About Us

Our Story

Charis Pilates & Wellness was created by a local Scripps Ranch family with a simple goal: to offer expert Pilates in a welcoming, personal environment where people feel known, supported and encouraged.

Where We Began

Where Passion Meets Community

Charis began with an idea that felt too good not to build. 

Kristin never thought she would be someone who could love exercise. Then she found Reformer Pilates more than 12 years ago. For the first time, movement became something she looked forward to. Over time, Pilates made her stronger, helped her move better, and completely changed the way she thought about fitness.

That experience became the foundation for Charis Pilates, built together with her husband, Dan. As a local Scripps Ranch family, they wanted to create something personal in the community they call home: a studio where clients are known by name, instructors care about their progress, and Pilates feels welcoming rather than intimidating.

We believe fitness should be a joyful experience. It should challenge you, but it should also leave you feeling better than when you walked in.

Today, Charis has studios in Poway, Escondido and Scripps. The goal is still the same: teach excellent Pilates, take great care of people, and help clients see results that show up outside the studio too.

Local owners of Charis Pilates & Wellness standing beside a Pilates reformer in the Poway studio

What We Stand For

Our Vision and Values

Accessible to All

We're dedicated to making Pilates accessible to everyone. From first-timers to seasoned practitioners, our classes are designed to meet you where you are, with a special focus on seniors and those new to exercise.

More Than a Workout

Our mission is to provide more than just a workout. We strive to create a supportive environment that enriches your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're building strength, increasing flexibility, or finding relief from pain.

Community First

Charis Pilates was our vision to create a community where people feel welcome, valued, and seen. We are more than just a Pilates studio. We strive to be a place of friendship and belonging.

No matter your fitness level, Charis Pilates is here to help you thrive. You have a place here.

The People Behind the Practice

Meet the Charis Team

At Charis Pilates, our expert, certified instructors are passionate about helping you feel strong, flexible, and energized. With a welcoming approach and personalized guidance, our team is dedicated to making Pilates accessible and effective for all fitness levels.

We’re here to support your journey toward better movement, strength, and overall wellness. Come meet the team that makes Charis Pilates more than just a studio. It’s a community.

Charis Pilates & Wellness clients doing group reformer Pilates

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates is a full body workout that focuses on strengthening muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates is known for its emphasis on controlled, precise movements, proper alignment, and mind-body connection. Pilates is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and exercises can be modified to accommodate individual needs and abilities as well as health conditions.

Starting with the basics in a beginner level class is highly encouraged. We want to allow you the opportunity to become familiar with the equipment and learn about proper form and the language of Pilates. As you stay committed to your practice you will be ready for new challenges in no time.

Yes! All clients wear grip socks for safety and hygiene. Client safety is very important to us. We have a beautiful selection of grip socks to fit any style.

Please make every effort to get to class 10 minutes early so you have time to find your spot, get water and socks, and mentally prepare for class. We understand that life happens! However, if you are going to be 5 minutes late (or more) you will forfeit your spot in class. If there is anyone waiting, they will be given your spot. A $10 late cancel fee or loss of credit will apply.

We have a late cancel fee of $10 for classes canceled less than 12 hours before class time (6 hours for unlimited members). The no-show fee is $30 for unlimited members and $10 plus loss of credit for drop-ins and class packs.

“Care-iss” : grace, that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good will, loving-kindness, favor of God.

We encourage the waitlist — it works! If you are #1 on the waitlist and someone cancels, you will automatically be placed into the class without needing to approve it. You will receive a confirmation email (or text if opted in). Automatic placement only happens if someone cancels at least 90 minutes before class. Cancellations within 90 minutes will not trigger automatic placement — you will need to book yourself in manually. If you waitlist multiple classes, it is your responsibility to check your schedule, as you may get into more than one. If you change your mind, please remove yourself from the waitlist or you will be counted as a no-show.

YES! We are a Veteran-owned business and we offer discounts to military and their spouses. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Verification required in studio.

Ready to Begin Your Pilates Journey?

Try 2 weeks unlimited for just $79. New clients only.

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