Founders Row Launches Women-Only Strength Studio LiftHER with Fitness Industry Veterans — Founders Row

Event summary

Founders Row launches LiftHER, a women-only strength studio, with Katherine Mason and Betina Gozo Shimonek as co-founders.
First location opens in Dallas in September 2026, with plans for Southeast expansion.
Studio offers dedicated lifting racks, small class sizes (8–14), and complimentary DEXA scans.
Long-term vision includes dual-studio format with SculptHouse, debuting in Atlanta in early 2027.

The big picture

LiftHER enters a market where women's use of free weights has increased by 150% between 2011 and 2021, yet 73% still do not meet federal strength-training guidelines. The studio's focus on dedicated lifting spaces and expert-led programming addresses a gap in the market for supportive, community-driven strength training environments. Founders Row's strategic backing and the co-founders' industry experience position LiftHER to potentially redefine women's fitness categories.

What we're watching

Market Validation: Whether LiftHER can capitalize on the growing demand for women-focused strength training, as evidenced by a 25% year-over-year increase in weight training uploads among women.
Execution Risk: The pace at which Founders Row can scale LiftHER while maintaining the personalized experience and community-driven ethos.
Competitive Positioning: How LiftHER differentiates itself from existing women's fitness brands like SculptHouse and whether it can attract a dedicated member base.