The boutique fitness brand is launching its first Santiago studio in February 2026 as it targets the Latin American market
Boutique fitness has taken the U.S. by storm, and now, one of its top franchise brands is gearing up to tap into the South American fitness market: barre3.
The women-led barre fitness brand, which has more than 200 studios open or in development across the U.S., Canada and the Philippines, is set to open a Santiago, Chile, location in February 2026.
The studio will be led by local entrepreneurs Claudia Dienemann and Romina Rodríguez. Dienemann brings more than 15 years of executive and global talent experience, while Rodríguez is a movement educator and theatre director known for her work in somatic practices across Latin America and Europe.
Barre3’s entry aligns with growing demand in the region. A 2024 survey from the Health & Fitness Association and ABC Fitness found that most urban Latin Americans exercise multiple times per week, and more than half prefer gyms or studios over at-home workouts.
The latest expansion news caps off a year of steady growth for barre3.
The Portland, Oregon-based fitness franchise has mirrored its mindfulness ethos in its strategy, acquiring San Diego-based Studio Barre earlier this year and adding 11 locations across California, Montana, Rhode Island and South Carolina. The move built on last year’s conversion of three Barre Centric studios in New York.
And it’s just the beginning, barre3 says. The boutique fitness brand is seeking additional franchise partners and instructors to advance its South American expansion.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for barre3,” barre3 president Emerald Lopez said. “We’re not only expanding geographically — we’re bringing our unique approach to mindful movement and body empowerment to a market that deeply values wellness and community. In Claudia and Romina, we’ve found visionary partners whose values are perfectly aligned with ours. Their expertise and passion will help us grow a meaningful and lasting barre3 presence in Chile.”
Lopez was appointed president this past summer, bringing more than 15 years of executive experience leading multi-site consumer businesses to barre3.
In addition to its in-person studios, barre3 offers a digital platform with more than 1,200 classes built around three core pillars: strength, cardio and mindfulness and a specialty B3 Shop with props, kits, activewear, beauty and wellness items. Barre3 has also expanded its wellness ecosystem through a partnership with wearable company Whoop, adding a performance analytics component to its mindfulness-focused training model.
