Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Cain.
Hi Kristin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pilates has been part of my life for many years, but the dream of opening Charis Pilates came into focus after my husband, Dan, retired from the Navy. As a family, we were entering a new chapter, and we saw a need in our community for more than just another fitness studio. We envisioned a place where people could get stronger physically, but also a space where they could show up as themselves — vulnerable, valued, and safe.
In July 2024, we opened our first studio in Poway, and from the beginning our mission has been about more than exercise. We wanted Charis to feel like family — a place where small class sizes, personal attention, and genuine care create an atmosphere of connection. The name Charis means “grace, kindness, and goodwill,” and we strive to bring that meaning to life in every class, every relationship, and every event we host.
Family-owned and operated, Charis Pilates reflects the values we live by: hard work, integrity, and community. We’ve been humbled to watch our vision grow — expanding into Escondido and welcoming people of all ages and fitness levels who are searching not just for a workout, but for a tribe. Our motto says it all: come as you are, stay for the results.
At the end of the day, Charis isn’t just about Pilates. It’s about building strength in body and spirit, and creating a place where people feel they belong.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any small business, the road hasn’t always been smooth. As an independent, family-owned studio, it takes a lot of hard work to stand out in a world dominated by big-box fitness brands. There have been challenges, but from the start we believed opening Charis Pilates was a calling. We did a lot of praying, trusting, and leaning on our faith — and in the moments when things felt overwhelming, that faith carried us forward and paid tremendous dividends.
What keeps us steady is remembering our strengths: seeing the individual, offering personal attention, and building a true community. We strive to be a welcoming place for all people — a studio where anyone can feel safe, supported, and valued the moment they walk through the doors. Those are the qualities that set us apart and consistenly remind us why we started in the first place.
We’ve been blessed to witness Charis Pilates change lives — not only through physical wins like increased strength and mobility, but also through the friendships, support, and sense of belonging that our members find here.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Charis Pilates, we’re not the flashy, hardcore Pilates you see on social media. We believe in consistent, persistent hard work that builds strength and wellness over time. Our mission is to teach Pilates to real people — not for fashion or trends, but for lasting results.
Our community is beautifully diverse: we have 20-year-olds and grandmothers, weightlifters and total beginners, men and women from every walk of life. Everyone belongs here, and everyone has a path to success. You don’t need a matching set or to look a certain way to fit in — what matters is showing up, putting in the work, and discovering what your body is capable of.
This is Pilates for real life: for people with aches and pains, for those recovering from injuries, for parents exhausted from long days of work and childcare. It’s for anyone who wants to stretch, grow, get strong, and find energy and vitality for the long haul. At Charis, we measure progress in strength, confidence, and resilience — because that’s what truly lasts.
What are your plans for the future?
Well, since we opened two studios in less than a year, Dan and I definitely need to catch our breath — that’s a lot of change for now! Joking aside, the future of Charis Pilates is all about growth with purpose. We just launched our first teacher training program, and it was a wild success — selling out in only three weeks. This milestone is so meaningful to us because it allows us to invest in the next generation of Charis instructors, people who care as deeply about clients, community, and quality teaching as we do.
Looking further ahead, one of our dreams is to create opportunities for seniors and those recovering from injury who might not otherwise be able to afford Pilates. We believe everyone deserves access to safe, effective movement that builds strength, resilience, and energy for daily life. That vision — Pilates for all people — is what excites us most about the future.
Pricing:
- 8 classes/month $199
- Unlimited Classes $259
- Special: 2 weeks unlimited for $79
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charispilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charis.pilates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharisPilates
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/charis-pilates-poway
