A new boutique Pilates studio is bringing more beyond movement to San Diego's South Bay.
Opening its doors in National City this weekend, Selah Pilates + Fitness combines intentional movement, strength training, and a welcoming, faith-inspired community. For founder Jacqueline Guzman, a first-generation Latina, school psychologist, and mom, Selah is the culmination of her faith and her passion for movement.
"I didn't know it at the time, but I went through a season in my life that required me to kind of slow down, to breathe, and really focus on what matters," Guzman says. "At that point in time, I really leaned into movement and I leaned into my faith. That's how they both started growing at the same time."
That season eventually inspired the vision for Selah, named after the Hebrew biblical word often interpreted as an invitation to pause and reflect.
"I wanted it to be open to all," she explains. "Whether people are coming for the fitness aspect or they're coming for faith, maybe they're coming for both. It's open to everyone, and that's kind of how I want it to be, in the sense that it feels welcoming to all."
Selah Pilates + Fitness founder Jacqueline Guzman | Photo Credit: Magana Productions
Before becoming a Pilates instructor, Guzman spent her career supporting mental health as a school psychologist. Her background in wellness eventually led her to yoga, mobility, and meditation before discovering Pilates.
"I really liked how Pilates connected mind, body, breath, and intention," she states. "I also felt it connected with faith."
The idea of building a faith-and-fitness space kept returning to her, even when she wasn't ready for it. "Slowly, I felt like it was put on my heart — how come there isn't a faith-in-fitness space?” she recalls. “At first I was kind of resistant, and I would say no to God, and he kept putting it back on my heart. Little by little, I said yes, and I was open to it, and doors were opened. That's kind of how it all began."
She later completed mat and reformer certification through Balance Body while continuing her education across mobility, sculpt, and strength training disciplines. That holistic perspective continues to shape the studio's philosophy, emphasizing movement as a tool for physical and emotional well-being.
"I got to experience how powerful it is to care for our bodies, to nurture our heart as well as our mind," Guzman says.
Photo Credit: Magana Productions
While the studio’s bedrock is Pilates, Selah will offer a diverse lineup of small-group sessions, including fusion style classes, barre, and strength training. To ensure individualized attention and a focus on form, group classes are kept intentionally small.
"Our foundation is Pilates, but we also offer strength and fusion-style classes, so they're designed to help women move well, build strength and find community," Guzman says. "We're faith-inspired, which influences how we serve and build community, but everyone really is welcome regardless of their background or beliefs."
Class offerings include Pilates Glow, which blends classical and contemporary Pilates principles; Elevate, a fusion class incorporating mobility work and strength training; Barre Sculpt; reformer Pilates; and additional strength-based programming.
One feature that distinguishes the studio is its intimate setting. Reformer classes are capped at just four participants, allowing instructors to provide individualized attention.
"Our classes are small group sizes, max of four, so instructors get to focus on clients, bringing attention to form, intentionality and movement," Guzman explains. "It's more about precision when it comes to the reformer."
Selah Pilates + Fitness reformer | Photo Credit: Magana Productions
The faith aspect is thoughtfully woven into certain offerings rather than every class. Faith + Fitness classes include scripture, Christian music, and prayer alongside Pilates instruction, while the rest of the schedule remains movement-focused.
"An instructor will open with possibly some scripture, something faith-based, an intention at the beginning,” she explains. “You'll find Christian music... and then we'll close with a small prayer at the end."
The studio also plans to host periodic Faith + Fitness community events throughout the year.
Selah Pilates + Fitness mat classes | Photo Credit: Magana Productions
As one of the few boutique Pilates studios in National City, Guzman hopes Selah becomes a community hub beyond fitness classes. She's already connecting with local organizations through the National City Chamber of Commerce and collaborating with neighboring small businesses.
"So partnering with other local businesses is something that I want to do," she says. "When we have an event, or for example our grand opening, I'm hoping to be able to partner with them and collaborate with them so it's a mutual benefit, as well as to the community."
Serving National City's diverse population is also a priority. As a fluent Spanish speaker raised in a Spanish-speaking household, Guzman plans to offer Spanish-language Pilates classes beginning on Mondays, with hopes to expand bilingual programming over time.
"I do hope to definitely serve the Latino community in National City," she says. "I want to understand our community and their needs as we add more classes to the schedule."
Selah Pilates + Fitness studio | Photo Credit: Magana Productions
Selah Pilates will officially open its doors on July 6, followed by a grand opening celebration planned for July 11.
For Guzman, the goal extends beyond helping clients build stronger bodies.
"What really sets Selah apart is we combine movement, community and intentionality," she said. "We want people to feel seen and supported, whether they're coming for Pilates, for fitness, for friendship. Maybe they're coming for the faith-based classes, or simply a welcoming place to move."
Follow along with Selah Pilates (@selahpilatesfitness) as they open their doors this July in National City.
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