News Summary
b•long Pilates in Coronado marks its first anniversary, celebrating community support and announcing plans to open a new location in Carlsbad. Owner Liz Merrill highlights the importance of Pilates for local fitness and community involvement. The new studio will feature a children’s play area to enhance accessibility for mothers and aims to replicate the successful community feel of the Coronado location. Founding memberships for the Carlsbad site are now available as the studio prepares to broaden its impact in the region.
Coronado, CA — b•long Pilates celebrated its first anniversary in Coronado on September 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the fitness studio known for its community-oriented approach. The studio’s owner, Liz Merrill, expressed her gratitude to founding members and teachers for their unwavering support.
All original instructors, with the exception of Molly, who relocated to New York, have remained with b•long. The dedicated team includes Kelsey, Karina, Ellie, Erica, Jessica, Jeannine, Nicole, and Seville. This stability among its staff reflects the studio’s commitment to quality and continuity in its classes.
As part of its growth, b•long plans to open a new location in Carlsbad by mid-October 2025. The upcoming studio will be located on State Street, in a vibrant area, and Liz aims to replicate the community feel that has made the Coronado location successful.
To accommodate mothers attending morning classes, there will be a designated children’s play area at the Carlsbad studio. This initiative is part of b•long’s inclusivity strategy, designed to welcome individuals of all fitness levels and life stages, making Pilates accessible for everyone.
Liz emphasizes the significance of Pilates for the local surfing community, as it promotes core strength and muscle dexterity, which are essential for the sport. The demographic profile of the Carlsbad area is expected to resemble that of Coronado, aiding in establishing a similar community dynamic.
b•long offers a variety of classes tailored to different fitness needs. The signature class focuses on strength and muscle building, while other offerings include Sculpt and Stretch and Stretch and Restore, which enhance flexibility. Individuals are encouraged to select classes based on personal preferences and fitness goals.
A unique aspect of b•long’s offerings is its Restorative Pilates class, utilizing machines to achieve deeper stretches compared to traditional yoga practices. This attention to diverse physical needs reflects the studio’s adaptable approach to fitness.
Active community involvement is a core value for b•long, which Liz is committed to maintaining in both Coronado and Carlsbad. This commitment includes plans for her regular presence at the new location, as well as community partnerships that enhance local engagement. Among these is a collaboration with a local taco restaurant, which has created a “b•long burrito,” and an upcoming “Puppy Pilates” event with a pet store.
Moreover, Liz co-founded the annual Race the Rock event, which has raised over $50,000 for local nonprofits. This year, the event’s theme centers around the “Well-Rounded Child,” further showcasing b•long’s dedication to community welfare.
While Liz is open to the possibility of expanding to future locations, she emphasizes a focus on the success of existing studios in Coronado and Carlsbad first. Founding memberships for the new Carlsbad location are currently available, offering an opportunity for early adopters to join the b•long community.
With its strong foundation and plans for expansion, b•long Pilates continues to promote a healthy lifestyle while fostering a sense of community connection in the coastal regions of California.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: b•long Pilates Celebrates One Year and Expands to Carlsbad
- Wikipedia: Pilates
- Coronado Times: b•long Pilates Expands Community Initiative
- Google Search: Pilates community engagement
- Coronado Times: b•long Pilates Anniversary in Coronado
- Google Scholar: benefits of Pilates
- Coronado Times: b•long Pilates Race the Rock Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pilates
- Coronado Times: b•long Pilates for Mothers at Carlsbad Studio
- Google News: fitness community engagement
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
