from day one.
Features unique to STRONG CONNECT in Phases One and Two include:
- Wireless workout sync: Workouts sync wirelessly with STRONG TV, displaying only the current class in instructional order, eliminating manual uploads and member navigation.
- ONE Standard. EVERY Studio: STRONG Connect normalizes workout metrics across all equipment, so members get the same experience from Melbourne to New York to London, from the first studio to the latest.
- Instant post‑workout feedback: Members receive immediate performance summaries to reinforce progress and motivation.
- STRONG Zones: A color-coded effort display aligned with STRONG benchmarks gives members visual clarity on pacing and output, and instructors studio-wide visibility on intensity, reducing the need for repeated verbal cues. It marks the first stage in a broader evolution of STRONG’s personalized performance guidance.
- Personalized STRONG Zones: Phase Two takes this further with our color‑coded intensity ranges based on individual training efforts, enabling tailored coaching and supporting measurable progression. The enhanced visual metrics calibrate training zones to gender, age and fitness level.
- Performance Memory: STRONG CONNECT tracks each member’s training efforts over each session, turning raw workout data into the measurable progress that today’s data-hungry members demand, fuelling the motivation and results that drive long-term retention.
- Milestone Recognition: Phase Two introduces an integrated rewards system that recognises milestones and lifetime metrics in the workout summary, and spotlights goals in real-time as they are reached and exceeded.
For further details on STRONG Pilates, its unique technology, and signature programming, visit strongpilates.co or follow @strong on Instagram.
Co-founded in 2019 by Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong, STRONG Pilates is an Australian-founded fitness format that combines Pilates with cardio and strength training via the exclusive Rowformer and Bikeformer (a Reformer with a rower or bike attached).
Designed for longevity in training, STRONG offers a low-impact, high-intensity full-body workout, which has been embraced by over 47,000 members worldwide. The fitness franchise has seen incredible growth over the past year, with over 117 operating studios across 14 countries and a further 200 confirmed to open.
AIIR