How Xponential’s Leadership is Fueling Lindora’s Growth in the Health Sector

By combining Lindora’s 53-year track record with Xponential’s franchising experience, Lindora franchisees are set to meet the growing demand for metabolic health services nationwide

In January, boutique fitness and wellness franchisor leader Xponential Fitness expanded its wellness offerings by acquiring Lindora, a metabolic health brand offering weight-loss medications, hormone replacement therapy, and IV hydration services. This marked a significant shift from their mostly fitness-focused brands, bringing a medically-guided wellness company into their mix.

Known for rapidly scaling brands across the boutique fitness industry, Xponential hit the ground running with Lindora, launching the franchise opportunity, developing the brand as a franchised concept, securing 80+ franchise licenses, and onboarding the franchisee groups in just 9 months. As Xponential adapts its proven franchising model, Lindora introduces new opportunities through its distinct operational requirements, including state-specific medical regulations, specialized staffing needs, and a unique business footprint.

Xponential is leveraging its proven track record and experience to turn challenges into opportunities. This acquisition opens new doors for franchisees who are keen on entering the wellness sector, which is increasingly in demand.

To find out more, Athletech talked to Martin Balcaitis, industry veteran and Lindora’s SVP of Operations to discuss the landscape this creates for future franchisees.

A Demand for Metabolic Health

First, Balcaitis explained how they’ve managed to secure nearly 100 territories across the U.S., noting that some franchisees from other Xponential brands, excited to expand their portfolio, have jumped at the chance to open Lindora locations.

“This is a unique opportunity,” Balcaitis says. “Rarely do you find a new franchise opportunity that addresses an age-old problem with 53 years of proven success. The obesity epidemic in the U.S. is longstanding, and Lindora provides real solutions. We’re always going to have consumers who need Lindora, and as we evolve our offerings, we’ll continue to address the growing need for metabolic health solutions.”

Balcaitis points out that while there are challenges, Xponential’s experience in franchising is the key to overcoming them. One major hurdle has been sourcing medications and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

“We’re used to sourcing yoga mats, water bottles, and T-shirts,” he says. “But now we’re sourcing medications. This is a medically-guided business, and we’ve had to learn a lot about what that means. But we’re good at understanding challenges and putting the right people and processes in place to address them.”

To that end, Xponential has secured world-class vendors to support the franchisees, making it clear that Lindora owners won’t need to worry about sourcing medications or navigating complicated regulations. Xponential handles it all, ensuring a smooth operation for franchisees.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the franchise owner’s playbook very simple,” he says.

An Operational Edge

Moving into the healthcare space has also required Xponential to adjust its approach to building and outfitting locations.

“Lindora clinics require multiple treatment rooms and a different footprint, whereas our other brands typically operate with one open space, he explains. “But we’ve learned a lot about building out spaces for high-end services. We’re good at leveraging the right partners to create an environment that is extremely functional, looks expensive and feels expensive but is affordable to build.”

Beyond this, Balcaitis says Xponential’s franchising model gives Lindora an edge. They’ve created a support team specifically for the brand, combining the experience of long-time Lindora employees with the expertise of Xponential’s franchise operations team.

“Our Director of Education has been with Lindora for 13 years, and we’re combining that with the knowledge we’ve gained from opening thousands of studios across the globe,” Balcaitis says. “We know exactly how to support franchisees and drive their success.”

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In fact, Xponential’s franchise model has been instrumental in finding passionate franchisees for Lindora. “When you find a franchise owner who’s passionate about helping people, that’s where success happens,” Balcaitis says. “We’re very choosy about who we award territories to, making sure they’re as committed to the brand’s mission as we are.”

Franchise Formula & Synergies

So, how do Xponential’s other brands play into Lindora’s success? Balcaitis sees plenty of synergies.

“We’ve already seen great cross-promotion with brands like Club Pilates, YogaSix, and Pure Barre,” he says. “Lindora complements what these fitness brands are doing by addressing the medical side of weight loss and metabolic health. Many of their clients can benefit from the additional services that Lindora offers.”

As for the ideal Lindora franchisee, Balcaitis says no medical background is required.

“We help franchisees hire and train their medical directors and clinical staff,” he explains. “What we’re really looking for are people who are passionate about helping others improve their health.”

With the success they’ve already seen and the strong demand for metabolic health services, the future looks bright for Lindora under the Xponential umbrella. Balcaitis believes that with Xponential’s proven franchise formula and Lindora’s strong market position, the brand is positioned to become a leader in the wellness industry.

“We’re partnering with franchisees who have a deep interest in helping people along their health journeys, and that is exactly what Xponential is all about.”