Anthony Geisler, former CEO of Xponential Fitness, is back in the game. After stepping down amid an SEC investigation, lawsuits, and mass studio closures (including CycleBar), he’s now the CEO of Sequel, a brand-new franchisor launching three wellness and fitness studio chains:
• BODY20 – EMS-based strength training with wearable suits
• Pilates Addiction – a boutique-style reformer Pilates studio
• Beem Light Sauna – focused on infrared recovery and light therapy
All three are positioned to scale nationally, again, using a franchise model.
Why does this matter? If you were around for the CycleBar or Pure Barre chaos, you’ll know:
• Many locations abruptly closed
• Founding members lost access without refunds
• Auto-renewals continued, even for shuttered studios
So before signing up at any of these new concepts (especially as a “founding member”) look carefully at the contract.
We’re not saying don’t sign up, we’re just saying to keep an eye out for:
• “Interruption of services” clauses (or lack thereof)
• Auto-renewal terms that stay active even if your location closes
• Non-refundable enrollment fees that don’t protect you from closures or ownership changes
Pro Tip: Let’s say you join one of these new franchise locations and you ask the staff, “What happens if the studio closes?” Even if the membership rep says “Don’t worry, we’d refund you” verbal promises are not enforceable. If it’s not explicitly written in your contract, it likely won’t be honored. Don’t rely on verbal reassurance, rely on what’s in writing.
This isn’t fearmongering, it’s transparency. Because the best time to ask hard questions… is before you swipe your card.
