Pilates Addiction operates a modern, scalable boutique fitness franchise that fuses intensity with integrity, delivering heart-pumping, precision-focused workouts that challenge and transform. Margaret and Lance Podell are currently in the presale process for their first studio in Short Hills, New Jersey. Lance has served as CEO and general manager at both corporate and startup companies, while Margaret continues her role as a trusts and estates attorney. After extensive research and help from Jeff Shafritz, a franchise consultant, they decided to bet on themselves by investing in a Pilates Addiction franchise. By Nancy E. Williams
Pilates, Passion & Partnership
Pilates Addiction operates a modern, scalable boutique fitness franchise that fuses intensity with integrity, delivering heart-pumping, precision-focused workouts that challenge and transform. Margaret and Lance Podell are currently in the presale process for their first studio in Short Hills, New Jersey. Lance has served as CEO and general manager at both corporate and startup companies, while Margaret continues her role as a trusts and estates attorney. After extensive research and help from Jeff Shafritz, a franchise consultant, they decided to bet on themselves by investing in a Pilates Addiction franchise.
“I’ve had a Cadillac reformer in my home and taken private lessons for many years. I consider fitness a key element of my life,” Lance said. “I was motivated by Pilates Addiction’s brand marks, design elements and fresh take on a Pilates studio that would appeal to all ages, with the energy and vibe of a SoulCycle but for Pilates.”
Meeting the Pilates Addiction leadership team also influenced the couple’s decision.
“You can’t put a value on a team (Sequel Brands) that has worked together in the past, been to battle together and chosen to do it again together as a team,” Lance said. “To us, this spoke volumes. I knew that their shared vision for the void that Pilates Addiction fills in the Pilates industry, the shorthand they speak with each other and their success at building out another franchise system, would ensure a greater likelihood of success for my family and other owners.”
The Podells’ first studio will open in April 2026, with plans of a second in Westfield, New Jersey, in the fall. They are looking forward to their first business together.
“We’ve always been a good team and generally stay in our lanes” Lance said. “We both trust each other’s skills and strengths. Margaret will focus on our legal work, business structure, tax and insurance, and I will run the business day to day, focusing on bringing all the many pieces together, managing the team and the operations, and, of course, the sales and marketing.”
Nancy E. Williams