STRONG Pilates: A New Movement in Downtown Kingston
By Tianna Edwards
Published: March 26th, 2026
As a busy mom of two young kids trying to stay active, I am always looking for the most efficient way to hit my fitness goals. This typically looks like a little strength training for the bones, cardio for the heart and yoga for mood and mobility.
A friend of mine who lives in Toronto has been raving about STRONG Pilates classes because they offer a perfect combination of resistance training and low-impact, joint-friendly exercise in one 45-minute class. I’ve been itching to try a class!
Lucky for me (and Kingston!), local downtown business owner Erica Braunstein is also a fan of STRONG Pilates and has been working on launching downtown Kingston’s very own STRONG Pilates space for the past two years.
A New Fitness Option Comes to Kingston
Born in Kingston, Braunstein owns Lay Low Cafe, a happening brunch spot that is a reflection of her love of travel. Like many locals who plant roots in this city after spending time away, she wanted to see a reflection of her experiences away in the community she once again calls home. She fell in love with STRONG Pilates while living in Australia and saw an opportunity to introduce Kingstonians to this low-impact, accessible way of training.
Braunstein explains, “I first discovered STRONG Pilates while living in Australia and immediately connected with it. The combination of Reformer Pilates, cardio, and strength training, all in a focused 45-minute workout! It just made sense for my busy lifestyle.” Adding. “When I moved back to Kingston, I was looking for something similar and realized it didn’t exist here. Around the same time, STRONG Pilates was opening its first Canadian location in Toronto, and it felt like the right moment.”
Building Something STRONG at 259 Princess St.
Braunstein picked a spot that locals have seen empty for years, previously an Indigo that closed in 2013; she could immediately envision its transformation.
She explains, “Our space at 259 Princess Street had been sitting vacant for over 13 years. I saw the potential right away, not just for a studio, but for something Kingston was missing. More than anything, I wanted to build a real community around it.”
What Is the STRONG Pilates Rowformer Workout?
So what can folks expect when they take a class?
Braunstein explained, “The Rowformer is unique to STRONG Pilates. It combines a reformer-style carriage with a built-in rowing machine or bike, plus a reverse spring resistance system unlike any reformer machine you’ve seen before. What that means is you get the control and stability of Pilates, with the added intensity of strength training. It allows for heavier resistance, up to 90 pounds, while still being low-impact and joint-friendly. It’s a completely different training experience. Catered to everybody."
When she says everybody, she emphasizes the accessible entrance, bathrooms and showers.
“Everyone should feel like they belong here, because that’s what building a real community is all about!” says Braunstein.
STRONG Pilates Kingston is set to open later this April! Keep an eye on their instagram for details and deals.
Tianna Edwards
Tianna is a wife and mom of two young kids with a day job as an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Coordinator at Queen's. She takes pride in living in Kingston and loves celebrating all things local (mostly food related!) through her blog, Keep up with Kingston. Follow Tianna's blog for more local food, culture and shop inspo. Get the latest from her over on instagram.
