In Conversation with Pilates Instructor Nancy Castiglioni
I had the great pleasure to have a chat with Nancy Castiglioni. We spoke about life, food, music and pilates of course. Chances are you may have enrolled in one of her many courses, classes or retreats.
So nice to meet again Nancy. Tell us how you normally spend your day?
- I'm a Pilates instructor based out of Panama City, Panama. I work at Classic Pilates teaching full studio and also private clients and groups. I also have my own subscription platform www.nancycastiglioni.com so that anyone can take class with me anywhere at any time. Other than teaching and training I love to have time with my family and boyfriend, decorate, cook and spend time in nature!
What makes you smile the most?
- My kids, my boyfriend, my dog. They all make me happy.
What’s your favorite time of day?
- I am definitely more of a morning person, which is when I'm full of energy. Evenings are a great time also to spend time with my loved ones and unwind. Daytime is when I teach, so that time is also wonderful. There is something special about every part of the day!
That's a great way of looking at the day :) What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
- My biggest learning experience is that you can start anew any time, no matter your age. I was in the corporate world until my 40's. I made a big change to start teaching what I was passionate about (Pilates of course) and here I am in my late 50's loving what I do. It's never too late!
Who would think you are in your late 50's! When are you the most inspired?
- My mentors, peers and clients inspire me to be a better instructor every day.
What song can you listen to on repeat?
- My boyfriend is a musician. He is the bass player for a fabulous band called Cienfue. I love their music and listen to their latest album called Life in the Tropics all the time. I highly recommend it!
What’s a cause that is important to you?
- I'm currently very passionate about the plight of women in Iran. I urge everyone to stand by them posting and bringing awareness to the issue.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
- I've lived in 8 countries! I was born in Argentina but I've also lived in the United States, in Los Angeles, San Francisco and South Carolina; Portugal, Singapore, Uruguay, Russia, Japan and Panama.
Wow! What are the three things you can’t live without?
- Family, love, nature.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
- I moved to the United States by myself when I was 17 years old, hardly speaking English.
How would you define yourself in three words?
- Strong, independent, go-getter.
What’s your current favorite piece of clothing that you own?
- My body suit from Pebbles!
What’s a must-have piece of sportswear everyone should own?
- A body suit that is very comfortable but makes them feel great and sexy in it!
What’s inspiring you in life right now?
- My kids both moved to university recently and their accomplishments totally inspire me!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
- Be true to yourself. Don't try to be someone else.
What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them?
- Their kindness.
What’s heavily played on your music playlist right now?
- Classic Rock.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
- Bread, butter and good cheese. I could eat that for the rest of my life and be happy.
Haha, I think you have quite some readers here who agree with that. What book did you most recently finish?
- Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and his Legacy by John Howard Steel. Highly recommend it.
What are you currently reading?
- On all Fronts: The Education of a Journalist by Clarissa Ward. Fantastic.
How do you start your day?
- With coffee!!!!!
When is your favorite time of the day to workout?
- Definitely the morning.
What is your favorite move?
- I love so many moves but the Boomerang on the Mat is so beautiful.
What is the best investment you have ever made for yourself?
- Education. Also time off when needed.
What made you decide to become a Pilates Instructor?
- To help others feel as good doing Pilates as it made me feel.
Three misconceptions about Pilates?
- I think people have the misconception that Pilates is for flexible people only. Also there is the misconception that it's only for women, or that yoga and Pilates are the same thing.
Who is Pilates for?
- EVERYONE!
Where can one book a session with you?
- They can contact me via email to castiglioninancy@gmail.com
I hope you enjoyed the read and interview with one of the most amazing, well traveled, smart and humble women.
Xx, Helena
