Be Kind Studios

Be Kind Studios was founded by Maxine Bascue, who set out to build the studio she wished existed after feeling limited by other Pilates options. It started in Calabasas and has since expanded to Malibu and Westlake Village. The core method blends classical reformer Pilates with contemporary strength-training principles, aiming for programming that's genuinely challenging while remaining approachable for beginners.

The studio's guiding values, described as intentional movement, strong bodies, open hearts and real connection, show up in an emphasis on relationship-building, with staff reportedly making a point of knowing clients by name. Be Kind also runs its own instructor training academy. Studios use premium equipment and are designed with a calm, polished aesthetic, aiming to build a routine people actually want to keep rather than one they force themselves through.