Have you heard of Rowformer?

Think of a Pilates class that is high-intensity strength and conditioning focused with some resistance training and rowing cardio bursts and you’ve come across Rowformer Pilates. If you haven’t heard of Rowformer it's a Reformer-inspired based workout that according to Adriana Ngo gives you one of the toughest and most effective workouts you can do.

I’m a proud franchise co-owner of Strong Pilates in Wetherill Park in Sydney that offers this new fitness-based workout. I really enjoyed it because this workout aligned with my personal brand and what I sought out in a training session. I have always been a fitness enthusiast which meant I have always been experimental with my styles of training. The first time I tried Pilates was in 2014 at a studio in Balmain in Sydney. I noticed the trend of Pilates becoming more popular in the fitness space, particularly over the last five or so years so the timing felt right for me to open a franchise business with Strong Pilates.

After giving up my business from home, I was after something new. I wanted something I could be passionate about so something to do with fitness, seemed like the natural choice at the time. As a co-owner, my partner and I wanted to bring Pilates to South West Sydney and bridge the gap in the market. Our community needed this and I was so ready.

Strong Pilates launched in 2019, specialising in a Pilates/cardio hybrid style of training. The first machine of its kind in Australia; the Rowformer is a patented pending technology. With the combination of the two exercise styles, Strong members gain the strength, flexibility and muscle tone you would normally experience from an intense Pilates session, but also get optimal fat burning, and muscle-building benefits you get through the use of the rowing machine.

For me, the Strong concept is a revolutionary and holistic approach to fitness.

So what can you expect from a Strong Pilates class?

Our classes are high intensity, high energy but low impact. Different to a typical pilates class, the Rowformer allows for elevated heart rate by using the erg side, then transitioning back to the Pilates (strength) side. We differ from other Pilates and HIIT workouts in the market by omitting high-impact movements such as plyometrics, running and heavy free weights, which increase the risk of injury. Instead we focus on promoting long-term, sustainable training through low-impact movements.

We have a Strong playlist that has been specifically curated by DJ’s deep-house for rowing and then the beat switches to RnB on the strength side. The lighting in the studio is also adjusted throughout the class, in sync with the music. It really does create a unique atmosphere that I love. At the end of each class, we round out the class with a chilled, eucalyptus-scented towel to freshen up, delivered straight to your Rowformer.

Why we row? 

Apart from the obvious cardio element, the varied row blocks are programmed in our classes for a few other key principals. The Rowing machine can give you as close to a total body workout as possible on any machine. Members are able to work their back, arms, and legs simultaneously, whilst reaching their desired intensity in a short amount of time. The cardio you get on the row side, completes your training session, something we believe traditional Pilates classes lack. On average you could burn upwards of 800+ calories in a single 45-minute class.

Low Impact

The Strong method offers a low-impact option of training. Our highly trained coaches will teach the members, the proper rowing technique and will offer modifications and options for a little less or more. Classes are designed to be suitable for all fitness levels. Our oldest member is in her 80s!

There are currently 41 existing studios across Australia and New Zealand . Most recently it also launched in the UK and Singapore. There are more than 100 confirmed locations set to launch in 2023 and 2024 across the UK, Asia, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Safe to say, the Strong movement is well and truly underway.

STRONG Pilates first launched in October 2019 at its flagship studio at Elsternwick in Melbourne.

To find out more about Strong visit https://strongpilates.com.au/strong-classes/

To find out to become a Strong Instructor visit https://strongpilates.com.au/strong-academy/