Maroochydore one of five Queensland locations in Strong Pilates expansion

A 31-year-old personal trainer is opening one of five “pilates hybrid” studios in Queensland that combines traditional reformer exercises with high-intensity workouts.

A personal trainer is hopeful a pilates studio with a twist will encourage more men to take up the fitness movement.

Former state AFL player Ryan Matthews tried pilates after a physio recommended it when he needed a more sustainable way to exercise between training.

Now he is opening his first Strong Pilates studio that combines traditional reformer exercises with rowing.

Mr Matthews said he and his business partner Josh Milner, both 31, backed Strong’s concept from the start because of its “pilates hybrid” combination of cardio training with strength and resistance.

He said it offered a unique group fitness experience that was low impact but high intensity.

“I first fell in love with pilates when I was playing state league footy,” he said.

Ryan Matthews is opening the Sunshine Coast's first Strong Pilates which combines reformer training with rowing. Picture: Tegan Annett

“I’ve had multiple shoulder surgeries and have rheumatoid arthritis.

“I got into a traditional reformer pilates and the benefits were next level.”

He said the lower-impact exercise worked wonders and he hoped the combination with cardio would provide what some felt traditional pilates lacked.

“I’ve dragged mates into classes but they wouldn’t come back because they’d say they enjoyed it but felt like they still needed to do a workout,” Mr Matthews said.

“(This) bridges that gap between high-intensity interval training and pilates.”

The Maroochydore business is one of five being opened this month in Queensland as part of a major expansion to the exercise franchise.

Michael Ramsay and Mark Armstrong launched Strong Pilates with the “rowformer” equipment in Victoria 18 months ago.

The equipment incorporates a rowing machine into a reformer.

From later this month the franchise was expected to grow from three studios to 50.

Ryan Matthews is opening the Sunshine Coast's first Strong pilates which combines reformer training with rowing. Picture: Tegan Annett

Mr Ramsay and Mr Armstrong, both personal trainers, previously owned six F45 studios.

Mr Matthews moved from Hobart to the Sunshine Coast to open the business.

“The number one thing for me was finding a product that aligned with my values and was something I was passionate about,” he said.

“If you’re going to put your blood, sweat and tears into opening a business it should be at somewhere like the Sunshine Coast.”

The studio is expected to open at 98 Aerodrome Road in late October.