Interview with the Pilates Instructor Helga Sylvester

We got the chance to connect with Helga Sylvester to ask her about her view on Pilates.

Helga is inspiring the world to practice more Pilates through her initiative with The Pilates Academy and Peak Pilates International Master Instructor Training. In addition to that, she also runs her own studio. 

1. WHO IS HELGA SYLVESTER?

First I am a mother of two beautiful teenagers, entrepreneur and Pilates Lover. I am the owner of The Pilates Place Rotterdam, founder of The Pilates Academy.nl and Peak Pilates® International Master Instructor.

2. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE MOTTO?

Difficult to choose. One of my favorite is: “If you believe it, you will achieve it”.

3. WHAT ARE YOU EXTRA CURIOUS ABOUT RIGHT NOW?

As things are moving faster now than before, I am curious to see where the Pilates-industry in Europe will be in five years from now.

4. WHAT IS A BEAUTIFUL BODY TO YOU?

To me everybody is beautiful, regardless age size or shape. A body that is strong from within, well balanced and moves with ease and grace, that is beautiful.

5. WHAT IS PILATES TO YOU?

Pilates has been literally life changing for me. I have a law degree and my life could have been on a completely different path if I had not accepted an invitation to join a Pilates workshop 14 years ago. It lead me on to become a Pilates trainer and leaving my other career in order to open up my first Pilates studio, and starting my pathway towards a Pilates Master Instructor for Peak Pilates ® teacher training, and mentoring others around the world to teach (and learn) Pilates.

Practicing the Pilates method has changed my body for the better. No more back pains, a longer leaner physique and more flexibility. 

6. WHAT IS THE PERFECT PILATES OUTFIT?

The perfect Pilates outfit, according to me, is something that fits my body well, gives me freedom to move without having to pull parts up or down, let my skin breath and something that looks beautiful. And because I like wearing black, my perfect Pilates outfit is black.

7. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PILATES MOVES?

Any exercise that massages and articulates the spine.

8. IN YOUR OPINION, WHY IS PILATES SUCH A GOOD WORKOUT?

Pilates is so much more than a workout, Pilates will change your body, and the way you move through your day.

9. TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIO? 

The Pilates Place Rotterdam, is a wonderful place to practice Pilates:  knowledgeable teachers, excellent equipment and a welcoming atmosphere.

10. DO YOU HOST ANY UPCOMING PILATES EVENTS?

After the summer we have a PPC I course planned. It is a course for everyone who would like to become a Pilates trainer.

11. MENTION THREE REASONS ONE SHOULD DO PILATES ?

Stronger from the center of your body, healthy spine and flexible muscles.