Iva Mazzoleni

From a young age, I have always been passionate about sport and movement. Classical dance, Hip Hop, then artistic gymnastics, followed by athletics are the sporting paths that I was able to choose to finally get passionate about platform diving, a sport that I was able to exercise to an international competitive level. At the age of 19, stubborn and very determined, I chose to leave my family cocoon to study Sport’s Science as well as Sports & Fitness Management in Sydney in Australia. Thirsty of learning more, I pursued with further courses in Rehabilitation and Sport’s Conditioning. My need to fly to the other side of the world was of great importance in my life as I was originally heading to study finance when destiny had me follow my passion for sports & movement...
My new life in Australia will impact me a lot since it was in Sydney in 2001 that I discovered for the first time, in a physiotherapy practice, the Pilates methodology recovering from a sports injury to the shoulder. My first experience with the Pilates method was not immediately love at first sight, but I couldn't help being intrigued by all the new sensations that this practice gave me every time.
Fascinated then by the effectiveness of this Method in my body and surprised by its speed of results compared to the classic training system that I knew, I chose to take Pilates classes to perfect my sporting abilities and to learn to better control my physical potential. But above all, the Pilates practice helped me listening to my body and to care for it, something that I had never been taught throughout my sporting past nor my upbringing.
In 2003, wishing to promote health and well-being in my own country, I boomeranged back to Switzerland again and followed one of the first Pilates certification courses in Europe with the Pilates Institute UK in London and with Polestar in Basel.

My great thirst for learning and my immense passion for the Pilates method will lead me to want to be trained deeper with the traditional Pilates Method, hoping to learn from the sources closest to Joseph Pilates. Being of a very curious and perfectionist nature, I had to go beyond what was done on the local market. It was then that I did everything I could to be able to go to the USA, just a few months after my first childbirth, in search of an experience that was as close as possible to the initial experience of Joseph Pilates himself. I then had the chance to be accepted to the "Lolita's Pilates Master Mentorship Program" training that took 2 years with Elder Master Teacher Lolita San Miguel in Florida, one of the only two teachers certified by Joseph & Clara Pilates, the creators of the method.
It is with Lolita that I find for the first time, through the Pilates movements, intense sensations of deep strengthening and regeneration. It is through her apprenticeship and close guidance that I develop my instinct for the body. I was learning to trust my instincts for the first time and develop a thirst to explore the unknown places of our three bodies: the physical body, the mental body and the emotional body.
Discipline, rigor, perseverance and passion are the terms that will describe my Pilates experience alongside Lolita. Thanks to my experience in Florida, I was able to explore the hidden genius of the Pilates Method. After 9 years, now, I remain faithful to Lolita’s and Joseph’s teachings and also work as an educator of her method through the Lolita's Legacy Full Comprehensive Training Program. Being able to pass on everything I have had the chance to learn to other students is an experience that means a lot to my heart. I am so lucky to love what I do for a living and wish for as many people out there to benefit from all the benefits the Method has to offer to those that are willing to commit to their body and its needs.

During my childhood and young adulthood, I faced dark times, experiencing sexual abuse, physical violence, and psychological harassment. I got to live the whole deal and how I learned to deal with this was to go fully numb. Looking back, I trust that what happens to us does not have to define us but gives us the hardship to grow into something way more than expected. With the birth of my first daughter, keeping this part of my life secret for over 30 years, I discovered a sensitivity in my body that was never felt before. Trusting my body’s thirst for movement and healing got me to experience Pilates feeling, not just performing. Once I chose to commit to healing and to listening to my body's sensitivity, the subtleties of life started to offer me numerous opportunities to grow deeper with the Method, being at the right time in the right place, meeting the RIGHT people who played a major part in the journey of my development with the Pilates Method and my new self physically, psychologically and emotionally. I strongly feel that our body is the mirror of our soul and that by giving it the attention it seeks, you will be able to overcome what you thought impossible. So, whatever your story is, it will guide us in your journey that you were meant for way more!
I do not believe in coincidences and remain convinced that all change comes when the time is right! Every day, life offers us many opportunities so that we can accomplish whatever we aspire to. We can all be the architect of our own happiness. All we have to do is to choose... Whatever has happened to you or whatever pain you may be suffering from is part of you but does not define you if you are willing to take up the journey of moving for better health. Is it easy to change? No, but by surrounding yourself with a little help to empower yourself, life will bring you the CHANGE you expect because ... "Change is Movement and Movement Heals!" », Joseph Pilates.
I look forward to meeting you if our paths are meant to cross…

My approach

Conventional at times and not so in other

With the great popularity that Pilates has enjoyed in recent years, the Pilates offer has exploded all over the world. In the vast choice available on the market, I have experienced a bit of everything, and this not necessarily in a good way.

I clearly want to point out that my commitment to you and your well-being is not half measures. When I make a commitment to a student and to his or her body, my duty is always to find ways where others have failed. I advocate learning the Pilates method and not just consuming it. The method is based on principles, values, codes, integrating a system and an ingenious mapping of your body. My role is to make you discover your body, to make you discover everything that you did not know existed in you and that you did not feel capable of achieving.

Practice, perseverance, patience and passion are the qualities that I defend and that were taught to me throughout my journey with the Method. I will never settle for things half done, being way too insightful and outspoken. I will always aim to ensure that you have all your means for an optimal integration of the Pilates method, regardless of your starting form. I accompany children to mothers with their babies up to people of 90 years old.
A healthy mind in a healthy body is ageless and does not grow on trees. Staying in top shape is lifelong a commitment ... not to me but to YOU and to your health! Your body is the only place you will live your whole life ... learn to care.

Life is filled with encounters that mark our evolution and I look forward to seeing our paths crossed so that I can listen and serve your body for greater health, remaining worthy of your expectations and your well-being.

Collaboration with many doctors and therapists in the region

For several years, the Pilates method has seduced the therapeutic and medical world thanks to its effectiveness in addition to any therapy. In 15 years of activity, I have had the chance to build a close network with health specialists in the region. I remain very favourable to any collaboration with specialists because we are all complementary. It is by combining our strengths and coordinating our strategies of work as best as possible that we will gain efficiency and time so that you benefit from lasting results.

Some complementary health insurance companies recognize the Pilates method through the Swiss Pilates Association, a quality label ensuring the validity and the quality of the training of all Pilates teachers in Switzerland, of which I am a member. You will thus potentially be able to have part of your Pilates lessons reimbursed by your complementary health insurance.