For Mary Reaston, the ocean isn’t a backdrop—it’s a collaborator. Through Yoga Your Way, Mary and her team have transformed the Carlsbad coastline into a living studio, offering beach‑based yoga, barre, Pilates, and Acro Yoga that blend movement, nature, and community. Grounded in accessibility and inclusivity, their classes invite people of all ages and experience levels to strengthen their bodies, quiet their minds, and reconnect—with themselves, each other, and the rhythm of the ocean—while building a wellness culture that feels expansive, joyful, and deeply human.
Mary, Yoga Your Way has expanded from traditional classes into unique oceanfront experiences in Carlsbad. What inspired you to bring yoga to the beach and make the coastline such a central part of your offerings?
The members of Yoga Your Way — Mary, Annie, and Nick — have always felt deeply drawn to the ocean. There is something undeniably healing about water. It calms the nervous system, expands perspective, and reminds us to breathe more fully. For us, bringing our classes to the beach was not a marketing idea — it was a calling.
The coastline in Carlsbad offers open space, natural beauty, and an energy that simply cannot be recreated within four walls. Practicing barefoot on the sand creates an organic foundation that both supports and challenges the body. Gazing out at the horizon — sometimes even catching sight of dolphins passing by — invites a sense of awe and presence that elevates the entire experience. The sound of the waves becomes a natural soundtrack for movement, grounding participants in the moment.
We believe wellness should feel expansive, joyful, and connected to nature. Bringing our classes to the beach allows people to strengthen their bodies, quiet their minds, and experience community in a way that feels both powerful and peaceful. It transforms a workout or yoga session into something far more meaningful — an experience that nourishes the whole person.
You’re the only provider of Beach Barre, Beach Pilates, and Acro Yoga in North County. What makes these modalities special, and how do they enhance the beach class experience?
There is something truly magical about practicing on the beach. Yoga allows you to relax, reset, and be fully present — but when you bring modalities like Beach Barre, Beach Pilates, and Acro Yoga into that setting, the experience becomes even more dynamic.
Barre, Pilates, and Acro Yoga require intention, focus, control, and strength in a traditional studio environment. On the sand, everything becomes amplified. The sand offers a natural cushion, which can be incredibly supportive — especially for older individuals or those with injuries — creating a softer, more forgiving surface than a traditional floor. At the same time, that very softness challenges balance and stability. The body must engage more deeply, recruiting stabilizing muscles and increasing proprioception. It elevates every movement.
What makes our classes truly special is that they are both elevated and accessible. No one should ever feel intimidated trying something new. Whether someone is brand new to Acro Yoga or stepping into their first Barre or Pilates class, we provide thoughtful modifications and guidance so every practitioner can participate confidently and benefit fully.
We also bring the studio to the beach. We provide the bars, magic rings, balls, and all the equipment needed to create a complete, high-quality fitness experience — just with the ocean as your backdrop. It’s the best of both worlds: the structure and strength of a studio workout combined with the freedom, beauty, and grounding energy of the coastline.
Accessibility and inclusivity are core to your mission. How do you design classes that feel welcoming and empowering for people of all experience levels?
Accessibility and inclusivity are truly at the heart of Yoga Your Way. Much of that comes from the vision of our members — Mary Reaston, Annie Finch, and Nick Capobianco — who collectively bring both life experience and diverse movement backgrounds to everything we create.
Mary and Annie like to say we’re “seasoned” — we’ve lived, moved, healed, and grown through different stages of life. That perspective gives us a deep understanding of what people are really looking for: strength without intimidation, challenge without fear, and community without comparison. We know firsthand that bodies change, injuries happen, and confidence sometimes needs rebuilding. That awareness shapes how we design every class.
Annie, in particular, is an inspiration. She has overcome significant physical challenges to not only practice yoga but to teach it. Her journey reminds our community that limitations don’t define potential. She embodies the belief that movement is for everybody.
Nick Capobianco brings another powerful dimension to Yoga Your Way. With an extensive background in martial arts, tai chi, yoga, and functional training, he understands body mechanics at a very deep level. He has a remarkable ability to translate complex movements into accessible steps that make people feel capable rather than intimidated. A beautiful example of this was an inversion class he taught where participants who never imagined balancing on their hands were not only able to participate — they achieved an inversion with confidence because of his clear, supportive instruction.
That same philosophy extends to his Acro Yoga classes. We have children, adults, and yes — those of us who are proudly “well-seasoned” — all practicing together. It’s a powerful visual reminder that not all bodies are the same, and that’s exactly the point. Our philosophy is simple: everybody should benefit from our classes.
We design each experience with layered options, thoughtful modifications, and encouragement at every stage. Our goal is not performance — it’s empowerment. When someone leaves the beach feeling stronger, more confident, and surprised by what they were capable of, we know we’ve succeeded.
At Yoga Your Way, inclusivity isn’t a tagline. It’s the foundation.
In addition to weekly classes, you host private events like bachelorettes, birthdays, and corporate team-building. Why do you think movement-based experiences are so powerful for connection and celebration?
Carlsbad is known for its stunning coastline and natural beauty. People travel here specifically to experience the beaches and shoreline, so hosting a private event on the sand already sets the stage for something special. But when you elevate that gathering into a movement-based experience, it becomes truly unforgettable.
Rather than simply being stationary, guests are engaging with one another in a positive, energizing way. Whether it’s Beach Yoga, Barre, Pilates, or Acro Yoga, movement shifts the entire dynamic of the event. It stimulates endorphins, creates laughter, builds confidence, and sets a vibrant tone that carries throughout the rest of the day. That shared energy transforms a celebration into an experience.
Movement also naturally fosters teamwork and connection. In our classes, participants encourage one another, support each other through new challenges, and celebrate small victories together. In Acro Yoga especially, trust and communication become part of the practice. Those shared moments create bonds that feel authentic and lasting.
What makes these events so powerful is that guests leave not only with memories, but with a feeling — uplifted, connected, and proud of what they accomplished together. It’s more than a party; it’s an experience that strengthens both relationships and well-being. And when that happens on the beach, surrounded by ocean air and open sky, it truly takes the celebration to the next level.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Yoga Your Way as you continue growing community through movement and the ocean setting?
As we look ahead, our vision for Yoga Your Way extends beyond simply offering classes — we see ourselves as mentors and stewards of wellness within our community.
We’ve noticed that more yoga and Pilates certifications are now offered primarily online. While these programs can provide a solid foundation, many graduates don’t feel fully confident stepping into a live class setting. Teaching is more than understanding movement; it’s about presence, adaptability, and the ability to connect with real people in real time.
We want to help bridge that gap.
Yoga Your Way is expanding into mentorship opportunities for new and emerging instructors who want hands-on experience, real-time feedback, and confidence-building support. What better studio than the ocean? Teaching on the beach requires awareness, adaptability, and the ability to read a room — or in our case, the sand, the wind, and the energy of the group. It’s an environment that strengthens not only physical practice but leadership skills.
At its core, this next chapter is about giving back. We want to cultivate teachers who feel empowered, prepared, and passionate about serving their communities. By mentoring the next generation of instructors, we’re not just growing Yoga Your Way — we’re helping expand access to health, happiness, and authentic connection through movement.
The ocean has always been our classroom. Now, it’s becoming our training ground for future leaders in wellness.
