SLT studio
credit: SLT

The New York-based, Pilates-inspired boutique fitness brand is entering the D.C. market as it pursues a broader national expansion strategy

SLT is expanding into the Washington, D.C., market, announcing plans to open four studios across the region over the next year as the New York-based boutique fitness brand looks to grow beyond its Northeast stronghold.

The company will open studios in Rockville, Maryland, and three D.C. neighborhoods: Navy Yard, Logan Circle and Georgetown.

The Rockville studio is scheduled to open this winter, followed by Navy Yard and Logan Circle in spring 2027. The Georgetown location, which will occupy the former Georgetown Theater on Wisconsin Avenue, is expected to open in late 2027.

Founded by Amanda Freeman in 2011, SLT currently operates 21 studios across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The D.C. expansion marks its first major push into a new geographic market.

“Nowhere in the nation is fitness more important and more a part of the lifestyle than in the DC area, so it was clear to us that our first major expansion outside of the Northeast needed to be here,” said SLT chief operating officer Bryon Fields.

Known for its 50-minute, high-intensity, low-impact workouts combining Pilates-inspired movements, strength training and cardio, SLT is among the established boutique brands looking to capitalize on the continued popularity of reformer-based fitness.

The expansion follows SLT’s announcement earlier this year that it was pursuing acquisitions of established Pilates studios nationwide, backed by a multimillion-dollar investment.

SLT’s growth plans also come amid an ongoing legal dispute with its equipment manufacturer Lagree Fitness and its founder Sebastien Lagree.

In October, SLT filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Lagree withheld Megaformer machines to pressure the studio operator into surrendering exclusive territorial rights. SLT is seeking at least $50 million in damages, while Lagree has denied the allegations.

Tags: