Be Kind Studios opens its third location in Malibu on Sept. 14. Its two additional locations are in Calabasas and West Hollywood. Photo by Cristal Soto
Pilates is helping Malibu residents strengthen more than just their core.
The low-impact, strength-based practice is helping pilate students build connections, confidence and balance.
Junior Isabella Cavera said pilates became a life-changing routine after she struggled to enjoy traditional workouts.
“I grew up a dancer, so I always hated classic workouts like lifting weights or going to the gym,” Cavera said. “Pilates was the first thing besides dance that I really enjoyed doing.”
Finding Community in the Studio
Cavera has been going to pilates classes for two years. She said the classes provide both a good exercise and a community.
“When I go, I usually see the same people every week, so you get a vibe for the group,” Cavera said. “Going with a friend makes it easier, but the instructors also learn your name and cheer you on.”
Cavera said her favorite studio to attend has been Be Kind Studios in Calabasas.
“The instructors there are great,” Cavera said. “It can be a hard class, but they will be energetic and help you stay encouraged the whole time.”
Pilates students practice single-leg circles at Be Kind Studios. All sessions at this studio focus on creating a strong core. Photo courtesy of Be Kind Studios
Be Kind Expands to Malibu
That good energy isn’t just staying in Calabasas. The pilates studio has expanded into a new location at Cross Creek Ranch, according to their website.
The studio opened Sept. 14, and aims to bring Malibu its high-energy classes and community-focused approach, founder Maxine Bascue said.
“We’re just so excited to be here and to be a part of this community,” Bascue said at their opening event. “Building new friendships, new community and rebuilding your body is the important thing here.”
For a community that has endured devastating wildfires and ongoing rebuilding efforts, they hope their studio can provide a safe place to reconnect, Bascue said.
“Post-fires, I know everyone’s trying to rebuild,” Bascue said. “Hopefully, this gives people another outlet to focus on their well-being and on rebuilding the community.”
This opening means more than just a new place to work out for fitness influencer Michelle Njiva; it’s a symbol of empowerment and community, Njiva said.
“I love when women open businesses,” Njiva said at the opening. “Especially women who empower other women to move their body and take care of their mind.”
Be Kind displays its reformer machines on Sept. 14. The studio’s largest class offers eight reformer machines. Photo by Cristal Soto
Fitness for Students
Be Kind’s Malibu studio is welcoming all residents, from longtime locals to students just beginning their Pilates journey, Bascue said.
To make classes more accessible, the studio offers discounted pricing for Pepperdine students starting at $30 per class.
While the trendy exercise can look fun and simple, Cavera said it is not as easy as it looks.
“If you go in there thinking that you’re not gonna sweat, you’re gonna be wrong,” Cavera said. “You’re going to actually get a workout in.”
While it may seem intimidating, the more often you attend a class, the easier it will get, Cavera said.
“Remember that consistency is key,” Cavera said. “The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it.”
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Contact Cristal Soto via email: cristal.soto@pepperdine.edu
