Bella Forme History

Real and Marybeth St. Pierre, together with Bob and Mary Yanak, and Steve and Suzie Yanak had been involved in the fitness industry for several years, owning a dozen fitness clubs among them.  In early 2006, the group was introduced to whole body vibration (WBV) through Dr. Stacey Davies, MD, who had been successfully using the technology in her medical practice.  After personally experiencing the benefits of this new technology and witnessing the results of Dr. Stacey’s patients, the Bella Forme vision began to crystallize.

The Bella Forme vision was partly founded on what the group knew to be the limitations with standard fitness regimens that involve a significant time commitment, sweating, aches, pains and sometimes injury, and an environment that was not always comfortable for some people.  Being in the fitness industry the group was also aware that most Americans are not involved in a regular fitness routine and the least active category of the population are women between the ages of 35 to 65.  This new technology seemed to significantly reduce, or eliminated the limitations of the traditional fitness regimen, and could serve as the foundation for an interesting and new business model.

The group went to work to learn more about WBV and researched other technologies and methods that fit the basic model that brings together low-impact exercise with proven technology.  In addition to the WBV the group identified negative pressure cardio and infrared wave technology, as well as other products and supplements that compliment each other in a way that provides a more holistic and unique approach to fitness.  The technology and methods are relatively common throughout Europe where they have been available on a “retail” level for a number of years, which provided a measure of confirmation for the Bella Forme business model.

This group of seven partners officially formed Bella Forme in May of 2006.  The company opened its first retail salon in Lakeland Hills, Washington in August of the same year.  In spite of the fact that the concept and technology had never really been seen in the United States, the business was well received.  Bella Forme opened its second salon in November of 2006 in Mill Creek, Washington.  Approval from the State of Washington to begin offering franchises in Washington State was granted in September of 2007.

Bella Forme History
The Bella Forme Business Model
The Franchise Ownership Process
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