Nancy Castiglioni
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Nancy Castiglioni is an international presenter, who has taught classes and workshops to instructors throughout the U.S., England, Korea, India, Dubai, Qatar, Italy, Panama, Argentina and Paraguay.
She is a founding presenter of “It’s a Pilates Party,” held in Boston every year, and was a presenter at Momentum Fest this past year. She has previously been featured in Pilates Style Magazine, on Pilates TV and across Instagram. Previously, Nancy was a ballet dancer and a competitive gymnast.
She now shares her passion for Pilates through her platform nancycastiglioni.com, on Instagram (@nancycastiglioni), at Classic Pilates Studio in Panama and around the world through her workshops. She holds a Balanced Body Mat certification and is continuing her studies while pursuing a parallel comprehensive certification through Mariano Dolagaray with Classic Pilates.
How did you first get into pilates or yoga?
I socially knew a Pilates instructor who kept inviting me to her classes. I was kickboxing pretty seriously at the time and had this image of Pilates not being "tough enough for me" so I kept saying no. Little did I know! When I finally took her up, it was love at first try!
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
I've started a Classical Pilates comprehensive certification that has changed my outlook on the method and how to practice and teach it. I'm absolutely loving every minute of it. The daily two-hour physical training is probably one of my favorite parts!
What’s more important: the teacher or the mindset?
I don't think one is more important than the other. Both the teacher and the student's mindset are fundamental to taking that person to reach their maximum potential, to elevate their energy, to heighten their possibilities.
What is your proudest moment/accomplishment in pilates or yoga?
My proudest moment is when a client leaves the studio or practice feeling better than when they came in, when they realize they can do something they didn't think was possible, when a pain they had disappears, when they feel better in their bodies, in their daily life.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favourite failure” of yours?
Every failure helps make me more determined to do well and to continue finding ways in which to succeed at whatever I aim to do. Failures help us grow. They are an essential path towards improvement.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Studying has always been the most worthwhile investment I've ever made. Learning more helps me to provide better classes, courses, workshops. I always want to bring the best of myself to any client and the more I know, the more I can achieve this goal.
Do you think there is any trait that all exercise practitioners share?
I hope to share with my clients a love and joy of movement always. I think it is this trait that people identify with and share when they follow my instagram page, subscribe to my platform, join my online classes or classes at the studio and/or take part in my workshops worldwide.
Do you like classical or contemporary pilates/yoga more? Why?
I like both! I started with contemporary Pilates and have been teaching it for a number of years but I've always been very interested in going back to the roots and learning classical Pilates. I'm pursuing my comprehensive certification towards that end.
What advice would you give to people wanting to start pilates or yoga?
Go for it!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I was in the corporate world before I started with Pilates. I spent many years overseas in suits and heels. I'm happy to stay in leggings and teaching Pilates for as long as I am able to.
Tell us about someone you admire and why you admire them?
I admire my teachers and mentors for their knowledge and willingness to share it. I admire them for the way they make their students and clients feel and how they bring out the best in every person. I hope I can do the same for others.
How would you describe pilates/yoga in 1 word?
I think Romana Kryzanowska said it best: “Pilates is about stretch and strength, with control. And control is most important because it uses your mind”.
What's your favourite colour?
My favorite color is red but I love all colors. I think you can see this reflected in my choice of clothes on my instagram page and on my platform!
What's your favourite holiday destination?
I love to travel and have been very lucky to do much of it over the years, both for pleasure and work. My children love to go to Cancun. The beaches are amazing and the combination of things to do and nature make it a favorite place to visit. Having said that, there are so many places I would want to go back to and new places I want to discover!
What one thing in life do you consider to be overrated?
Shopping.
What's your star sign?
Cancer.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Granola with plain yoghurt and good, strong coffee. My usual.
Most satisfying experience practicing yoga/pilates?
Every single time I practice I feel better! There's never an exception.
What are your biggest pet peeves about the culture/community of your chosen practice?
I mind the Pilates Police.
What is your favourite thing about the culture and community of your chosen practice?
Helping people feel better!
Do you tend to use a lot of different equipment when you practice?
I currently train at Classic Pilates in Panama City, Panama on all classical equipment. It's a dream to train and work at this place. Simply a fabulous studio.