Manduu Fitness Studios Expanding, Market briefs

HOUSTON – , George Lancaster, the top communications executive at Hines, and philanthropist Elizabeth Petersen have launched a venture that will result in the expansion of the Manduu fitness studio brand throughout the Houston area.

The pair purchased and remodeled Houston’s flagship Manduu located on the edge of River Oaks at 3733 Westheimer Road, just east of Weslayan.

Lancaster and Petersen are seeking to add addition Manduu locations in Tanglewood, Katy, Sugar Land, Clear Lake and The Woodlands.

Manduu specializes in whole body electrical muscle stimulation, based on the concept of harnessing involuntary contractions elicited by electrical current applied to the muscle for health and wellness purposes.

Lancaster’s cousin Manduu America CEO Jason Ritzen introduced the Manduu brand to the US, bringing the techniques from Europe.

Petersen is the daughter of Ron Meyer, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and SMU Mustangs.

Petersen said their clients come to Manduu with an array of starting body types, from skinny and heavier set to toned and muscular, typically with the goal of either kickstarting a healthier routine, targeting trouble areas seemingly immune to workouts, or reclaiming time spent in the gym.

Each Manduu session includes a full-body scan using InBody technology to measure skeletal muscle mass, total body fat, visceral fat, metabolic rate and other key body composition metrics with clinical accuracy. By assessing and tracking their body composition, clients can quantify and measure their fitness results.

“Something else that our clients love about Manduu is the intimate nature of their time here,” said Petersen. “There are only two participants at a time, and you really have the attention of the trainer– benefits for newbies who may at first feel intimidated or self-conscious.”