By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Fitness for a cause
Local studios offer donation-based classes benefiting HAVEN
Studio V
Studio V Pilates is one of eight fitness studios who are offering donation-based community classes in October to benefit HAVEN, the local nonprofit dedicated to serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence (Photo courtesy of Studio V Pilates).

Local residents will have the opportunity this month to get fit while also making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

Eight Stanislaus County fitness and wellness studios are teaming up to support survivors of domestic violence through a series of donation-based community classes. The collaborative effort, led by HAVEN board member and Studio V Pilates owner, Victoria Popoff, aims to raise awareness and funds during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Each participating studio will host its own class — from yoga and Pilates to soundbaths and strength training — with 100% of proceeds benefiting HAVEN, the local nonprofit dedicated to serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

“Every time we move together for a cause, we remind survivors that they are seen, supported, and never alone,” said Popoff, organizer of the initiative. “Our studios are more than fitness spaces—they’re communities of healing and empowerment.”

Even before becoming a board member for HAVEN, Popoff has been a long supporter of survivors of domestic violence. She started the nonprofit Pilates Brunch Club, which holds events around California for domestic violence awareness.

“I just wanted to make a bigger impact here in my hometown,” said Popoff about joining the HAVEN board. “So, being on the board, I did the victim advocacy training and I've really just gotten in as much as I can with this community. I just want this to be somewhere that people feel safe and have a place to go. I mean, we're the only shelter in Stanislaus County.”

Popoff said even though the community classes only started on Tuesday, there has already been a lot of support for the fundraiser.

Upcoming classes include:

  • Koru Yoga & Pilates, Oakdale —9 a.m. Saturday (Yoga)
    Sign up here: https://bit.ly/koruhaven
  • Studio V Pilates, Modesto —8 a.m. Saturday (Trauma-Informed Yoga & Soundbath + Coffee)
    Sign up here: bit.ly/havenyoga
  • Elevate Community Yoga, Modesto —4:30 p.m. Sunday (All Levels Gentle Flow)
    Sign up here: https://bit.ly/elevatehavenyoga
  • Elevate Community Yoga —6 p.m. Sunday (Yin Nidra)
    Sign up here: https://bit.ly/elevateyinhaven
  • The Source Pilates & Wellness, Turlock — 6 p.m. Oct. 23 (Trauma-Informed Pilates: Breath & Body Awareness)

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/sourcehaven

·         Village Yoga Center, Modesto —6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 (Restorative Yoga + Guided Imagery & Soundbath — 90 min)

Sign up by phone: (209) 578-5441

·         Re:Form Pilates, Modesto — 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25 (Pilates & Flexibility)

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/pilatesforhaven

·         Get Fit Modesto —7, 8 and 9 a.m. Oct. 25 (Full Body Strength)

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/getfithaven

HAVEN provides comprehensive services for individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, safe housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention programs.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call HAVEN’s 24-hour confidential hotline at (209) 577-5980.