HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Local fitness studio Body Balance has been around for nearly 30 years and recently celebrated its first anniversary at Ala Moana Center.

The woman-owned small business was one of the first to offer reformer pilates in Honolulu in 1998 — a low-impact workout that uses a machine called a reformer to strengthen and tone your core and muscles. The goal was to create a safe, supportive space for people looking for an alternative to a traditional gym. Last year, the boutique studio outgrew its Kakaako studio and moved to a larger location in Ala Moana Center.

Owners Maria Kawananakoa and Kashmira Gandhi show me why pilates is a good way to exercise your mind and body. Through a series of movements, I can definitely feel the burn.

The studio has grown to offer indoor cycling, barre, yoga and other group classes, whether you’re looking for intensity or rejuvenation.

“Exercise helps you cope with everything that’s going on in in our lives and personally as well, so whatever is going on, you come and you work out for an hour and it everything seems to feel better afterwards,” Kawananakoa said.

I also try a yoga class. I struggle with the moves but the instructor is supportive and I come away feeling energized.

“Feels good for the body because you’re moving and you’re strong, but you also feel emotionally supported and you know, like, this is like your family,” Gandhi said.

And family outings are part of the fun, such as a water fitness class at the Romer House in Waikiki.

“Bringing people together, feeling good. And finding joy, right? Finding joy in the movement and in the community,’ Gandhi said.

And the community is growing — the owners are expanding the space to include a spa.

Their advice for improving your health? Don’t wait.

“Wherever people are in their journey, whether they’re brand new or they’re coming back, that they just feel good about it because you’re never going to get any progress if you don’t start,” Gandhi said.

For information, visit bodybalancehi.com.

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