A new fitness concept is arriving in the Triangle this week as btone FITNESS opens its first North Carolina studio in North Raleigh, offering a hybrid Pilates and strength-training workout.
The new 1,700-square-foot studio at 6325-18 Falls of Neuse Road, next to Everbowl and The Fresh Market, officially opens Friday, March 13, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m.
To celebrate the opening, the studio will host donation-based workout classes and a food drive throughout its opening weekend (March 13–15) benefiting North East Wake Backpack Buddies, a nonprofit that provides weekend meals to food-insecure children in local schools.
Owned and operated by Rolesville resident Kristin Irish, the North Raleigh location introduces btone’s signature workout format to the Triangle.
“The btone workout is an approachable and customizable hybrid of Pilates-inspired movements and strength training,” Irish says. “It’s delivered in a 45-minute, joyful flow that’s suited for all levels and ages, for everybody, every day.”
The studio features ten customized reformer machines, designed specifically for btone FITNESS. These machines allow participants to adjust resistance and body positioning, making it easy to tailor each workout to individual fitness levels and goals.
The workouts focus on strengthening major muscle groups through controlled movements that combine traditional Pilates principles with functional strength training.
Founded in Lexington, Massachusetts, in 2010 by CEO Jody Merrill, btone FITNESS has expanded steadily across the country. The brand now has more than 30 franchise locations nationwide and expects to reach nearly 45 studios by the end of 2026.
Merrill said opening in North Raleigh marks a milestone for the company.
“This North Raleigh studio opening is an exciting one for the company since it’s our first opening in North Carolina and it comes during our 15th anniversary year,” Merrill says. “Our workouts are inspired by traditional Pilates, but combine strength training and functional movement to create a wildly efficient 45-minute workout.”
Irish says she believes the Triangle is the perfect place for the concept. “I’ve known for a long time that North Raleigh would be an ideal market for btone FITNESS, given there’s nothing else quite like it here,” she says. “Our goal is to make the btone experience fast, effective, and accessible to everyone, while creating a fun and welcoming community.”
As part of the grand opening, guests can participate in donation-based classes throughout the weekend, with a suggested $20 donation supporting North East Wake Backpack Buddies. The studio will also accept food donations such as boxed cereal, fruit cups, oatmeal packets, and canned soup through March 20.
The organization supports children across 23 local schools, helping ensure they have access to meals over the weekend.
The studio is also offering special pre-opening packages, including eight classes for $99 and five classes for $89 during the grand opening weekend.
