<< I have always been a sporty person. Yet, I was accepting what I saw as a body’s “normal” issues – back pain from standing, frozen neck after sleeping “wrong”, rolled ankles while hiking… normal? I didn’t realize that I had a bad posture, and that my body was fundamentally weak!
Pilates has changed my life for the better – now I always feel powerful and comfortable in my own body. Pilates helps with whatever daily activity or sport I decide to do, and I know I won’t get hurt. It is a sort of moving meditation, too: it makes me mindful of every movement. >>
Bianca is a fully certified Polestar Pilates instructor. She has obtained her matwork certificate in Rome (Italy), and her apparatus certificate in Leuven (Belgium). She loves to study and share what she learns, and help people discover a new feeling to everyday movements. She practiced belly dance for many years, and many other disciplines including football, hip hop dance, yoga… She is currently interested in pilates for runners. She teaches in English and Italian.
If you want to know more, read the interview
How did you get to Luxembourg?
I was living in Italy when my then-boyfriend, now-husband got a job here…
When did you start practicing Pilates?
In Australia, back in 2014.
How did you become a Pilates teacher?
It was running in the back of my mind because I really wanted to improve my understanding of anatomy and kinesiology and to be able to transmit my discoveries to others… then I took up some pilates classes in a new city and the teacher suggested that I do a teacher training course. A switch clicked and it was an “eureka!” moment.
A funny Pilates story from you as a teacher?
Not as a teacher, but as a student… I was attending this class where there was only one man. I started noticing that every time a difficult exercise came up, he absolutely had to stand up and open the window, or turn off the light, or fiddle with some other thing. …he was so proud, and didn’t want to show he was struggling with Pilates more than women!
What is Pilates for you?
It’s the joy of movement, and a journey of endless self-discovery. A sort of meditation, too.
If you had to describe Pilates in one word, what would that be?
Joy!
What is your favourite Pilates quote?
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”
If you could do one Pilates move for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Roll-up. It is such massage for the spine, and so relaxing (almost trance-like) once you get the hang of it.
Which Pilates exercise challenges you the most?
Leg circles. For some reason, my hamstrings don’t like it.
What do you find the most challenging in teaching Pilates?
To keep people just outside the edge of their comfort zone, without overshooting or making it too easy for them. It is a sweet spot.
Pilates with music or no music? Why?
I like to use music, but can also work without. In fact, I think it helps concentration to have something external the mind can play with.
The best Pilates class you took?
There is not a particular one, I think every teacher brings something special.
What makes your soul truly happy?
Nature and animals.
Your wildest experience in life?
Australia is so wild. I was walking in the bush in Tasmania, it was night already, and I saw two male kangaroos boxing!
What art do you enjoy doing?
I have always liked drawing, especially watercolours. And of course, belly dancing.
Favourite holidays?
Relaxing on a beach, hiking in the nature, or partying with friends!
What`s one thing most people don`t know about you?
I have a PhD in Economics.
Favourite music track?
There are so many. Anything by David Bowie, the Doors, Ramones, Sublime… Amy Winehouse, and many others.
What would you say to your younger self in 10 words or less?
Stop listening to other people’s opinions about what you should do.
If you could live somewhere else now where would that be any why?
In Lisbon. I lived there for one year and I just love the lifestyle.
Fun fact?
I was helping toads and frogs cross the road. As a volunteering activity.
What do you fear most?
That humanity keeps destroying the nature!
Your insecurities?
Do you have a couple of hours?
