Matthew Reyes' Yoga Class Helps L.A. Community Heal After Fires

The beloved instructor's athletic Vinyasa flow and upbeat playlist have become a lifeline for students who lost everything.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring repeating images of a yoga mat, gold chain, and basketball shorts, symbolizing the inclusive and energetic atmosphere of Matthew Reyes' yoga classes that have helped his students heal after local wildfires.Matthew Reyes' upbeat yoga classes have become a lifeline for the Los Angeles community in the wake of devastating wildfires.Santa Monica Today

When the devastating wildfires of 2024 destroyed homes and businesses in Los Angeles, yoga instructor Matthew Reyes stepped up to provide a much-needed space for his community to heal. After temporarily relocating his popular classes, Reyes reopened at a new studio with the same high-energy, music-driven workouts that had made his classes a cult favorite. As his students returned, many of whom had lost everything in the fires, Reyes created a welcoming atmosphere focused on rebuilding and recovery.

Why it matters

Matthew Reyes' yoga classes have become a vital community hub in the wake of the wildfires, offering a sense of normalcy and emotional support for locals who are struggling to rebuild their lives. His inclusive, judgment-free approach to yoga has attracted a diverse following, and his ability to adapt and provide a safe space during a time of crisis has cemented his status as a beloved local figure.

The details

After the fires forced the closure of his Santa Monica studio and the Alo location where he taught, Reyes searched for a new home for his classes. He eventually found a space at Unplug Meditation, a studio owned by former magazine editor Suze Yalof Schwartz. Reyes' classes, which feature an athletic Vinyasa flow set to a high-energy playlist, have become a lifeline for students who lost their homes and businesses in the fires. Rather than focusing on meditation and breathwork, Reyes encourages his students to let loose and get a challenging workout, creating a judgment-free environment where they can process their emotions.

  • In December 2024, Reyes' Power Flow class was declared the 'hottest reservation' at the Alo studio in Pacific Palisades.
  • On January 7, 2025, the devastating wildfires destroyed homes and businesses in two Los Angeles communities, forcing Reyes to temporarily shut down his classes.
  • One month after the fires, Reyes reopened his classes at Unplug Meditation studio.
  • On January 7, 2026, Reyes held a special class on the one-year anniversary of the fires, with a carefully curated playlist to help his students process their emotions.

The players

Matthew Reyes

A 57-year-old yoga instructor who has built a devoted following in Los Angeles with his athletic Vinyasa flow classes set to upbeat music.

Melissa Claire Egan

A 44-year-old actress who stars on the TV show The Young and the Restless and has been taking Reyes' classes exclusively since 2011.

Sam Henry Kass

A Brooklyn transplant and former Seinfeld writer who has become a dedicated student of Reyes, even rearranging his schedule to ensure he doesn't miss a class.

Anne Allegrette

A 57-year-old self-described 'joyful Chief Household Officer' who has been taking classes with Reyes for 20 years.

Mallory Goldman

A 32-year-old influencer who lost her home in the 2024 wildfires and has been a student of Reyes since his Yoga Hop days.

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What they’re saying

“It had always been so quiet when I did yoga classes and you just listen to your own breathing and listen to other people's breathing, which listen, if that's your thing, You go girl, you go boy. But it's just not me. Give me a little Britney Spears in here and a little Katy Perry and some hip hop. I want to get a workout. I want to feel sore the next day. I want my calves to burn. I want my jeans to fit better.”

— Melissa Claire Egan, Actress

“The day that the doors opened was perhaps one of the more emotional moments I have experienced in my life.”

— Anne Allegrette, Longtime Student

What’s next

Reyes plans to continue offering his high-energy yoga classes at Unplug Meditation, providing a much-needed space for the local community to heal and rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires.

The takeaway

Matthew Reyes' yoga classes have become a vital community hub in Los Angeles, offering a supportive and inclusive space for locals to process their emotions and find a sense of normalcy after the traumatic events of the 2024 wildfires. Reyes' ability to adapt and provide a welcoming environment has cemented his status as a beloved local figure, and his classes have become a lifeline for students who lost everything in the disaster.