Franchises: From StretchLab to YogaSix, Xponential Fitness Franchisees Share How It Thrives

Xponential Fitness franchisees share key strategies for success in the boutique fitness market.

As a leading global franchisor of health and wellness brands, Xponential Fitness has assembled a portfolio spanning nine distinct fitness and wellness concepts, from Pilates, stretching, and barre to cycling and yoga. With over 3,000 studios open and licenses for more than 6,250 locations worldwide, the company’s reach now extends to 49 U.S. states and 24 countries.

Xponential‘s rapid growth isn’t just about amassing brands. It’s positioned itself as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a blueprint for success in the challenging world of small business ownership.

“I started with one unit, and am now up to seven and recently acquired the master franchise rights for Switzerland, Ireland, France, and Europe,” said Chris Fichaud, an entrepreneur who has built a network of Club Pilates locations, in a recent video.

But what’s it really like to operate an Xponential franchise? And how does the company’s multibrand approach set it apart in a crowded fitness marketplace? Xponential franchisees reflect on their experiences, challenges, and the factors they believe contribute to their success.

Support and Resources

One consistent theme from the franchisees was the level of support provided by Xponential’s corporate team.

“I think Xponential is set apart a great deal just by the support you get,” said Hayes Havener, who has owned both Pure Barre and CycleBar franchises in Florida for 11 years.

“There’s just a really easy step-by-step manual, and when you feel like you’re not really sure where to go, there’s always somebody to go to,” said Rudy Klotsman, a Rumble franchise owner from New Jersey.

This sentiment was echoed by Beth Georges, a multiunit and multibrand franchisee who owns several Club Pilates and YogaSix studios in Orange County, California. Georges, who transitioned from a career as a university professor to full-time franchise ownership, emphasized the value of Xponential’s expertise across various business functions.

“The best plan for success, especially as a franchisee, is to lean in and learn from those who know more and have more success,” Georges explained. “For me, that means relying on our corporate team at Xponential. I am not a marketing expert, but I have one at the corporate office.”

“If I need help with the buildout of a studio, I rely on the development team at Corporate. It sounds simple. And in a way it is. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Don’t go rogue. Follow the plan that is working across dozens if not hundreds of other studios. That’s why we invested in a franchise because the corporate team has the playbook for success.”

This access to specialized knowledge is a vital differentiator for Xponential Fitness. In an industry where independent studio owners often struggle with aspects of business management outside their fitness expertise, Xponential’s model provides a framework and support system that can help bridge those gaps.

Realities of Franchise Ownership

While franchisees were generally positive about their experiences with Xponential Fitness, they were also candid about the challenges of owning and operating fitness studios.

“Buying a franchise does not mean everyone will be successful,” Georges cautioned. “Just because you have spent a certain amount of money does not mean you will automatically be getting paid. Opening or running a franchise is work. Hard work. Just like any other business.”

Georges cited statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, noting that approximately 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, 30% by the end of the second year, and about half by the end of the fifth year. In this cutthroat environment, access to a multibrand portfolio and thorough franchisee support system is essential.

Keys to Success: Adaptability, Learning, and Customer Focus

So what separates the successful franchisees from those who struggle? Xponential Fitness franchisees highlighted several key attributes and practices that stand out.

Adaptability topped the list for Georges. “Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” she advised. “You will be challenged. You will be defeated. You will want to give up … The more you can learn to not take things personally and not get upset, the better you will adapt to the constant changing environment known as entrepreneurship.”

A willingness to learn was another crucial factor. Georges emphasized the importance of continuing education, whether through formal programs like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program or by seeking out advice from corporate team members and fellow franchisees.

Customer focus was also highlighted as a critical component of success.

“At the heart of your business is the customer,” said Georges. “Make sure you really know what your customer wants. Watch for signs that your customer base is shifting. Provide the best customer service possible.”

The Power of Community and Team Building

Franchisees emphasized the importance of building a strong community, both among fellow business owners and within their own teams.

Georges described the value of her network. “I have a core group of owners that I chat with frequently. Some are in the same industry and some are not. But all of them experience similar problems in their businesses. We often compare notes and call each other for help when we need it.”

Equally important is developing a strong team within each studio. Georges stressed the importance of hiring good people and helping them realize their own ambitions.

“Know what is important to your staff, especially your key employees. Help them realize their dreams. In doing so, you help your business grow and thrive,” she said.

This focus on team development is particularly crucial as franchisees expand to multiple locations. As Georges noted, “When we had only one studio, it was easier for me to ‘just do it myself.’ But with five, six, or more locations, the owner can’t do it all.”

‘Buy Into Something That Fuels Your Passion’

While the Xponential multibrand approach and corporate support structure can lower some of the barriers to entry and growth for aspiring fitness and wellness entrepreneurs, success still requires hard work, adaptability, and sound business practices.

It also helps to build a business in a fitness practice you are passionate about, says Georges.

“If you are looking at franchises that you might consider buying, my suggestion is to buy into something that fuels your passion. Yes, some people just buy to fuel their love of money. But I have found that if you are passionate about the work you do in your business, the work is more fun. And that’s the ultimate success — making great money doing something you love!”

Ann Mazotta, California Business Journal