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Navy Veteran Brings a Come-As-You-Are Approach to Pilates
“I tell them I’m a Pilates instructor,” Dan Cain says, a smirk crossing his face. “And then I just wait.”
After 23 years in the United States Navy – more than half flying helicopters – that’s not the answer most people expect. Dan grew up in Mira Mesa, served across the country and eventually returned to San Diego, where he and his wife Kristin now own Charis Pilates, with boutique studios in Poway and Escondido, and a third opening this summer in Scripps Poway.
Like most career military, Dan learned early to push through pain. As time went on, his lower back would go out a few times a year. He didn’t mention it; that’s what he was trained to do. It wasn’t until he attended a Pilates class with Kristin, already a Pilates instructor, that things started to shift. He showed up in his lined shorts to a room full of women who were, by his own admission, better at many of the movements than he was. The back spasms that had bothered him for years quietly stopped.
“For the first time in a long time,” he said, “it just wasn’t an issue anymore.”
Today, Dan teaches alongside Kristin, and the studio they’ve built reflects an important skill they learned during military life: the ability to build community fast.
“You move around a lot,” Dan explains. “You learn pretty quickly how to build it wherever you go.”
At Charis, connection is key. It’s what Dan and Kristin hope people feel from the moment they walk in.
The community they’ve fostered is deliberately wide. With a come-as-you-are approach, there is no one type of client. Charis meets people where they are – recovering from an injury, new to fitness or anywhere in between.
Dan feels strongly about expanding the range of who sees themselves in the Pilates space, especially given his background.
San Diego County is home to more than 240,000 veterans, many carrying injuries that never fully resolved, and a deeply ingrained capacity to endure pain. Pilates changed that for Dan, and he knows that Charis can do the same for other veterans. This past March he started hosting Pilates & Pints, an evening social that starts with a workout and ends with good beer and even better conversation. Whether hosting special events, greeting clients by name, or teaching classes dressed as Buddy the Elf around the holidays, Dan is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming and joyful space.
Joseph Pilates said that movement heals – something that deeply resonates with Dan and Kristin.
“A lot of people think pain is just part of getting older,” Dan says. “Or part of the job.”
Charis was built on the idea that it doesn’t have to be. This summer, Charis takes that idea one step further. The new Scripps Poway location will offer wellness services alongside Pilates classes because quality movement combined with that trademark Charis community is healing.
Charis Pilates is coming to Scripps Poway this summer at 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway. It will offer Pilates and wellness services, including red light therapy, cryotherapy and more. Follow @charis.pilates on Instagram for the most up-to-date information!
