Castro's newest wellness center Pause Studio is now open at 2234 Market Street.
Pause Studio officially opened September 12, giving Castro fitness fanatics a place to relax, recover, and recharge.
Franchise owner Frances Schendle gave Hoodline a tour of the new studio last week. Schendle says customer feedback has been great so far and that she's excited to finally open the studio.
Pause Studio is now open at 2234 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
"I'm thrilled to bring Pause Studio to San Francisco and the Castro neighborhood," said Schendle. "It's an honor to become part of such an incredible community and create a space where people can prioritize their health in a way that feels personal and accessible to them."
The brand-new studio occupies the second of two ground-floor retail spaces inside the condo building called 2238 Market that's also home to specialty market The Epicurean Trader. The space had remained vacant since the building was completed in 2022.
Frances Schendle, franchise owner of the Castro Pause Studio. | Photo: Kendall Shaver/Pause Studio
Pause Studio was founded in 2016 by two former Equinox executives, Jeff Ono and John Klein. Currently, Pause Studio has 25 locations nationwide and 13 more on the way, with nine in Southern California.
Over the past two years, Pause Studio has begun its national expansion campaign by opening franchise-owned studios. In 2024, Pause Studio opened its first franchise location in Newport Beach, California.
After first reporting the new Castro studio last year, the SF Planning Commission approved the formula retail permit for the Castro location in November 2025.
Lobby area at Pause Studio. | Photo: Kendall Shaver/Pause Studio
Since that time, Schendle has completely built out the space to include infrared saunas, cold plunges, red-light therapy, cryotherapy, float therapy, compression therapy, and IV/injection therapy. Public records indicate construction costs were approximately $1.1 million.
Schendle tells Hoodline that she took advantage of San Francisco's First Year Free program, which saved her at least $80,000 on the building permit alone.
Contrast Therapy treatment room at Pause Studio. | Photo: Kendall Shaver/Pause Studio
Pause customers can sign up for a variety of membership tiers, including Core ($169/month), Signature ($279/month), Premium ($399/month), and VIP ($519/month). Services can also be purchased as a one-time experience.
Pause promises to provide a wide range of wellness needs, including "post-workout recovery and performance to stress relief and everyday restoration."
"Whether someone is looking to decompress after a busy day, recover after a workout, or build a consistent wellness routine, I want Pause to be a sanctuary where everyone feels welcome to slow down, reset, and take care of themselves," added Schendle.
Float Therapy treatment room at Pause Therapy. | Photo: Kendall Shaver/Pause Studio
From the moment you step inside, Pause has designed the studio to create a relaxing environment. Paintings on the wall inside the lobby were specially designed by local artist Jenny Feinberg.
Guests will experience private treatment rooms, plush lines, and Le Labo bath products. Drinks and snacks are also available for purchase in the lobby.
Pause Studio will be open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
