Friday 23 May 2014

Interview with…Monica Koechlin

This week we caught up with one of our lovely Pilates Instructors, Monica Koechlin. Monica has been with us at Golborne Place since our first year on the Golborne Road and she's an integral part of our community here.


We thought it was about time we introduced her to those who haven't had the pleasure of taking a class with her!

Monica, tell us about your background, how did you come to teach Pilates?
I’m a lawyer by background. While I was writing my PhD in the field of European Human Rights I worked in Academia. Later on, I moved into management consulting.  As the years went by, I developed bad lower back pain. Pilates was a revelation. There came a point where I felt I wanted to make this my profession and never looked back. It’s such a positive and effective thing to share. Every client requires different work. It is incredibly rewarding to help clients improve their well-being.

What's the most valuable lesson you've learnt from Pilates?
Sometimes a slower and more mindful approach is far more effective, whether working on your muscle tone or generally in life. Also, don’t wait to follow your dreams, do it!

Great advice!..
Do you have any valuable insider exercise or lifestyle tips for us?
Glute squeezes My clients will laugh! The gluteals are one of the most important core muscle groups and often very weak. Whenever you are waiting for a bus or washing up, gently squeeze the buttocks together (without tensing your lower back) and hold for 4 counts. 

You're a local to the area and of course you spend four days of your week with us at Golborne Place. Where's your favourite place to grab a bite to eat?


It’s difficult to pick a favourite; we’re so spoilt for choice. When I’m not working, you’ll often find me in my local “The Academy” in Princedale Road because it’s so close to home. Otherwise, Golborne Deli or Pizza East on a work day, if not one of the soup or fish stands on a sunny day in the Golborne Road.



And what's your fave thing to do in Notting Hill?


And finally, tell us something about yourself -  what do you do when you're not teaching?

My stroll to the studio along the Portobello and Golborne Roads must be the best way to start or end a day’s work.

Totally agree! Ok, if you could take only 5 things to a secret island, what would they be?!
My husband; my siblings (oops that’s 5 things already!); if I’m allowed more:- my nephews and nieces (that would make quite a crowd on the island). Otherwise:  music; the books I’ve been meaning to read for ages; goggles and a snorkel as I love deep sea diving.

And on a more profound note, who inspires you?
Currently, it’s the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, for her beautifully written and pertinent books written with great insight (e.g. Half of a Yellow Sun). I just finished Americanah and highly recommend it.

And when you're not teaching, what do you love doing?
Ideally I’d be dancing salsa – unfortunately not often enough, as class times often clash with my work hours. Otherwise I love going to our local cinemas The Gate, Coronet or the Electric. A lot of spare time is spent reading - a great way to survive the tube)! Or I'll do outdoor activities; I try to run, usually in Holland Park, and in the winter I love skiing. This is usually a welcome opportunity to catch up with my siblings too as I’m from Switzerland.

Thank you so much for talking the time to share your tips, advice and stories with us Monica!

To find out more about Monica's teaching take a look at her profile on the Golborne Place website.