Strong Pilates unveils AFL and NRL stars as brand ambassadors

Coinciding with International Men’s Health Week - running from 12th to 18th June - fitness franchise, STRONG Pilates has unveiled its 2023 ambassador line-up, partnering with NRL and AFL stars Nicho Hynes, Shaun Johnson, Nat Fyfe and Travis Boak, to showcase the benefits of low impact, high intensity training for recovery and injury rehabilitation.

Designed as a high-intensity, low impact, full body workout, STRONG Pilates combines rowing with Pilates-inspired movements, utilising an innovative Rowformer and Bikeformer machine. The unique fitness franchise was born after co-founder, Michael Ramsey sustained a sports-related ankle injury and discovered Pilates as part of his recovery program, however longer-term, needed a hit of cardio.

Prevalent across both sporting codes, injuries affect more than 57% of NRL players while 3.68 injuries per club were recorded across the 2021 AFL Season, up 180% from the previous season.

As official brand ambassadors, each of the athletes will share their own experience with STRONG Pilates, highlighting the transformative effect it has had on their own performance and recovery.

Fremantle player, Fyfe, a long-time supporter of Pilates, attributed STRONG Pilates to improving his performance 11 months post-injury which earned him a second Brownlow medal in 2019.

Calling for more men and athletes to integrate low impact strength training to reap the benefits, Fyfe explains “when I first started playing AFL, Pilates was something I wouldn’t have considered adding to my workout or recovery.

“Now, over 14 years into my professional career, Pilates is a regular part of my routine and provides me with a combination of stretch, sweat and strength.

“I really believe it is important to find something that complements your life and maximises your performance - both for your training and mental health. Trying something different and changing up your routine is the key to getting the most out of your workout time.”

With 40 STRONG Pilates studios open across Australia, New Zealand, UK and Singapore, and plans to expand to 100+ studios in the next 12 months, despite its popularity and rapid growth, males represent a small portion of STRONG Pilates member base.

STRONG Pilates co-founder, Michael Ramsey advised “finding Pilates was revolutionary as it provided me with low impact movements which elevated my stretch to support my recovery. Longer-term however, it wasn’t enough for me to do as a standalone routine so the integration of HIIT cardio has been a real gamechanger for the Pilates industry.

“We’ve seen the impact STRONG has had on our current member base and to even the most professional athlete - both physically and mentally. It’s the ideal workout to not only enhance, but aid overall wellbeing and we are committed to inspiring the wider community to build healthier habits into their lives.”

As part of International Men’s Health Week, STRONG Pilates across Australia, NZ, and UK will be hosting a community day across all of their studios on Saturday 17th June, encouraging everyone to register and bring a STRONG male in their life for free as part of a unique partnered workout.

For studio locations, times and to learn more about STRONG Pilates go to www.strongpilates.com.au

Images: Strong Pilates brand ambassadors Nat Fyfe, Travis Boak, Nicho Hynes and Shaun Johnson (top, from left), Nat Fyfe (middle) and Shaun Johnson (below). Credit: Strong Pilates.