The Castro's fitness fad continues to flex its muscle with the proposed addition of a megachain pilates studio.
Club Pilates, the world's 'Largest Pilates Brand,' has proposed opening in the Castro at 2241 Market Street, currently occupied by European Wax Center.
With over 1,300 locations worldwide, Club Pilates currently has four locations in San Francisco: Diamond Heights, SoMa, NoPa, and Cow Hollow. A fifth location has been proposed in Lakeshore Plaza. The Castro would be Club Pilates' sixth location.
According to its website, "Club Pilates offers high-quality, life-changing training at a surprisingly affordable price. We believe that Pilates is the path to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence."
Club Pilates has proposed opening at 2241 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The Castro Club Pilates location has been proposed by franchisees Carrie Wu and CJ Liu. Last year, Wu and Liu were denied a conditional use permit to open a location along Valencia St.
Hoodline reached out to Club Pilates, Carrie Wu, CJ Liu, and European Wax Center but did not receive a response.
In an application filed on Monday, Club Pilates has proposed a change of use with a conditional use permit for formula retail.
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 has not been set at this time.
Inside Club Pilates' SoMa studio. | Photo: Club Pilates/Instagram
Founded in San Diego in 2007, Club Pilates is currently under boutique fitness and wellness franchisor Xponential Fitness, which has nine subsidiary brands, including Club Pilates, CycleBar, StretchLab, Row House, AKT, YogaSix, Pure Barre, Stride, and Rumble.
Stetchlab opened across the street from the proposed Club Pilates at 2258 Market St.
Public records indicate Club Pilates will remodel the approximately 1,774-square-foot former office space with construction costs estimated at $85,000.
A listing for the current European Wax Center at 2241 Market St. has been active since December 2025. European Wax Center opened in 2021 in the former Fidelity National Title.
Club Pilates would join a growing number of fitness studios and gyms that have opened in the area, including Alex Fitness, Body SF, Barry's Bootcamp, Bright Star Pilates, CoreMVMT, Corepower Yoga, Fitness SF, Flagship CrossFit, Live Fit Gym, MX3 Fitness, [solidcore], and SoulCycle.
