Instructor Spotlight: Marta Bestetti

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

Hello everyone, my name is Marta Bestetti. I have been living in Lugano, Switzerland, for the last 20 years, but I am originally from Como, Italy. I first opened my studio, known as Timeless Pilates in 2018, to fulfil my dream to teach Pilates. I started studying dance at an early age: I found myself immersed in movement and music, and in sharing a feeling that went beyond study and technique. I used to create short choreographies, show them to friends first and to students then, with a great sense of freedom, joy, emotions and feelings. I studied ballet, modern dance and I have a degree in Linguistic and Intercultural Mediation. I have been teaching in schools in the provinces of Como and Ticino since I was 18, until I realised that my dream was to create a space where emotions and movement could come together. Thanks to BASI Pilates training, I identified a path that could provide me with a more scientific approach and that could accompany me in my personal and professional growth. Timeless Pilates is now BASI Pilates Academy Lugano and since March 2024 I am a proud BASI Pilates Faculty. I think my friends would describe me as a never-ending source of energy and love for life and movement.

2.     How did you discover Pilates?

I discovered Pilates during my dance studies. I needed it to gain more strength and balance for my body and my mind.

3. How do you keep learning?

Every day I am learning from my students. It is beautiful to see how much you can learn from every person you meet. BASI Pilates Founder, Real Isacowitz is my true inspiration and mentor. Among the BASI Pilates faculty, there are a lot of wonderful teachers that I admire, from whom I keep on learning and learning. For me teaching and studying Pilates is my real passion and love. I love studying with precision and, as Rael says: "We change one person at the time" - this is the result of something you do with care and compassion.

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

Pilates is a "meditation in motion" - Real Isacowitz. When you do Pilates, give yourself the gift of being present in your body, exploring and improving the amazing power of movement.

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

When I am teaching, I am there for my clients. I try my best to see what they need first, and then I let them work with precision. I teach them to respect their bodies and to appreciate the amazing power of moving with awareness.

6. The best Pilates course you ever did was…

The BASI Pilates Legacy Program.

7. What’s your favourite piece of equipment to use with clients in studio and why?

I do not have a favourite one. I think it is important to study the Pilates repertoire on all equipment to get a deeper understanding of every single movement.

8. How do you stay motivated?

I think that my students are inspired by me. This is why I try to show the best version of me, which means I always studying and practising all the time. Also, I am proud to be a part of the international BASI Pilates Faculty. We are role models for our students.

9. What makes you laugh the most?

It makes me laugh when I demonstrate a new exercise and students think it is impossible to do. I remember that same feeling I had a few years ago, when I felt the same while observing other more experienced teachers.

10. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?

I love walking in the nature, discover new places and dancing.

11. How many pairs of grip socks do you own? 

I prefer to exercise barefoot, but I have lots of them. I love to stretch with the stretch band, too.

12. Does your family ‘really know’ what’s involved in your job? 

Yes, my family is very proud of my job. They know how much love I put into it.