The Castro's fitness fad continues to flex and now stretch its muscles.
Boutique fitness studio StretchLab has proposed opening a location at 2258 Market St. (between Noe and Sanchez streets). The space has been vacant since Wells Fargo Home Mortgage closed in July 2020.
The Irvine-based company was founded in 2015 and currently has approximately 533 locations worldwide with studios across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Kuwait, and Japan.
StretchLab has three locations in San Francisco - Embarcadero, SoMa, and Union Street.
StretchLab has proposed opening at 2258 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
StretchLab is currently under boutique fitness and wellness franchisor Xponential Fitness, which has 9 subsidiary brands including Club Pilates, CycleBar, StretchLab, Row House, AKT, YogaSix, Pure Barre, Stride, and Rumble.
According to its website, "StretchLab offers one-on-one assisted stretching services in a fun, energetic and communal environment. It is designed to increase mobility and flexibility, helping to reduce pain, decrease muscle aches, improve posture, reduce recovery time, and enhance quality of life."
Customers are led by "Flexologists" in one-on-one or group sessions lasting 25 or 50 minutes. 25-minute sessions cost $75 ($39 intro rate), while 50-minute classes are $135 ($79 intro rate).
2258 Market St. has been vacant since July 2020. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Public records indicate StretchLab will remodel the approximately 1,541-square-foot former office space with construction costs estimated at 125,000.
StretchLab crossed the 500 studio threshold last fall.
StretchLab president Verdine Baker told Athletech News, "Our franchisees are incredibly engaged, and the locations are welcoming, making each StretchLab feel like a second home for their members. We are grateful for the trust our members place in us and look forward to further expanding our footprint in 2025."
A Planning Commission hearing is set for June 5. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Under the city's formula retail rules, businesses with 11 or more locations worldwide must obtain a conditional use permit before opening anywhere in the Castro or Upper Market. A Planning Commission hearing to obtain a conditional use permit is set for June 5 at 12 p.m. at City Hall.
StretchLab will join a handful of fitness studios and gyms in the area including Live Fit Gym, Flagship CrossFit, Corepower Yoga, Barry's Bootcamp, MX3 Fitness, Fitness SF, CoreMVMT, Alex Fitness, [solidcore], and SoulCycle.
