If you’ve ever felt nervous walking into a Pilates studio for the first time, you are not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common things we hear from new clients:

“I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“I’m not strong enough yet.”
“I feel like everyone else will know what they’re doing.”

Somewhere along the way, fitness, including Pilates, started to look like something reserved for people who already have it all figured out. Social media often reinforces this idea, showcasing advanced movements, extreme flexibility, and what can feel like circus-level control.

But that version of Pilates is not where most people begin. More importantly, it’s not what Pilates is about.

The Truth: Pilates Was Never Meant for the “Already Fit”

Pilates is not a performance. It’s a practice. It was designed to help people move better, recover from injury, build strength, and restore balance in the body. That means it meets you exactly where you are, not where you think you should be.

At Charis Pilates, many of our clients come in:

• After injury or surgery
• After years of putting their health on the back burner
• Feeling stiff, weak, or unsure of their body
• Completely new to Pilates

And that is where they are supposed to start.

Confidence Is a Fragile Creature

Confidence doesn’t usually show up first. It builds slowly through small wins, consistent effort, and feeling safe enough to try. But it’s also fragile. It can be shaken by walking into a room that feels intimidating, thinking you’re behind or by comparing yourself to others.

That’s why the environment matters. A good Pilates studio doesn’t just teach exercises. It creates space for people to build confidence without pressure.

What You Should Expect in a Good Pilates Class

When you walk into the right environment, you should feel:

• Guided, not judged
• Challenged, but supported
• Encouraged to move at your own pace
• Seen as an individual, not compared to others

At Charis, our goal is not to push you into something you’re not ready for, but to help you build toward it safely and steadily so that one day, almost without realizing it, you do something you never thought you could.

“When Am I Ready to Level Up?”

This is one of the most common questions we hear. But the answer isn’t about how many classes you’ve taken or whether you can do the most advanced version of an exercise. You’re ready to progress when you can consistently demonstrate:

• Control over your movement (not momentum)
• Awareness of your body and alignment
• The ability to listen and follow instructor cueing
• Steady, pain-free execution of foundational exercises

Progression in Pilates is not about doing more but doing things better. That’s why at Charis, we emphasize quality over speed, control over complexity.

Why Slower Progress Leads to Better Results

It can be tempting to rush ahead to take harder classes, add more resistance, or try advanced exercises early. But real, lasting results come from building a strong foundation. When you take the time to develop control, alignment, and awareness:

• You reduce your risk of injury
• You build deeper, more functional strength
• You move better in everyday life
• You create results that last

This is where Pilates stands apart from many other fitness approaches.

You Belong Here

You don’t need to “get in shape” before starting Pilates. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You don’t need to be flexible, strong, or experienced.

You just need to start.

We have built our studios around smaller classes, great instructors, and a welcoming environment so that every client, regardless of where they’re beginning can succeed. Confidence doesn’t come from already being good at something. It comes from showing up, being supported, and getting a little better each time.

If You’ve Been Hesitating, This Is Your Sign

If you’ve been waiting until you feel ready, you’re not alone. But readiness doesn’t come before the first class. It comes because of it.

The Habits That Create Lasting Wellness

Every January brings a familiar rhythm. Calendars reset, motivation runs high, and many people declare that this will finally be the year they “get healthy.” New Year’s resolutions are well-intentioned and often sincere. Yet by February, most of them quietly fade, leaving behind frustration rather than progress.

The difference between resolutions that fail and wellness practices that endure has very little to do with discipline or willpower. It has everything to do with behavior, structure, consistency, and community. Sustainable wellness is built through repeatable actions supported by environments and people that make showing up feel natural rather than forced.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Rarely Stick

Most resolutions focus on outcomes rather than daily behavior. Goals like “lose weight,” “get in shape,” or “exercise more” sound clear, but they offer no guidance for what actually happens on a Tuesday afternoon when life gets busy. Without a defined process, the goal becomes easy to postpone and eventually abandon.

Resolutions also tend to rely heavily on motivation. Motivation is emotional and temporary; it fluctuates with stress, sleep, work demands, and family obligations. When motivation dips, the habit disappears. This is why so many people feel as though they “fall off the wagon” rather than adjusting and continuing.

James Clear addresses this directly in Atomic Habits, where he explains that lasting change is not achieved by setting ambitious goals but by building systems that make the desired behavior easier to repeat. Health habits that depend on feeling inspired are fragile. Habits that are built into routine—and reinforced by others—are resilient.

What Actually Creates Enduring Wellness

People who maintain consistent wellness routines approach health differently. Instead of treating it as a short-term project, they integrate it into their identity and daily life. Rather than saying they are “trying to work out,” they begin to see themselves as someone who prioritizes movement, strength, and care for their body.

This idea echoes Stephen Covey’s work in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which emphasizes aligning daily actions with deeply held values. When health becomes a value rather than a task, it naturally shows up in everyday decisions. Movement is no longer something to squeeze in when time allows; it becomes part of how a person lives.

Consistency also matters far more than intensity. Long-term wellness is rarely built through extreme effort or punishing workouts. It grows through regular, manageable practice. In Pilates, this principle is foundational. Showing up a few times each week with attention and care produces far greater results over time than sporadic bursts of intensity followed by long gaps.

Another defining factor in sustainable habits is environment—and community is a critical part of that environment. Humans are social by nature, and behavior is shaped by who we surround ourselves with. Being part of a supportive, welcoming studio community creates accountability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. When instructors know your name and classmates notice when you’re there, consistency becomes relational rather than transactional. You’re no longer exercising alone; you’re participating in something shared.

Enduring wellness also shifts the focus away from appearance and toward function and quality of life. Movement becomes about feeling better, moving more freely, and supporting the body through everyday activities. Pilates emphasizes alignment, control, and efficient movement, which translates directly into improved posture, reduced pain, better balance, and long-term joint health. These benefits reinforce the habit because they improve daily life, not just a number on a scale.

Finally, successful wellness practices are not tied to deadlines. Resolutions often come with an implicit end point: a target weight, a challenge period, or a specific date. Sustainable movement practices do not expire. They adapt as the body changes and as life evolves. Pilates, by design, meets people where they are and grows with them over time, especially when practiced within a consistent, supportive community.

Why Pilates Naturally Supports Long-Term Commitment

Pilates aligns seamlessly with the behaviors that research shows lead to lasting change. It provides structure without rigidity, challenge without punishment, and progression without pressure. The practice encourages awareness, patience, and consistency, while the studio community provides connection and accountability that make those habits easier to sustain.

At Charis Pilates, the focus is not on quick fixes or seasonal motivation. The goal is to help clients build habits that support strength, mobility, and confidence for years to come. When movement is intentional, enjoyable, and shared with others, it stops feeling like something you “should” do and becomes something you genuinely look forward to.

A Better Question Than “What’s My Resolution?”

Rather than asking what you want to change this year, it can be more powerful to ask who you want to become and what daily actions support that identity. When movement is framed as an investment in your future self—and supported by community—consistency becomes a natural outcome rather than a constant struggle.

Wellness does not require perfection. It requires repetition, support, and an environment designed for success. That is the difference between a New Year’s resolution and a lasting commitment to health.

Why Reformer Pilates Needs Space: The Hidden Safety Issue Most Studios Won’t Talk About

When most people walk into a Pilates studio, they notice the reformers, the lighting, maybe the music — but rarely the spacing between machines. Yet spacing is one of the most important safety factors in the entire class experience.

Here’s something most clients don’t realize:

Approximately half of all Reformer Pilates exercises require your arms, legs, or upper body to move outside the frame of the reformer.

That means your workout isn’t confined to the machine. Your limbs move into wide arcs, rotational patterns, long-lever reaches, and dynamic extensions that go beyond the reformer’s footprint. This is true across beginner, intermediate, and advanced variations.

Which raises a critical question:

What happens when studios pack reformers so tightly together that clients can barely move without worrying about hitting someone next to them?

When Reformers Are Too Close, Safety Goes Out the Window

Some gyms and big-box clubs cram in as many reformers as possible — sometimes with only a few inches between machines — to maximize headcount. But Pilates isn’t meant to be performed in a shoebox.

Clients shouldn’t have to choose between full range of motion and not elbowing a stranger.

When spacing is too tight…

1. Clients instinctively shrink their movement.

They pull their arms in, shorten their reach, avoid rotation, and tense up — which reduces the effectiveness of the exercise and increases the risk of strain.

2. Instructors can’t properly cue, spot, or navigate

A good instructor needs room to walk around, correct form, and intervene if someone loses balance. Tight aisles make that nearly impossible.

3. Accidents become far more likely

With approximately half of the repertoire requiring extension outside the frame, a cramped room increases the chance of:

• arm-to-arm collisions

• legs hitting neighboring reformers

• clients grabbing for balance in unsafe ways

• instructors tripping over equipment

4. It creates an environment that just feels wrong

Pilates is about alignment, flow, and body awareness — not dodging obstacles.

And let’s be honest…

If reformers are jammed in so tight it feels like LA traffic congestion, that’s not Pilates — that’s crowd control.

Quality Pilates Requires More Than Machines — It Requires Space

Boutique studios like Charis Pilates intentionally limit class size, spacing machines generously so clients can move confidently and instructors can teach effectively.

The goal isn’t to pack the room.
The goal is to protect the client’s body, allow full range of motion, and provide exceptional instruction.

A properly designed studio prioritizes:

• Safe movement pathways

• Instructor visibility and access

• Comfortable personal space

• Full expression of the Pilates repertoire

• A calm, non-chaotic environment

Because Pilates done well isn’t about how many reformers you can squeeze into a room — it’s about how well each person can move on the one in front of them.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re new to Pilates or have practiced for years, spacing matters more than most people realize. With approximately half of reformer exercises requiring movement outside the frame, studios owe it to their clients to provide room — real room — to move safely and confidently.

When you walk into a studio, don’t just look at the reformers.
Look at the space between them.
It tells you everything about the studio’s priorities.

If you’ve ever left a workout feeling more exhausted than empowered, you’re not alone.
Many of our members at Charis Pilates in Poway and Escondido came from intense bootcamp or HIIT programs — the kind that push “go harder” even when your form (and your body) say otherwise.

Those workouts can feel addictive at first, but over time they can lead to fatigue, injury, and elevated cortisol levels — the body’s stress hormone. That spike might burn calories in the short term, but it can actually slow recovery, affect sleep, and make your body hold onto stress and inflammation.

The Hidden Cost of “Go Hard or Go Home”

Bootcamp and HIIT classes often emphasize speed, intensity, and competition. While that might sound motivating, it can come with trade-offs:

• Poor form and overtraining increase the risk of injury

• Chronic stress and cortisol hinder muscle repair and fat loss

• Quick burnout makes consistency hard — and consistency is where real results happen

You don’t need to destroy your body to transform it.

Stressful Cardio and Hormones: What Most Women Don’t Realize

Here’s the part no one tells you: too much high-intensity exercise can actually make it harder to lose weight — especially for women in their 40s and 50s.

When your body is under constant stress, your cortisol levels stay elevated, which:

• Signals your body to hold onto fat (especially around the midsection)

• Disrupts hormonal balance during perimenopause and menopause

• Can lead to fatigue, mood swings, poor sleep, and increased cravings

If your workouts are leaving you drained instead of energized, your body is telling you something.

A Smarter, Stronger Alternative: Reformer Pilates

At Charis Pilates, we take a different approach — one rooted in science, form, and connection.

Our Reformer Pilates classes are designed to:

• Build strength and muscle tone through controlled resistance

• Support hormone health and balance cortisol naturally

• Enhance mobility and posture without impact or strain

• Calm the nervous system while challenging your body in new ways

You’ll still sweat. You’ll still challenge your muscles. But you’ll leave class feeling balanced — not burned out.

Charis Pilates proudly serves the Poway, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Carmel Mountain communities.
We help real people — from athletes to busy parents — find a fitness routine that feels good and works with your body, not against it.

We work with all fitness levels but also those with injuries, rehabbing after surgeries, and work with people as they are. We’ll help you find strength, mobility, and confidence that lasts.

Ready to Ditch the Burnout?

Come see why so many people are leaving the bootcamp mentality behind and finding balance through Pilates.

👉 Book your first class at CharisPilates.com — and start feeling better from the inside out.

Pilates isn’t just a fitness trend—it’s tested in scientific trials. In 2025 alone, multiple clinical studies proved what many of us already feel after class: Pilates improves women’s lives in ways that go far beyond core strength. The best part? These benefits show up for women of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels, especially when classes are kept small and led by a certified instructor who knows how to modify the exercises to your body.

The Science Backs It Up

• Stronger & calmer at any size: A randomized controlled trial published in Scientific Reports (2025) followed women with higher BMIs. After just eight weeks of Reformer Pilates, they showed improved body composition, increased strength, and significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression.

• Relief from pain & better sleep: Another 2025 study in BMC Psychology looked at women with chronic neck and back pain. With two Reformer classes a week, pain went down, fear of movement decreased, and sleep quality went up.

• Thriving later in life: Older women—even those managing type 2 diabetes—saw lower blood glucose, improved balance, and stronger grip strength after a 12-week Pilates program.

• Easier pregnancy & birth: A meta-analysis of Pilates during pregnancy found shorter labor, less pain, and healthier early APGAR scores for babies.

That’s a pretty powerful résumé for one form of exercise.

Why Small Classes Matter

Every one of these studies emphasized supervised instruction. Proper guidance ensures safe form, smart spring choices, and progressive challenges. That’s why small group classes (under 14 reformers) are so important: your instructor can actually see you and adjust you, rather than shouting over a packed room. With personal attention, your Pilates practice becomes effective, safe, and sustainable.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re overweight, 70 years or older, navigating menopause, pregnant, or simply dealing with nagging back pain—Pilates has been scientifically shown to make a difference. And it’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency. Two to three times a week, under the watch of a certified instructor, in a class small enough to care—that’s where the magic happens.

So, the next time someone says Pilates is “just stretching,” you can smile and tell them the science says otherwise. Better yet, invite them to join you in class. After all, health backed by research feels even better when shared.

Celebrating One Year of Charis Pilates in Poway and Growing Stronger Every Day

On July 14th, Charis Pilates marked a major milestone: the one-year anniversary of our Poway studio. We celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Poway Chamber of Commerce, and we were honored to welcome several Chamber board members, including President Mike L., who assisted in the ceremony. The studio was filled with energy and community as instructors, clients, and friends gathered to celebrate this exciting occasion. Guests enjoyed delicious cookies from Dirty Dough and admired vibrant blooms from Pretty Petals—two local businesses we were proud to feature at the event. Also, the San Diego County Supervisor’s office represented – thank you!

This celebration was not just about looking back on our first year—it was a reflection of how far we’ve come and how much we value consistency, excellence, and community in everything we do.

New Reformers, Same Charis Experience in Escondido

In July, we also upgraded all of our reformers in Escondido to match the Balanced Body reformers used at our Poway location. These studio-quality machines ensure the same spring resistance, platform feel, and versatility, creating a seamless experience for both instructors and clients who attend classes at either location. This is part of our larger commitment to maintaining a unified, high-quality experience no matter which Charis studio you visit.

Whether it’s the TRX, springboards, BOSU balls, or now our reformers, we aim to offer the same equipment, teaching standards, and atmosphere across both studios—so your Pilates journey remains challenging, effective, and fun!

New Season, New Faces, Continued Growth

While summer often brings travel and change, at Charis Pilates it has brought continued growth and renewed energy. We’re thrilled to welcome several incredible instructors to our team: Tay, Jade, Cece, Jaslene and Jennifer. Each of them brings a unique background and a shared passion for helping others move well and feel strong.

It hasn’t taken long for these new instructors to become beloved members of the Charis family. Clients at both Poway and Escondido have experienced their creative and effective programming and inspired by their warmth and dedication.

Looking Ahead

As we step into the second year of Charis Pilates Poway and continue to grow in Escondido, our mission remains the same: to offer a welcoming, empowering space where every body can move, strengthen, and thrive. Dan is on track to teach in the coming months, and hopefully you will enjoy seeing him in the studios more… Thank you to our clients, instructors, and the greater community for your support, trust, and shared joy in the journey.

Brilliant at the Basics: Staying Grounded While Growing Charis Pilates

At Charis Pilates, we believe in excellence through simplicity. In an industry often distracted by trends and gimmicks, we are doubling down on what matters most: being brilliant at the basics. Whether you take class at our original studio in Poway or our beautiful new location in Escondido, you deserve a consistently high standard of care, quality, and community.

As we expand, we are constantly reminding ourselves: growth isn’t a reason to drift from our core—it’s a reason to reinforce it.

The Fundamentals That Matter

The foundation of a strong Pilates studio isn’t flashy. It’s built on simple, powerful fundamentals that we work hard to uphold every day:

1. Exceptional Classes, Every Time
   Our certified instructors deliver safe, challenging, and energizing reformer Pilates classes that start and end on time. No fluff, no shortcuts—just a high-quality experience every time you show up on your mat.

2. A Seamless Customer Experience
   Whether you’re booking a class, adjusting your schedule, managing your membership, or reaching out to our team—everything should be easy. We know life is full, and our goal is to make Pilates fit beautifully into it.

3. A Community That Sees You
   One of the most precious things we’ve built at Charis—especially in Poway—is a deep sense of belonging. We want every person to feel like more than just a name on a schedule. You are seen, known, and encouraged here.

A Season of Growth—and Balance

Opening a second location in Escondido this spring has been an incredible opportunity. But we know that great things take incredible effort. We’ve poured ourselves into building out Charis Escondido—from equipment installation to training new staff, and everything in between.

Naturally, this kind of project creates a temporary shift in energy and attention. We’ve worked hard to balance that shift. Kristin has spent the last few months evenly splitting time between studios and managing the many behind-the-scenes needs of both spaces.

In late May, our family also took a long-planned, once-in-a-lifetime trip. It wasn’t perfect timing from a business perspective, but sometimes life doesn’t offer perfect timing. Our kids are growing fast, and their school schedules rarely align. This was our window, and we took it—staying in daily communication with the Charis team throughout.

Still, we know perception matters. And we know we can’t always explain the hours worked behind the scenes. But what we can do is show up now—clear-eyed and focused—committed to the people who choose to invest their time, trust, and dollars with Charis Pilates.

Thank You for Believing in Us

To every member in Poway and Escondido: we don’t take your membership for granted. We appreciate your grace as we navigate this season of growth. Our goal is not to prioritize one studio over the other—it’s to steward both with excellence, care, and attention.

The path ahead is exciting. But no matter how much we grow, we promise to stay rooted in what makes Charis special.

We’re committed to the basics. And we intend to be brilliant at them.

We’re Open! Charis Pilates Expands to Escondido, CA

We are thrilled to officially announce the opening of our brand-new Pilates studio in Escondido, California, located just off Del Lago Boulevard (92029). After months of planning, construction, and preparation, Charis Pilates Escondido opened its doors on April 12, 2025. This new location is the next exciting step in our mission to help more people move better, feel stronger, and live healthier.

Opening a second studio has been a labor of love—and a lot of sweat! From demolition and flooring to installing top-tier Pilates equipment and creating a warm, welcoming space, every decision intentional. Our goal has always been to offer more than just a workout. We’ve built a studio where people can find strength, support, and a sense of community.

We couldn’t have done it alone. This expansion wouldn’t have been possible without the generous help of dear friends who showed up every weekend, and the support of a wonderful property manager who has acted more like a partner in our success than just a landlord.

Now that we’re up and running, we’re proud to offer about 40 class sessions per week at our Escondido studio, with class sizes capped at just 10 clients. Our small-group model ensures personalized attention and a safe, challenging workout for every client—whether you’re brand new to Pilates or have years of experience.

As with our Poway location, all our instructors are fully certified and committed to excellence. Both studios are equipped with the same high-quality reformers and apparatuses, and members enjoy access to both locations with any of our membership packages.

Classes are already filling up, and we’re actively expanding our schedule to meet demand. We offer a wide variety of formats, including strength-focused reformer classes, flexibility sessions, and challenging cardio classes.

Personally, now that the Escondido studio is operating seven days a week, I’m getting back to my own workouts and spending time observing our instructors in action. I recently took my first cardio reformer class—it was no joke! Pilates has a way of humbling everyone. You can feel incredibly strong in one movement and suddenly struggle in the next. But that’s part of the beauty of it. There’s always room to grow, always something new to learn, and always a way to improve—whether you’re a man, woman, senior, athlete, or just getting started on your fitness journey.

We are so proud to serve the Escondido and Poway communities, and we can’t wait for you to experience the difference at Charis Pilates. If you’re in the area near Westfield North County Mall, come check us out and see how Pilates can transform your fitness and wellness.

Why More Men Should Be Doing Pilates

When you walk into a reformer Pilates studio, chances are the majority of participants will be women. While some men have discovered the benefits of Pilates, they still make up a small percentage of those practicing regularly. However, that’s slowly changing as more men realize that Pilates isn’t just for flexibility—it’s an incredible tool for strength, mobility, and longevity.

The Health Benefits of Pilates for Men

Pilates focuses on core strength, stability, flexibility, and control, which are essential for both athletes and everyday movement. Here’s why men should consider adding reformer Pilates to their fitness routine:

• Core Strength & Stability: Unlike traditional weightlifting that can overdevelop certain muscle groups, Pilates builds balanced strength, particularly in the deep core muscles. This leads to better posture, reduced back pain, and enhanced performance in sports and daily activities.

• Injury Prevention & Recovery: Many men experience injuries due to tight muscles, poor mobility, and overuse. Pilates improves flexibility and range of motion while strengthening stabilizing muscles, reducing the risk of injury.

• Athletic Performance: Whether you’re a runner, golfer, cyclist, or weightlifter, Pilates can enhance your performance. It helps with coordination, balance, and breath control, which translates to improved endurance and power.

• Joint Health & Longevity: Unlike high-impact workouts, Pilates is gentle on the joints while still building strength. It’s an excellent lifelong practice that supports mobility and overall well-being.

Celebrities and Athletes Who Swear by Reformer Pilates

Some of the world’s top male athletes and celebrities have integrated reformer Pilates into their training routines. LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Aaron Rodgers use Pilates to improve flexibility, core strength, and injury prevention. Hugh Grant and David Beckham have also credited Pilates for keeping them in top shape.

Why do they do it? Simple—Pilates offers a low-impact yet highly effective way to strengthen the body in a way that traditional training often overlooks. Many professional athletes use it as a secret weapon to maintain peak performance while avoiding wear and tear on their bodies.

A Growing Trend for Men

While Pilates has been dominated by women in recent years, it was actually founded by a man—Joseph Pilates. He originally developed his method during World War I to rehabilitate injured soldiers. Over time, it evolved into a system used by dancers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Now, more men are returning to the roots of Pilates and recognizing its unmatched benefits.

My Journey to Becoming a Reformer Pilates Instructor

As someone with a background in instruction—having trained others as a Navy helicopter pilot—I know the importance of structure, precision, and consistency. However, transitioning to Pilates is a completely different kind of challenge. I recently embarked on my reformer instructor training and have completed the first of five mandatory courses: Movement Principles. This March, I’ll be taking Reformer 1 and Anatomy, with the goal of completing all five courses and beginning my apprenticeship by the end of the summer.

This journey is about more than just learning exercises—it’s about helping people improve their wellness, prevent injuries, and maintain healthier lives for the long haul. I’m excited to bring my experience in discipline and training into this new space and to inspire more men to experience the transformative power of Pilates.

Ready to Try Pilates?

If you’re a man who’s been hesitant to try reformer Pilates, now is the perfect time to give it a shot. Whether you’re looking to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, or simply build a stronger, healthier body, Pilates has much to offer. Discover why more men are turning to Pilates for strength, mobility, and longevity!

Celebrating Growth: A Look Back at 2024 at Charis Pilates

When Charis Pilates opened its doors in July 2024, we welcomed our new community with champagne, balloons, and a vision for wellness. From day one, the support from Poway and beyond was nothing short of overwhelming! Our first month was a whirlwind, with a tidal wave of enthusiastic clients eager to experience the benefits of reformer Pilates. We started with about 30 sessions per week, operating every day, and introduced a variety of classes to accommodate different levels, from beginner to intermediate, as well as our signature classes like Build Your Bones, Balance & Mobility, and Renew & Revive.

Beyond daily classes, we wanted to go a step further in supporting our clients’ overall well-being. Over the past year, Charis Pilates has hosted Saturday afternoon workshops designed to educate and empower our members beyond the reformer. We were honored to bring in experts such as a functional wellness coach and a hormone therapy medical doctor, reinforcing our commitment to full-body wellness.

To close out December, we introduced a special edition of our Renew & Revive class—Candlelight, Carols & Calm. This peaceful, dimly lit session was a hit, offering clients a tranquil and restorative experience. It was so well received that we’ve been asked to bring it back. And we’re listening!

Big Moves in 2025

This year has already brought exciting milestones. In January, we were thrilled to learn that Charis Pilates was named the #1 Pilates Studio in Poway by Business Rate! This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible instructors and the unwavering support of our amazing members.

In addition to offering over 50 sessions per week—without compromising on the quality or safety of our instruction—we have expanded our offerings. New workshops featuring experts in physical therapy, pelvic floor health, CPR certification, and more have been added to our schedule. We’ve also introduced new class hours, welcomed new instructors, and will be launching a mentorship program to support aspiring Pilates professionals.

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is our Pilates teacher training program later this year. For those who have fallen in love with the practice and want to take their journey further, we will be offering the opportunity to become certified instructors.

Looking Ahead: Expansion in North San Diego

Beyond loving our Poway community, we’re thrilled to announce that Charis Pilates is expanding into North San Diego! This opportunity is a true blessing, and we are taking it seriously, ensuring that our values of quality instruction, safety, and community remain at the heart of everything we do. (P.S. How do you define North San Diego? Let us know!)

We’re grateful for every single member who has supported us on this journey, and we can’t wait to continue growing together. Whether you’re a long-time client or considering your first class, we invite you to be part of what’s next at Charis Pilates.

See you in class soon!

— Kristin and Dan
    Charis Pilates CEO and Assistant to the CEO