According to public filings, Pilates Addiction is preparing to open a new studio at 1300 E. 5th Street in East Austin. The boutique fitness concept will occupy a 1,511-square-foot space currently undergoing an interior buildout. Construction is expected to begin on June 5 and conclude later this summer. WhatNow Austin reached out to franchisee Carson Kunkel, who shared that he is targeting a mid-to-late August 2026 opening.
The upcoming location marks Kunkel’s first business venture and his first Pilates Addiction studio, though he confirmed to WhatNow Austin that he also holds rights to future locations in Buda and The Domain. For now, the focus remains on launching the East Austin site. “I think East Austin is very up and coming,” Kunkel told WhatNow Austin. “It’s a beautiful spot. It’s a lot of young, health-conscious, motivated people who are looking to better their lives.”
To Kunkel, Pilates Addiction stood out for its wellness-focused approach and experienced franchise support team. His connection to the concept became personal after he incorporated Pilates more consistently into his routine. He shared that he has dealt with health concerns, adding that exercise and healthier lifestyle habits have played an important role in his wellness journey.
According to Kunkel, that experience reinforced his interest in opening a business centered around helping people improve their overall health and fitness. “A lot of franchises are fast food restaurants and things like that,” he said. “I didn’t want to put garbage into people’s bodies. I wanted to help people live healthier lives.”
In an exchange with WhatNow Austin, Pilates Addiction CEO Sarah Luna and Chief Growth Officer Jeff Miller shared that the East Austin studio is designed for residents seeking a modern, high-energy Pilates experience that blends strength, mobility, and recovery in a more elevated group fitness setting. Pilates Addiction workouts center around the brand’s proprietary gold Aurum Reformer, which supports a full-body, low-impact workout focused on strength, control, balance, and flexibility through a single connected machine, making it different from traditional mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, or Lagree classes.
The company also shared that the East Austin studio is currently welcoming Founding Members ahead of its official opening, with locals now able to join the VIP List for updates and early access information.
The concept offers classes designed for varying fitness levels and goals, including higher-intensity workouts and recovery-focused stretching sessions. Kunkel also told WhatNow Austin that the East Austin studio will feature a visually driven interior design with large glass windows, dynamic lighting, and an open studio layout.
“You notice it from the street as you walk by,” he told What Now Austin. “The studio is just absolutely gorgeous.”
For more information, follow Pilates Addiction on Instagram and Facebook.
