SMDP IS GIVING AWAY FIVE (5) FREE TICKETS TO THIS WEEKEND'S MOVE EVENT. TO ENTER, SEND AN EMAIL TO EDITOR@SMDP.COM WITH THE SUBJECT LINE "MOVE TICKET ENTRY" BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13. WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
A high-energy fitness celebration will take over the Santa Monica Pier this Sunday as MOVE, a two-hour choreographed movement session, brings breathwork, yoga, dance and high-intensity training to the iconic waterfront location.
The Aug. 17 event, created by CITY SHRED and running from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., combines contemporary movement, low-impact training and HIIT exercises in what organizers call a "music-driven day" designed to inspire community connection and personal growth.
"As Life Athletes, we know that happiness leads to success, not the other way around," organizers said in promotional materials. "MOVE was created to uplift and inspire our community to breathe freer, love deeper, SHRED Limited Beliefs, and connect with oneself and like-minded individuals."
The event will take place on the West Parking Lot Deck at 200 Santa Monica Pier. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the main movement session scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a refuel period until 1:30 p.m.
Tickets include numerous perks for participants. The first 500 attendees to check in will receive swag bags, while all participants gain access to free samples and demonstrations from health and wellness brands, complimentary class passes to local studios, and opportunities to win prizes through sideline challenges. Professional photographers will capture action shots throughout the workout.
Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors and "be bold" during the session, which blends traditional fitness elements with self-expression and community building.
The MOVE event represents just one component of ongoing wellness programming at the Santa Monica Pier. The location currently hosts "Wellness & Waves," a free Saturday morning fitness series running through Oct. 11.
The weekly Wellness & Waves sessions occur from 8 to 10 a.m. each Saturday, featuring group runs from 8 to 9 a.m. beneath the famous Santa Monica Pier Arch sign. Yoga and Yoga-Pilates Fusion classes follow from 9 to 10 a.m. on the pier's west end, led by rotating instructors from prominent Westside wellness studios.
The Saturday sessions require only a yoga mat, towel and positive attitude, according to organizers. Advance registration is encouraged through the Santa Monica Pier website, though the classes remain free and open to all fitness levels.
Additional perks have been integrated into the weekend programming. On Aug. 9, Wellness & Waves participants could receive complimentary Kreation juice at the Google Store Santa Monica on Third Street Promenade with validation cards.
The wellness programming operates through partnerships with Google Store Santa Monica, Good Body Pilates, shefayoga Venice, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Lifeway Kefir and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, manages these events as part of its mission to preserve and enhance the pier experience. Despite common assumptions, the organization operates independently from city funding and relies on community support.
Participants can reach the pier via rideshare, Metro, bus or bicycle. Complete scheduling and instructor information is available on the Santa Monica Pier's social media channels.
MOVE tickets are available at sweatpals.com/event/move-santa-monica.