Assisted Stretch Studio

Most wellness or fitness concepts either chase athletic performance or trend toward medical/therapeutic models. This one lands in between—assisted stretching for the masses, with a repeatable, systemized approach that doesn’t require licensed staff.

What they do differently

1. No Licensed Staff Needed

Unlike massage therapy or physical therapy franchises, this model sidesteps regulatory hurdles. Their practitioners go through a brand-specific certification process but don’t need prior licensure or health care credentials. That means a bigger hiring pool, faster onboarding, and fewer HR headaches.

2. Patented Equipment + Method

They use custom-built tables and a patented strapping system to stabilize the body and control the stretch. It’s part science, part branding—but more importantly, it creates consistency across locations and reinforces the feeling of a proprietary experience.

3. Built for Multi-Unit

Everything about the playbook—space requirements, staffing model, and go-to-market process—leans toward a fast ramp-up for owners with the appetite (and capital) for multiple locations. The buildout is modest, and they’ve standardized support to reduce friction.

4. Zero Closures (So Far)

They tout over 370 locations and claim no studio closures to date. While every concept says they’re “recession-resistant,” few in wellness can back it up with that kind of operational resilience.

🚩Potential weakness: Niche consumer behavior

Stretching is still a category that needs educating. Outside athletic or wellness-savvy areas, you may need to invest more in marketing to convince people this is something they want to pay for regularly.

The breakdown

Let’s break this business down with my proprietary GROCE framework (modest, I know).

Geography

Suburbs and affluent metros are ideal—especially areas with a high density of fitness-minded consumers or aging populations. Rural or price-sensitive markets will be a harder sell.

Real Estate

Needs around 1,200 sq ft. Strip centers or lifestyle plazas work well. No major buildout; just enough for a couple of stretch tables and a reception area. Clean, simple, and replicable.

Ops / Sales

You don’t need a clinical background, but you do need to be process-driven and people-savvy. Hiring and retaining good staff matters more here than in most absentee-leaning models. Semi-absentee is possible, but don’t expect true hands-off from day one.

Capital

Startup costs are reasonable compared to fitness or wellness peers. Working capital stays low because there’s no retail inventory or expensive equipment. Fast ramp to open, typically inside 90 days.

Expansion

The play here is clearly multi-unit. They’re structured to support that path, and most of their franchisees seem to pursue it. The scaling model is plug-and-play once the first studio proves out.



Final take:

This is a smart play for someone who wants to ride the wellness wave without the complexity of clinical services. It’s simple to run, scalable, and still early enough in its category to catch the upswing. Best fit? A multi-unit-minded operator with basic people skills and a knack for local marketing. The real strength: wellness that’s operationally light.