Is Studio Lagree Set To Make An Impact On The British Fitness Market?

Despite a markedly different cultural approach to boutique fitness, British consumers have been highly receptive to the small number of American players entering the market recently. Major US brands Equinox, Xtend Barre and Barry’s Bootcamp have placed themselves firmly on the map in the UK and there are continual rumblings of a SoulCycle invasion. But the latest US export? Studio Lagree.

First launched in 2001, the renowned fitness program has enjoyed worldwide success due to its innovative, results driven full-body workout, which boasts high-profile fans including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Obama. And with rapid expansion plans, it can now add the UK to its global roster.

This week saw the opening of two new sites in the UK – one in Chiswell Street, London and a second in Guildford.

Commenting on the UK launch, Founder, Sebastien Lagree said: “With more than 200 global operators across 15 countries, we’re excited to finally be adding sites in the UK to the family. The general public today are incredibly savvy when it comes to fitness – demanding workouts with proven results that work around busy lifestyles.”

“The principles of the Lagree Method,” he explains “are that it works muscles to failure with very little rest, which results in a workout that burns maximum calories in a short time, whilst also developing significant muscle tone and strength.”

The classes, which are built around participants using the Megaformer™ machine (patented by Lagree) have allowed the innovative fitness expert to boost company profits, having sold thousands of machines, which cost $7,000+  to over 250 fitness studios that license his method. However, Lagree is currently designing new devices that he believes will expand the experience of fitness to a level consumers have never explored before.

With plans to open a number of additional sites in the UK during 2016, Studio Lagree is the latest American brand to enjoy consumer traction in the UK, with similar success being experienced by ClassPass. London is now the fastest growing market for ClassPass, which just launched in Australia as well.

As the wellness industry continues to globalise, it does leave us wondering whether UK fitness brands have strategies in place to penetrate the US market in a similar fashion?

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