Inside Malibu with Fitness Expert Neda Soderqvist

Ulf Soderqvist Neda Soderqvist, personal trainer and creator of the high-impact JÄM (Juicy Athletic Moves) cardio program, works out some of the biggest names around, from Pink to Larry Ellison, so it stands to reason that she’s based in Malibu. The beach town is a charming combination of high-powered and low-key. “Everybody knows each other, but nobody really cares who you are,” says Soderqvist, who goes by Neda. “They’ll ask how you’re doing, but there’s a sense of privacy.” As well as safety. “I love the fact that my children are growing up in an area where everyone knows who their parents are. You can’t get away with anything,” she tells Lisa Rosen for Elliman Magazine . Soderqvist reveals her favorite local Malibu spots to eat, shop and relax. KEEPING IT REAL “Everything in Malibu has to be organic and healthy. My workday involves hours of cardio, so every morning at 11, my husband brings me a drink from John’s Garden , a healthy snack shop. It’s called ‘Balance Me,’ with apple, ginger, cayenne, and lemon. I have that instead of coffee.” DOWN TIME Credit: sosb “On days off, my family’s favorite beach is so local, we call it the secret beach. It’s at Point Dume State Park . You have to take a lot of stairs down, and they’re not in the best shape; they’re rusted, so tourists don’t take them. But the rewards are glorious: You can see seals, sea lions, whales, and the ocean hitting the Point.” COOL SWEETS “A post-beach treat might mean a stop at Malibu Yogurt & Ice Cream . It’s a family-owned place, and the kids can run around the little square and fountain in front. It’s the hangout for the smaller kids.” TURF FOR SURF Credit: Megan Chambley “Our family gets our ocean gear at Becker . A bunch of surfers work there, so you can explain what you’re looking for. And they have a hundred different kinds of flip-flops! They have good prices for Malibu. High for everywhere else, but for us it’s good.” AL DENTE, ALFRESCO Credit: Jakob Layman “When my husband and I want to get away for a date night, we head to Italian restaurant Tra di Noi . I recommend the risotto and the pizza, but all the dishes are good. I’ve never been disappointed there. Sitting outside, you feel like you’re on the French Riviera, even though it’s Italian.” Ready to live the low-key beach lifestyle? View all our available Malibu homes.