You Won't Believe What Happened When Aligned Fitness Acquired 13 Club Pilates Studios!

Aligned Fitness, one of the largest operators of the Club Pilates franchise in the United States, is rapidly expanding its footprint in the Southeast. The company recently announced the acquisition of 13 additional studios across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, bringing its total to 47 locations. This growth is indicative of the rising popularity of the Pilates method, which was highlighted in ClassPass’ 2025 Look Back Report as the leading global driver of movement in the fitness industry.

The newly acquired studios include one each in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Athens, Georgia, along with seven in the greater Charlotte area and four in metro Atlanta. This strategic expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to meet increasing consumer demand for specialized fitness experiences.

Aligned Fitness operates under the umbrella of Eagle Merchant Partners, a private equity firm focused on supporting founder-owned companies in the Southeastern U.S. In addition to Aligned Fitness, Eagle’s portfolio includes AYA Medical Spa, which has nine locations in Georgia and Texas. Earlier this year, Eagle made a significant investment in Aligned Fitness and acquired two other franchise groups: Crescent Concepts, LLC, which operates Club Pilates studios in South Carolina and North Carolina, and Next Twenty, LLC, which manages studios in Georgia.

Jake Rubenstein from Eagle Merchant Partners remarked that the Club Pilates system represents a “highly attractive opportunity” due to its robust position within the Pilates sector and strong unit economics. This endorsement reflects a growing recognition of Pilates as a lucrative segment within the broader fitness market.

According to Jon Smith, co-founder of Aligned Fitness, the company’s growth momentum is fueled by a disciplined operating model. He emphasizes the importance of providing a consistent product, investing in instructors, and working closely with local teams. “Eagle understands that approach and has helped accelerate responsible, sustainable growth,” Smith stated.

Smith's journey with Club Pilates began in 2016 when he and business partner Joe Ruggieri started exploring franchising opportunities. After experiencing the effectiveness of the Club Pilates method firsthand, they recognized its broader potential. Smith initially signed on for six locations in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has since expanded as consumer interest surged, particularly in the post-pandemic environment.

“They have a proven model from the day that you sign the franchise agreement to getting your first studio open,” Smith explained in a recent interview. “It’s very valuable what they bring to the table in terms of their execution and leadership over the years, not just with Club Pilates, but also the Xponential Fitness C-suite that’s there now. It has extensive franchising experience.”

As fitness trends continue to evolve, the success of Aligned Fitness and its acquisitions underscores a significant shift in consumer preferences toward specialized and boutique fitness experiences. With the backing of a private equity firm like Eagle Merchant Partners and a clear growth strategy, Aligned Fitness is well-positioned to capitalize on the expanding Pilates market in the Southeast and beyond.