At Redlands Barre here in Redlands, California, we’re passionate about helping you live a longer, stronger, and more balanced life. And as it turns out, we’re located right next to one of the healthiest communities in the entire world: Loma Linda, California -America’s only official Blue Zone.
If you’re not familiar with the term Blue Zones, it comes from the groundbreaking work of author Dan Buettner, who set out to discover the secrets behind the world’s longest-lived people. He identified five regions where people consistently live active, happy lives well into their 90s and 100s:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Ikaria, Greece
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Loma Linda, California
Let’s explore what makes Loma Linda—and these other Blue Zones—so unique and how we can integrate their life-extending habits into our own routines.
What the World’s Healthiest People Have in Common
While each Blue Zone has its own culture and environment, researchers found nine core principles, called the Power 9, that are shared across all of them:
- Move Naturally
People in Blue Zones don’t “exercise” the way we think of it, running marathons or pumping iron at the gym. Instead, movement is built into their day through walking, gardening, or using their bodies in daily life.
→ How you can apply it: Commit to regular Pilates sessions, take walks in local parks, opt for stairs instead of elevators, and park your car a bit further away from the grocery store than normal. - Purpose
Knowing why you wake up in the morning can add up to seven extra years of life.
→ Try this: Set small goals for your week, or write down what gives your life meaning -whether it’s your family, your faith, your career, or your personal growth. - Rest
Stress is a silent killer. Blue Zone residents incorporate routines to release stress, such as prayer, meditation, naps, or enjoying time in nature.
→ You can try: Dedicate time for breathing exercises, mindfulness, a hike or some stretching. - 80% Rule
“Hara hachi bu,” a Confucian mantra from Okinawa, reminds people to stop eating when they’re 80% full.
→ Tip: Slow down your meals and tune into your body’s hunger signals. - Plant Heavy
Diets in Blue Zones are largely plant-based, focusing on legumes, greens, and whole grains.
→ Easy upgrade: Add more plant-based meals to your week and try limiting processed foods and meat. - Wine o’clock?
Moderate drinkers (1–2 glasses a day) *with strong social networks* live longer (but this isn’t permission to overindulge).
→ Optional: If you do drink, keep it moderate, make it a social, relaxed occasion—never rushed or solitary. - Belong
A strong spiritual community is common in all Blue Zones.
→ Try this: Whether it’s church, volunteering with a group or joining a club (or barre & pilates studio!), find a community that helps you feel grounded and supported. - Loved Ones First
Blue Zone families are tight-knit, often living in multigenerational households and prioritizing family time.
→ Your takeaway: Make quality time with loved ones a non-negotiable part of your week. - The Right Tribe
The world’s longest-lived people choose—or are born into—social circles that support healthy behaviors.
→ Get inspired: Surround yourself with people who uplift you and share your wellness values (like your fellow Pilates members!).
Why Loma Linda Stands Out
Just 10 minutes from Redlands Barre, Loma Linda is home to a large community of Seventh-day Adventists, a christian denomination whose lifestyle practices closely mirror the Power 9:
- They eat a plant-based diet, rich in legumes, nuts, and whole foods.
- They observe Sabbath, a weekly day of rest and reflection.
- As practicing christians they live with a sense of purpose and strong faith.
- They maintain strong social bonds and support networks in their church community.
- Many stay active well into old age—gardening, walking, or volunteering in their community.
And the results? Many Adventists in Loma Linda live 10 years longer than the average American.
Bringing the Blue Zone Mindset to Redlands
While we may not all be able to move to Loma Linda, we can certainly adopt their lifestyle practices right here in Redlands.
At Redlands Barre, we aim to do more than just build strength and flexibility—we want to support a whole-body, whole-life approach to wellness. That means movement, mindfulness, nutrition, purpose, and community. Inspired by Loma Linda, we’re here to help you live stronger, longer, and more supported.
So the next time you come to class, remember: you’re not just working out—you’re laying the foundation for a longer, healthier, more vibrant life for the years ahead.
