Hi there!
My name is Desislava!

I am a Pilates and yoga enthusiast, a book lover, and a mom of two.

I’m passionate about sparking children's curiosity for movement and helping parents and caregivers introduce joyful, everyday activities into their kids' lives.

ABOUT ME

I discovered Pilates in 2015 and after taking classes regularly, my chronic lower back pain disappeared and my core strengthened. I fell in love with the sport, went on to take a comprehensive training program and eventually started teaching Pilates for adults at studios in Manhattan and Hoboken.

I have been exploring with my own kids how to kindle interest in movement, how to set long-lasting healthy habits and build awareness and confidence in their bodies and I enjoy sharing what I have learned so far.

My love for children, books and movement let me to a creative venture, my first ever children’s book “It’s Not Pilates!” I hope the little readers will enjoy it as much as my kids do!

I was born and raised in Bulgaria, graduated undergrad at Saint Peter’s University and MBA from NYU Stern School of Business.

I am a management consultant by trade and I currently live in Hoboken with my husband and two kids.

Education

-> Integrative Health Coach, Institute for I refractive Nutrition, NYC (2024)

-> Certified Barre Instructor, IBBFA (2022)

-> TRX Suspension Training Certified (2019)

-> Certified Pilates Instructor, Gramercy Pilates NYC (2017)

About the Book

“It’s Not Pilates!”

“It’s Not Pilates!” is a playful story about a sports loving girl who wants to teach a Pilates class for animals. When no one shows up, she takes matters into her own hands! The book is light, fun, and is sure to make little readers laugh while trying new movements. It aims to encourage children not to be afraid to try new things, as well as to find creative ways to manage tough situations.

GET THE BOOK

PILATES

Why Pilates and why is it good for children?

Pilates is a low-impact exercise routine, created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It focuses on stability and mobility (one part of the body moves, while another stays stable), highlighting precise movement, breath and control. It has many benefits, including core strength, improved posture, increased flexibility and mobility, reduced stress.

While it is mostly popular among adults, like yoga, it can be introduced to children as a way to have fun and develop healthy lifelong habits.

We have an incredible opportunity to shape the lives of our children! Doing pilates has multidimensional benefits on physical, emotional and mental health:

01
Builds strong and resilient body

stronger muscles, greater endurance, improved posture, enhanced nerve-muscle interaction, more flexibility, more resilient immune system

02
Supports brain health anD cognitive function

improved neuroplasticity, increased cognitive performance, improved academic performance, greater focus and concentration

03
Maintains emotional balance

reduced anxiety, better quality of sleep, increased production of happy hormones, newly learned coping mechanisms

04
Improves confidence and self-esteem

healthier body image, self-acceptance, boosted confidence, appreciation of the body, positive recognition of own abilities