A Parisian fitness startup is turning up the heat on the boutique wellness market with a novel approach to exercise. Spark Club, launched in March 2025, utilizes infrared technology to deliver short, intense workouts promising results comparable to traditional gym sessions.The company recently secured a key investment following a televised pitch on the French programme “Qui veut être mon associé,” and is now planning an enterprising European expansion, aiming for 20 to 30 locations by the end of 2026.
A new fitness concept is heating up in Paris – literally. Spark Club, which opened its first studio in March 2025, is offering workouts using infrared technology that its founders claim burns 400 calories in just 15 minutes, the equivalent of an hour at the gym.
Toni Paignant, co-founder of Spark Club, explained the inspiration behind the idea. “We were inspired by a similar concept in the United States and a study from the Institut national du sport, de l’expertise et de la performance (Insep) and its ‘thermo training room’ which allows athletes to recover muscles using heat or to acclimatize before a competition in hot weather,” he said.
The concept has quickly gained traction in the French capital. According to Stéphane Marnot, co-founder of Spark Club, “More than 7,000 sessions have been recorded in less than 5 months, generating a revenue of 100,000 euros, without spending a euro on advertising. We reached profitability in less than two months with only 10% occupancy.” Marnot added that the U.S. market has seen rapid growth, with 800 clubs opening in five years and exceeding $500 million in revenue. “We want to do the same in Europe,” he stated.
“Very Regularly Advised by Anthony Bourbon”
Spark Club is now seeking investment to expand, and recently appeared on the French television show “Qui veut être mon associé” (Who Wants to Be My Associate) on February 4, requesting 150,000 euros in exchange for 5% of their company.
After some deliberation, Anthony Bourbon, founder of the investment club Blast, was the only investor to offer a deal. He negotiated 8% of the capital, plus a home infrared cabin, after winning a push-up contest on the show. “We are currently organizing the delivery of his cabin,” Paignant said, adding that they are “very regularly advised by Anthony Bourbon” since the show ended. “We contact him when we have strategic questions or an idea to implement…”
20 to 30 Locations by 2026
With Bourbon’s backing, Spark Club aims to open between 20 and 30 locations by 2026. Paignant noted that they had already raised 550,000 euros at launch, and have opportunities in cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi thanks to one of their existing investors. He also mentioned plans for expansion into Paris, Montreal, Madrid, and Barcelona.
The studio envisions a variety of formats, from small, autonomous studios with three or four cabins and no staff, to larger locations and even expansive spaces reminiscent of “montgolfières” – fitness centers that combine cross-training or fitness classes with exhibitions, conferences, and social spaces. “The goal is to open these places in every major European capital,” Paignant explained. This expansion comes as boutique fitness continues to reshape the wellness landscape, offering specialized experiences beyond traditional gym models.
