Boutique fitness is booming in Canada, with more people trading traditional gyms for personalized, community-driven workout experiences. Leading the charge is STRONG Pilates Canada, the Australian-born workout concept that launched in Canada in 2024.
It’s known for its innovative, low-impact, performance-driven approach that’s quickly expanding nationwide.
Since opening its first Canadian flagship studio in Toronto’s Little Italy, STRONG Pilates Canada has gained incredible momentum:
- 6 new studios now open (Yorkville (the most recent), Liberty Village, The Beaches, Ottawa, Kelowna, and, Coal Harbour in Vancouver)
- 5 more set to launch within the year (in Oakville, Kingston, St. Catherines, Surrey, and Calgary)
- And even more new studios already in the pipeline.
The demand speaks volumes: Canadians are craving efficient, results-driven workouts that prioritize longevity over burnout, all with an elevated, boutique studio experience. As the boutique fitness market continues to boom, STRONG Pilates Canada is carving out a powerful space and continues to stand out in a crowded market, appealing to Canadians who want a smarter, more efficient way to sweat.
“Since launching our first Canadian studio in 2024, STRONG Pilates Canada has filled a major gap in the market – meeting the growing demand for efficient, results-driven workouts that prioritize longevity over burnout. Canadians are increasingly looking for ways to train smarter, not harder, and our unique workout model combined with an elevated boutique studio experience delivers exactly that,” said Alyce Luczak, Director of Operations & Onboarding at STRONG Pilates Canada.
“Rapid expansion has been fueled by a growth strategy that focuses not only on markets where an appetite for innovative, low-impact fitness exists, but that also supports our franchisees with a proven business model and operational support. We’re seeing incredible enthusiasm not only across the country, but globally.”
Luczak said innovation is at the company’s core.
“STRONG provides members with such a unique workout experience that fuses Pilates, cardio, and strength training into one high-intensity, low-impact session – a combination not offered at any other studio or franchise in Canada. Members can choose the way they want to move, Row, Ride or Reform, on our custom built patented Rowformers ensuring that the experience is never repetitive,” she said.
“Beyond the workout itself, community is at the heart of STRONG. Every class is scalable for all fitness levels, and our highly trained instructors ensure each STRONG human feels supported, challenged, and confident. We are so much more than Pilates.”
Luczak said the concept’s method is designed to push limits without punishing the body.
“STRONG Pilates omits high-impact movements like plyometrics and running which can increase risk of injury – and replaces them with a low-impact, high-intensity format that builds strength, endurance, and Mobility,” she said.
“By combining reformer Pilates with cardio and resistance training on our Rowformer machines, we help anyone who visits our studios to train sustainably for the long term. It’s about creating a workout that people can love – and stick with – for life.”
Luczak said the company takes pride in empowering local entrepreneurs to bring STRONG Pilates to their neighbourhood.
“Our franchise model is built off proven systems that have been developed from 100+ global studio launches. Franchisees joining our network benefit from comprehensive onboarding and pre-launch support from finding a suitable space, to build out, marketing, sales, trainer certification and beyond. We ensure every franchisee has the tools and training needed to succeed and continue to support once operational.”
“Our focus right now is on responsible and strategic growth, continuing to expand our footprint in Ontario, whilst nurturing the B.C and Alberta markets with a network of high-quality franchise partners. STRONG Pilates members have come to expect consistent innovations and 2026 will be no different with equipment, tech and merchandise all under the spotlight.”
More from Retail Insider:
