BODYBAR Pilates Hits 100-Studio Milestone with Texas Opening
Event summary
- BODYBAR Pilates opens its 100th studio in Fort Worth, Texas, marking a return to its founding market.
- The brand opened 21 new locations in 2026 and now counts over 21,000 active members nationwide.
- First-time franchise owner Shay Werkheiser leads the Presidio location, emphasizing community engagement.
- BODYBAR has 70 studios in development, with 30 slated to open by year-end including debuts in five new states.
The big picture
BODYBAR Pilates' 100-studio milestone reflects the continued strength of boutique fitness franchising, particularly in reformer-based Pilates. The brand's expansion strategy—focusing on both density in core markets and geographic diversification—mirrors broader industry trends toward scalable community-centric models. With over 70 studios in development, BODYBAR is positioning itself for further growth, though sustaining franchisee quality at this scale will be critical.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- Whether BODYBAR can maintain its rapid expansion pace while preserving studio quality.
- Market Penetration
- How the brand's entry into new states like Indiana and Tennessee will perform.
- Franchise Dynamics
- The effectiveness of first-time franchise owners in replicating BODYBAR's community-focused model.