Portrait

In Alice Pilate's bathroom

Alice Pilate... Her evocative surname undoubtedly predestined her for her vocation: to turn movement into a true philosophy. A solar coach and founder of Le Studio by Alice online Pilates classes, she has developed a fluid, powerful and accessible approach to (re)finding strength and balance, without ever chasing perfection. Interview with this enthusiast, convinced that a well-thought-out routine can transform body, mind and even skin.

Tell us all about yourself

"My name is Alice, Pilates teacher and founder of Le Studio by Alice. I discovered the discipline in Australia, where I also passed my Pilates teaching certification. Over there, I learned how to create a real fitness and well-being routine. Back in Paris, I first taught in a studio where I was able to create a real community, then I created my online studio to offer classes that fit all schedules: short, intense sessions to challenge yourself without the need to go to the studio. My wish: that you come out stronger and lighter in the head!"

Were you predestined for Pilates?

"Maybe! In any case, I didn't know that 10 years ago when I landed in Sydney in 2016. The reactions of the girls at the studio made an impression on me! The teachers and owners of the studio pushed me to do the training, telling me: 'The storytelling is already there! You should give it a try.""

What else did you learn about self-care in Australia?

"I've learned what 'balance' is. In Australia, you get up at 6 a.m. to have these moments of well-being, whether it's just a walk, a surfing session or pilates/yoga, and then work comes later in the day. But the thing I remember is that over there you never neglect the moments to do yourself good."

What do you love most about Pilates?

"These are movements that require concentration and are low-impact. Also, the fact that it blends perfectly with my second great passion: running. I incorporate Pilates into all my marathon and half-marathon training to strengthen my core, improve mobility and prevent injury. My routine: 30 minutes of Pilates in the morning, followed by 30 minutes to 1 hour of running. I also like to try out new concepts like Barry's Bootcamp or Gyrotonic to keep things fun and varied. I share all my tips and feedback in my newsletter, and I've even created a "Pilates × Running" program to combine deep strengthening and a more fluid stride!"

Tell us about your vision of beauty and well-being

"I believe in a living beauty that comes from within. Well-being is all about balance: moving, breathing better, sleeping better, surrounding yourself with beautiful energies. Our skin tells us about our lifestyle and the gentleness we give ourselves. I believe in simple gestures but with regularity: a good cleanser, a moisturizer and a serum for every day!"

Have you always taken care of yourself?

"Not always, and that's what taught me indulgence. For a long time I chased endless to-do lists. Pilates reconciled me with quiet regularity: less ego, more listening. Today, I protect my sleep like a workout. I prefer 25 minutes well done to 2 atoning hours."

What bathroom essentials do you need to look after your skin? 

"I have a simple, tenable, skin-first, clean routine.

In the evening: I use a cleansing oil, in combination with a gentle cleanser such as Cleansing Gel Oh My Cream Skincare Cleansing Gel or Regenerating Cleanser from Tata Harper to exfoliate my skin. To nourish and moisturize, I love The Rich Cream Augustinus Bader

Two or three times a week, I use a light exfoliating lotion with PHA and AHA.

In the morning, I always apply a vitamin C serum like the Vitamin C Complex Serum by Susanne Kaufmann, the Brightening Eye Gel TataHarper and a daily SPF 50.

As a back-up, I use a soothing serum when my skin feels tight, a thin layer of moisturizing mask, and always a lip balm. 

And among the new products I love: there are the Foundation Drops by Victoria Beckham Beauty, the Beautifying Cream Embellishing Cream, CairVitamin Serum Serum and "We want... Mermaid hair" Atelier Nubio."

 

What simple gesture do you adopt to feel good about yourself?

"My morning is my anchor: 30 minutes of Pilates minimum, then 30 minutes to 1 hour of running. Two appointments that change everything: energy, clarity, mood :)."

How does sport in general affect your well-being? 

"Sport balances me. In addition to Pilates, I run a lot, for the mental stamina, clarity and good mood it brings. Running has taught me patience, and Pilates helps me run better (by impacting my stability, posture and breathing). Walking refocuses me between appointments. And I keep the pleasure intact by trying out concepts like Barry's or Gyrotonic. It allows me to vary the stimuli."

How did you come up with Le Studio by Alice?

"I wanted a studio that I could take anywhere. My courses are in English and shot in a variety of locations, both indoors and outdoors, because I travel a lot and like to take people with me. Today, there are over 20 programs and more than 210 courses. It's affordable: just €25/month to have your studio in your pocket. What I like most of all is that it's practical: anywhere and anytime you can practice for 10, 20, 30 or 45 minutes, depending on your real life."

What makes the sessions you offer so unique?

"For those who want to challenge themselves. I've developed a very cardio Pilates method, inspired by the Reformer movement but on a mat: rhythm, precise sequences, cycles and challenges to keep you on track. You've got to love challenging yourself to love my Pilates, we come out strong and light."

What advice do you have for people starting Pilates to encourage them to keep going?

"Start small but often: 2 to 3 short sessions a week, and keep that pace. Film yourself every month to see the progress (posture, stability, fluidity) and celebrate each milestone. And if you start with me, hang on ahah: I take you far always with kindness, options and a clear framework to progress step by step."

Find Alice's Pilates classes on her platform Studio By Alice

Follow Alice on her Instagram accounts: @alicepilate and @lestudiobyalice. 

Alice's selection

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