Instructor Spotlight: Luisa Saiter Lins

1.Tell us a little about yourself and your Pilates background

I am Luisa, I live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, and I am a Pilates instructor and educator. I own a studio called Plank Pilates Studio which has been operating since 2015. I’ve been teaching Pilates since 2011 and I have been working as a teacher trainer for Polestar Pilates since 2014. My close friends would describe me as loyal, determined, active and passionate about what I do.

2. How did you discover Pilates

My first experience with Pilates was session over 20 years ago. At that time, I used to be very active and quite fit, and I couldn’t really understand why I was so sore (in a good way) after a simple Pilates session.

3. How do you keep learning? What inspires you in your work? Who/where do you get inspiration from?

I practise Pilates regularly (3-4 times per week) and I believe this is one of the best ways of learning and staying inspired. In addition, I attend as many workshops as I can; I really enjoy listening to the Polestar Pilates Hour Podcast weekly and I am always checking to see if there are any new interesting workshops available.

4. The best advice you were ever given as a teacher…

Make sure that you schedule time for your own sessions.

5. Is there something you try and instil in each of your clients?

I prioritise simplicity, flow and a positive attitude when teaching. My goal as an instructor is that all my clients walk out of the studio feeling better than when they walked in both physically and mentally.

6. The best Pilates course you ever did was…

There are two short courses that I loved with Polestar. Runity with Juan Nietto and Dismistifying the Pelvic Floor with Brent Anderson which I’d definitely recommend.

7. If you could start your business again, what would you do differently?

I put my heart into my business and although I have made some mistakes along the way I have learned from them which makes them an asset. I love what I do and I would certainly do everything again and again. My advice for my younger self would be not to worry too much because in the end everything works out for the best if you keep giving your best.

8. How many pairs of grip socks do you own? Do you love or hate a stretch band?

Only 5. I do clean-ups regularly and I only keep the ones I really love. I love a stretch band!

9. How do you stay motivated?

My Pilates practice is crucial and non-negotiable.

10. Does your family really know what you do for a job?

Yes, they do… whenever they are around, they are ‘forced’ to do some sessions. I could never explain properly what I do, but once they got familiar with Pilates and my routine, they understood what was involved. 

Luisa owns Plank Pilates Studio - plankpilates.au/