When franchise owner and head trainer Summer Woodward discovered FS8, she knew she had found something unique.
After years of teaching yoga, Pilates and strength classes, she dreamed of opening her own studio. However, she wanted a concept that stood out.
“I didn’t find any other FS8s in the North Dallas area, so I thought, ‘This would be a great way to step out of my comfort zone and do something I have been dreaming of for a long time. The opportunity is here, so let’s bring it,’” Summer Woodward said.
Now, she and her husband Bryan Woodward, an Army National Guard veteran, are preparing to open FS8 South McKinney. Supported by their three children, the first-time business owners are introducing North Texas to an Australian-born fitness brand built around functional movement and community.
What is FS8?
FS8 stands for “functional style.” It represents eight core components of wellness: cardio, posture, resistance, balance, mobility, flexibility, coordination and mental health.
Classes blend Pilates reformer work, yoga and toning into a single 50-minute, low-impact session. To encourage a true mind-body connection, the studio features no mirrors. Instead, six large screens display movement demonstrations, so members can maintain proper form.
Three class styles
FS8 South McKinney will offer three signature class formats:
- Original (The OG): The foundational workout blends yoga, tone and reformer Pilates. Members work on and off the reformer using dumbbells, mats and adjustable spring resistance.
- Ignite: A high-energy, continuous-flow cardio session. This fast-paced workout keeps the heart rate elevated, using dumbbells and Pilates equipment.
- ReformX: A strength and flexibility class conducted entirely on the reformer machine.
The studio's coaches bring diverse backgrounds in yoga, Pilates, health care and sports medicine.
'Prehab,' veteran roots and membership details
The Woodwards emphasized that FS8 is an inclusive environment where anyone can safely exercise. Trainers specialize in tailoring movements for individuals with physical limitations, including disabled veterans such as Bryan Woodward himself.
“We like to say that we are ‘prehab’ before rehab,” Summer Woodward said.
The studio has finalized its official grand opening date for July 11.
FS8 South McKinney is currently offering special introductory packages:
- Five-class trial ($49.99): Unlike typical single-class passes, trial members get a full 30 days from the grand opening date to use these five classes. This allows them to try multiple formats and trainers.
- Founding member rates: Anyone who purchases the trial package before opening is eligible for 20% off memberships for life.
- Founding member perks: Lifetime members will receive a goodie bag featuring branded grip socks, a water bottle, towel and an extra surprise while supplies last.
- Military discount (always available): To honor those who served, the veteran-owned business offers a permanent 10% discount on standard memberships and class packs for veterans and their families, with an additional 5% for founding members.
Once officially open, weekday classes will run from 5:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., including a dedicated lunch-hour session. Back-to-back morning classes will also be offered on weekends, starting at 8:00 a.m.
For the Woodward family, the opening represents the realization of a dream focused on community wellness.
“To help other people feel good about themselves is my goal,” Summer Woodward said. “I want to give that back to the community.”
Click here to learn more about FS8 South McKinney or to purchase a trial package today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.