In the heart of Edgemont Village, Kahlena Movement Studio in North Vancouver offers more than just fitness–it’s a place to connect, heal and thrive.
Founder and instructor Karen Kobel believes that movement is one of the most powerful ways to nurture your mind, body and soul. Consider it wellness with purpose.
North Vancouver community members have spoken, too. The results of the 2025 North Shore Readers Choice Awards are in and Kahlena has been voted number one favourite pilates studio.
"We stay true to our mission with an unwavering commitment to authenticity," says Kobel. "We don't stray from our purpose: community and connecting through movement, meditation, mindfulness."
Having been through a pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions, Kahlena has stood the test of time and brought the community together. They're the epitome of a small business: family-owned and operated, with a small, unique and passionate family of instructors.
"We're a space of incredible healing and we bring our years of experience and passion to the table," adds Kobel. "We maintain the authenticity of the history, too; Pilates and yoga workouts have never been based on a drop-in service, rather you were committed, just like you are at the rec centre to your specific day and time with your people."
Kahlena classes, more than just Pilates
Certified in multiple disciplines, Kobel has been teaching in this space for 22 years, when it was North Shore Academy of Dance and the back studio was CoreBody Pilates + Yoga, where she began her Pilates career, before rebranding the location in April 2017. Kahlena classes offer something for everybody and every part of your body.
"We've evolved from just a Pilates studio into what is here today. From Pilates, yoga, dance, prenatal/postnatal, parent + toddler classes to kids' yoga/dance to pre-teen and teen, to sound healing, energy healing, breathwork, reiki, women's healing circles, men's Pilates + yoga, birthday parties, networking events and soon to be Pilates + yoga teacher training facility," explains Kobel.
"We're a welcoming place where people of all levels can come together to explore, grow and laugh."
Positioned as a boutique wellness studio, Kahlena invites everyone to find opportunities to breathe, move, connect and unleash, which allows for a deeper discovery of full body awareness. With an approach to building your exercise regime one class at a time, the space offers a profoundly supportive environment where your victories are celebrated and you're encouraged in moments of doubt.
"We've really embraced the wellness component," reveals Kobel. "We've been doing sound bath healings for just over three years and those have been such a beautiful contribution to the community. It's a lovely way to start stepping into diving deeper for your self-healing."
Support independent fitness studios
Unlike larger fitness chains that focus on scale and profit, Kahlena remains rooted in the belief that wellness should be accessible, nurturing and transformative. Through small class sizes, individualized attention and a philosophy centred on holistic healing, the studio is an example of the power of personalized, community-driven experiences.
"We have a solid community vibe and that's why people come here," explains Kobel. "Our clients know that after yoga class, for example, everybody goes for coffee somewhere in Edgemont Village or we're coming back together on Sunday for sound healing."
Supporting independent studios like Kahlena helps drive community growth, build neighbourhood character and create a space where relationships flourish, instructors know you by name and personal growth is the focus–benefiting both your well-being and a connected, thriving community.
To help ensure small studios remain vibrant and resilient, share your positive experiences on your socials. In doing so, your personal recommendations are invaluable to help grow their customer base.
"I'm very involved on the North Vancouver mom's Facebook groups," says Kobel. "I'm grateful for those who tag me in posts when other people are looking for different modalities and I can inform them of our offerings.
"It's been beautiful to witness people find their momentum forward or see them open up and become so much more connected to their neighbours, even in class. We're all in this together and when you need support, we're here for you."
If you'd like to try a complimentary yoga class, Pilates mat class or any mat-based class, call or text Karen at 778-317-6058 or for more information, visit Kahlena.com.
