Body20 Opens More Studios as EMS Workouts Gain Traction

Body20’s biohacking approach of 20-minute electrical muscle stimulation workouts is striking a chord with franchisees across the country

Body20, an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) fitness franchisor, has announced a record-breaking first half of the year with 16 new studio openings and 70 signed franchise agreements. 

The rapidly growing boutique fitness concept has opened new Body20 studios in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Portland, growing its footprint from 15 studios at the close of last year to 30 by the end of June.

The EMS-based fitness brand plans to expand its concept into new markets such as Denver, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Boston. It’s on pace to have 100 locations open by the end of this year or the first quarter of 2024, Body20’s president, Christopher Pena, told Athletech News in a recent interview.

In addition to Body20’s rapid growth, the brand recently appointed Lisa Donohue as chief marketing and experiences officer to support its ongoing expansion.

“We’re thrilled about Body20’s record-breaking progress over the first half of 2023 as we propel the EMS fitness concept to the top of the franchise space,” said Greg Breitbart, CEO of Body20. “With Lisa’s addition to our executive team, we are eager to continue expanding the brand into new cities across the country, introducing the transformative EMS technology to customers and franchise partners.”

Body20’s train smarter, not longer fitness concept was listed at #56 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New and Emerging Franchises list in May. 

New members engage in a private session where they can share wellness goals and take a complimentary Body20 bio-impedance measurement that provides a body composition assessment. They are then fitted into an FDA-cleared EMS suit before starting a 20-minute training session.

During the session, a Body20 coach guides the fitness enthusiast through a custom strength program that provides over 150 times more muscle contractions than a traditional workout. Body20 says its technology-forward method leads to weight loss, increased muscle tone and improved core strength.

The EMS-boutique fitness brand forged a $30 million franchise fund partnership with Benetrends earlier this year, designed to assist existing and new owners with service solutions and small business funding options.