Y7, an omnichannel yoga brand with a bicoastal presence and studios in New York, California and a studio in Austin, Texas, has been acquired by FitLab. It’s the latest move from the multi-brand performance lifestyle company, having secured $65 million in strategic financing last March.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Last year was a busy one for FitLab; the company struck a deal with activewear leader Nike to launch Nike Studios, acquired both equipment manufacturer Assault Fitness and performance equipment and apparel brand RPM Training and partnered with GoSaga, an entity that invests in and scales health, wellness, fitness and beauty brands.
The addition of Y7 adds to FitLab’s already-massive portfolio, which also includes Sanctuary Fitness, Yoga Vida, and Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece’s XPT, an extreme performance training brand that is prepping to launch a performance wellness studio in Newport Beach, California.
The deal also comes amid a growing love and appreciation for yoga, particularly among women and high-earners, according the CDC.
Y7 hands FitLab nine studios—a number that is expected to rise. Sarah Larson Levey, Y7 co-founder and yoga instructor, tells Athletech News that she will remain vice president of Y7 as the brand looks to grow. Y7 members can look forward to future collaborations between the brands within FitLab’s portfolio, which Levey shared are already in development.
“Y7 Studio was built on the belief that yoga should be inclusive, empowering, and uniquely personal,” Levey said. “FitLab’s forward-thinking approach to health and fitness makes them the ideal partner for our next
chapter. Together, we’ll continue breaking down barriers in the yoga and wellness space.”
Several vinyasa yoga class types are offered at Y7, some of which are at select locations (such as a breathwork and cold plunge offering at Y7 Silver Lake). Other classes are centered on sculpting and strength. An online component exists for members who can’t make it to Y7 in-studio classes, and for those who want to deepen their practice or become a yoga teacher, there is a yoga teacher training program and continuing education courses.
“Bringing Y7 Studio into the FitLab family is an extremely proud moment for us,” FitLab co-CEO Brian Kirkbride said. “Yoga is a cornerstone of wellness for hundreds of millions of people, and Y7’s innovative approach embodies what FitLab is all about: bold, disruptive brands that resonate deeply with today’s consumers and encourage a greater focus on well-being.”
