STRONG Pilates, a national franchise with 100 fitness studios in the US, has taken the space on the west side of Broadway between Leonard and Worth. This was the former Prime Essentials space, which closed in 2022 after a decade on that corner; there is also a newish nail salon, QQ, next door. Thanks as always for J. for the heads-up.

This will be the first location in the city.

(There is also a new spot on West Broadway, Amare Pilates, and Hot 8 Yoga opens on Reade on August 10.)

STRONG features a twist on reformer Pilates: their machines allow you to bike or row as well. The Rowformer and Bikeformer are part rower or bike, part reformer. From their website: “Unlike regular pilates, the Rowformer or Bikeformer allow for elevated heart rate by using the row or ride side, then transitioning back to the Pilates side. The increased intensity results in a substantial calorie burn (up to 800 calories in a class) while receiving all the benefits of Pilates.”

Strong owns the exclusive rights to the Rowformer machine globally.

The company was founded in 2019 in Australia by Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong. The pair owned a number of franchise fitness studios before that and found a gap in the fitness industry for a sustainable, no impact workout.