Yoga Joint coming to New Jersey following four-unit deal

Yoga Joint, an infrared fitness franchise specializing in vinyasa yoga and high-intensity strength training, Tuesday announced the signing of a four-unit franchise agreement that will bring the brand to New Jersey for the first time. New franchisees Steve Clarke, his wife Laura Mays, and their daughter Danielle Clarke will open their first studio in Paramus in early 2027 with additional locations in Passaic, Morris, and Essex counties to follow.

“Steve, Laura and Danielle were Yoga Joint members before they were franchise partners, and the best franchisees are often the ones who already have a passion for the brand,” said Bernie Zarco, CEO of Yoga Joint. “They bring business expertise and deep ties to North Jersey, and alongside our expansion in New York City and Connecticut, this family will help establish Yoga Joint as a leading fitness brand across the tri-state area.”

Steve and Laura first discovered Yoga Joint while living in Fort Lauderdale, where the brand was founded by Paige Held in 2010. Danielle became a fan of the infrared fitness brand while visiting them, and the family began to feel that Yoga Joint’s offerings would resonate strongly in a market they knew well.

Yoga Joint is known for its distinct class formats, “Flow” (a 60-minute yoga-based workout) and “FIIT” (a 45-minute low-impact cardio and strength workout), both of which are offered in their signature infrared-heated rooms.

“We fell in love with Yoga Joint as members, and the more we learned about the business, the more confident we became that it was the right brand to bring to North Jersey,” said Steve Clarke. “North Jersey is full of active, health-focused communities, and we see room to grow across the region. Starting in Paramus, where Laura grew up, and building this together as a family makes it a truly special opportunity for us.”

This New Jersey agreement is the latest announcement in what’s turned out to be a major development year for Yoga Joint. Just last month, the brand signed a 25-unit agreement with CR Fitness Holdings, notably Crunch Fitness’ biggest franchisee, to expand its presence in Western and Central Florida as well as Dallas. Yoga Joint has also recently signed deals to expand their brand in New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Georgia.

As Yoga Joint’s national expansion continues, the brand is looking to connect with experienced multi-unit operators in markets including Central and Southern New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Texas, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.