LEXINGTON, Ky. — A growing national Pilates franchise has opened its first Kentucky location in the Palomar area, marking the brand’s expansion into a wellness market that already includes numerous boutique fitness studios. BODYBAR Pilates Palomar opened at 4257 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 120, featuring 14 reformer Pilates stations across a 2,500-square-foot space, according to a report from The Lane Report.
The studio is owned locally by Cara and Jason Groth, a husband-and-wife team with deep roots in healthcare. Jason Groth serves as a physician assistant, while Cara Groth has worked as a pharmacist for 23 years. The couple became interested in bringing the franchise to Lexington after their daughter, a professional ballerina, began working at a BODYBAR location in Georgia.
The studio offers instructor-led athletic Pilates classes, private instruction and a retail boutique. Cara Groth said the studio’s mission centers on inclusivity. “We want every person who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported and like they truly belong here. Pilates is for everybody, and Lexington is ready for a space that prioritizes physical, mental and social wellness,” she said.
Jason Groth emphasized the health benefits of consistent Pilates practice, citing his experience in healthcare. “As a PA, I see firsthand how movement, strength and mobility impact long-term health. Pilates offers benefits that support people of all ages, from building core strength to improving balance and overall well-being,” he said.
The Palomar location represents part of BODYBAR’s rapid national expansion. The Fort Worth-based franchise opened 27 new studios during 2025, growing from 46 locations to 73, and has announced plans to open approximately 30 more locations in 2026. The company serves more than 21,000 members nationwide.
The Groths said they plan to open additional BODYBAR locations in Lexington in coming years. Kamille McCollum, BODYBAR’s chief brand officer, president and co-founder, highlighted the market opportunity. “Lexington’s Southern charm and growing wellness scene makes it a great city for a BODYBAR Pilates,” McCollum said.
Sources
This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Lane Report (KY Business), enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lanereport.com/189333/2026/09/bodybar-pilates-opens-first-kentucky-studio-lexington/.
