After introducing Xponential’s reformer Pilates concept, Club Pilates, to Germany last year, Matin Seibold's LifeFit Group reports that it's accelerating the rollout of the brand, as master franchisor for Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

The first German club launched in May 2023, in Frankfurt-Bornheim, followed by a club in Königstein. The first of four Hamburg sites opened in June this year, with the other three coming on stream over the next two months. Further sites are planned for German cities next year.

"The studios that have opened so far are performing even better than expected," says Christophe Collinet, CCO of the LifeFit Group and MD of Life Fit Group Franchise. “We believe Club Pilates has great potential to expand in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.”

Classes are priced at €29, or a membership with eight visits per month is available from €149.

Club Pilates Teacher Training has also been recognised by the German Pilates Association. It comprises 500 hours of classroom instruction, independent and online learning.

In the Classpass Trend Report for 2023, Pilates was shown to be the most popular workout worldwide, with bookings on the Classpass platform increasing by 92 per cent over the previous year.

With more than 850 franchise studios, Club Pilates is a fast-growing Pilates boutique concept. Earlier this year, it made its debut in London.

LifeFit Group is in the process of being acquired by Waterland Private Equity Investments from Oaktree Capital, which will allow it to continue its growth strategy.

Xponential is regrouping after the departure of CEO Anthony Geisler and the arrival of new CEO, Mark King.