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Club Pilates: latest US chain launches in Australia

Sarah Stowe

Club Pilates is the latest US chain to come to Australia, with plans for at least 50 outlets.

The Australian business is headed up by Live Pilates business owner, CEO Brendan James, who is converting his three outlets to the Club Pilates model.

Brendan has two company-owned studios in Sippy Downs and Brisbane Metro North, and a franchised outlet in Noosa which have all be rebadged.

He told Inside Franchise Business “The thinking was, let’s try and incorporate something much bigger, why not join the biggest group in the world? In Australia the Pilates and boutique fitness industry is in quite a boom phase.

“We have an agreement for 50 studios in Australia over the next 10 years in Australia but believe these will be sold out within 24 months.”

Key to locations is an understanding of the local community demographics and habits.

“It is not about a high traffic venue, it’s placing yourself where people are looking for what we do,” he said.

“We’re different because we have a lot more equipment, high quality instructors, nine different class types with four different levels. The big slogan is ‘Do Pilates, do life’. 

“You don’t do Pilates to lose weight or get a beach bod, you do so you can be active in everyday life,” Brendan explained. “It’s about helping and enabling people to live life as they want, fit and healthy, and pain free.

“It is for everybody, and for every part of the body. Age and size are not a discriminator. We have mother and daughters work out together, post natal, recovery and rehabilitation.’

Brendan is confident the Club Pilates is competitively priced in the market.

He is looking for new franchisees to help grow the brand – individuals excited about the brand, and who love the health industry.

Experience isn’t required and franchisees do not need to be instructors – they can be as hands-on or hands-off as they wish.

It will cost from about $300,000 to buy a Club Pilates franchise, and that includes the franchise fee, initial marketing, merchandise, and equipment (depending on whether equipment is financed). 

Brendan says “The equipment is highly advanced and a big range comes with a cost.”

Founded in 2007, Club Pilates offers extensive training certification for its instructors. Its 500-hour training program includes instruction on Pilates, barre, Triggerpoint, and TRX Suspension Trainers.

Australia is the 11th country the brand will operate in – it has almost 700 locations open across the globe.