Alkalign is a fitness and wellness studio concept that first launched in 2015, just down the street from Stanford University. It expanded further and launched its first franchise location last year. In July 2017, the team formed the holding company, Alkalign Holding Company LLC, to consolidate and streamline the two business models. The company currently operates two corporate-owned studios in Silicon Valley (Menlo Park and Los Altos) and has two franchise locations (Irvine, CA and Grand Rapids, MI), and it has its sights set on new growth opportunities.
Owner Erin Paruszewski graduated from Georgetown University and immediately began a career in finance and operations. In 2009, she decided to switch careers and pursue her passion in fitness.
Erin is a "balance evangelist" and believes in a long-term, sustainable approach to health and wellness. A dancer and competitive athlete throughout her childhood, Erin had torn her ACL as a teenager. The experience not only completely altered her life trajectory, it shifted her perspective on fitness and exercise.
Erin first opened a Barre studio franchise in Menlo Park in 2009. She expanded with a second location, successfully running two studios for over 6 years. Throughout that period, she tested and iterated on the barre concept, digging into the research around new strength-building, recovery and health programs that targeted the balance and wellness goals that her students were seeking. She wanted to create an inclusive environment where students could re-train their bodies to move better and more mindfully with the ultimate goal of balanced, healthy living.
In 2015, she launched her new model and identity – Alkalign.
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Alkalign’s promise is to provide safe, low impact workouts that are challenging and highly effective. It’s “beyond the barre.” The philosophy of the studio is centered around a holistic view of training that is community-driven but also tailored to personal needs. Classes focus on core strength, balance, flexibility and mobility. Personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching, fitness apparel, and mobile video solutions that fit her students’ lifestyles have been rolled out to round out the studio’s offerings.
Even beyond the exercise itself, the studio is built on a physical foundation of green living. The Menlo Park studio was awarded an "Environmental Quality Award" by the City of Menlo Park for its use of organic, sustainable materials in the construction of the space. Further, everything from the cleaning supplies used to the hand soap in the bathroom is toxin-free and organic, consistent with the company's mission.
Alkalign's clear vision and comprehensive solution was met with interest and demand from other studios, and potential owners began approaching Erin about bringing the concept elsewhere. By the end of 2016, the first franchise location was opened in Irvine, CA and the second began in Grand Rapids, MI.
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The management team at Alkalign has over 30 years of fitness experience combined. Its track record includes the successful operation, expansion and required training involved in scaling the business.
Alkalign aims to become the #1 holistic boutique fitness and wellness brand nationwide by 2025. Through this offering, the business aims to strengthen its infrastructure and support further expansion with franchisees across the country within the next year.