The Barre brand is preparing for international expansion under parent company Self Esteem Brands, owner of Anytime Fitness
Bar Method is expanding outside of North America and plans to open its first studio in Tokyo early next year following a deal with Fast Fitness Japan (FFJ), which has acquired the master franchise rights to the Barre brand.
Bar Method Self-esteem brand In 2019, the company owned a portfolio of fitness and personal care franchise brands, including Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness, Sumhiit Fitness, and Waxing the City. The company recently merged with Orangetheory Fitness and has said it plans to open more than 10,000 fitness, health, and wellness clubs worldwide by 2030.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Bar Method,” said Stephanie Schon, President of Bar Method. “With more than 20 years of experience in strengthening muscle, mind and overall health in North America, we are eager to share our scientific approach with a global audience to encourage more people to achieve their fitness goals.”
Schon added Bar Method It is a pleasure to work with FJJ, the master franchisee of over 1,000 Anytime Fitness clubs in Japan and Germany.
The Barre brand, which offers a fusion of yoga, Pilates and strength training, will grow to 1.6 million class attendees in 2023, up 14% from 2022. Bar Method members can choose from classic interval training, Bar Strength, Bar Method Cardio, yoga-infused Bar Flow, Bar Restore, Bar Combo and signature Bar classes like Bar Basics for foundational skills and Bar Prenatal.
Kio Yamabe, CEO of FFJ, said: “We are excited to introduce this excellent fitness program to a wider audience in Japan, especially women, to increase fitness participation in Japan and promote the formation and development of exercise habits. We believe this will be an exciting fitness experience for the Japanese people.”
Global
As The Bar Method prepares to debut internationally next year, Self Esteem Brand’s other fitness products are also making a splash around the world.
Anytime Fitness is the largest fitness brand under Self Esteem Brands and is currently developing a growth strategy in Dubai, the Middle East and other regions.
Sander van den Born, executive vice president of international at Self Esteem Brands, told Athletech News that the region could also be a good fit for The Bar Method, especially as more women are taking up fitness activities.
“Women in the GCC, especially in Saudi Arabia, are quite highly regarded in the community,” Bohn said. “They can drive now. They are much freer than before. They are out and about, and are interested in sports, health and wellness. So we do feel that some of the services we offer are very much suited to women in Saudi Arabia.”
