Reformer Pilates in Deia with MargaSeptember 1, 2017

Marga Garau Galmes is the owner and instructor at Art Pilates, a Reformer Pilates studio in Es Clot, Deia. Just next to the Deia Museum.

Walking into Marga’s studio is a lovely surprise. From the outside – a small historical Spanish village – you wouldn’t imagine how it feels inside – clean white minimalist décor, modern Reformer machines, cool and spacious and a warm-hearted Marga to teach you. All with a glimpse of the beautiful mountains through the sheer curtains.

I have attended mat Pilates previously in various gyms in London but never had I tried Reformer. I had always been put off by extortionate city prices (£25+ a class last time I enquired) and the slightly torturous looking machines but I was convinced to go by two friends in the village who have been attending Marga’s classes regularly. I was thrilled with my experience and how much I learnt in just one session, particularly about the oh-so-important CORE.

I wanted to know more about Marga, her love of Deia and how her studio came about. So we met up a few days later, when she wasn’t quite so busy with her family or putting her clients to (hard) work.

What are your opening hours Marga?

I am open Monday to Saturday.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I do group and personal training classes from 8am-12 and 4-7pm. On Tuesday and Thursday group classes between 8am-3pm and on Friday and Saturday’s just personal training.

What is the cost? 

One on one training is €60 per hour or if you buy a voucher of 10 sessions for €500 the class is €50. For €85 membership per month you can attend two group classes per week. The maximum number of people for group classes is 4.

Tell me about a typical class?

I use all different elements. When I have personal training it can be Reformer or mat work and I use the balls, elastic band, magic circle, weights and also the TRX suspension workout. I play every week with the combo chair or TRX or BOSU. If the exercise is easy (for the client) then I increase the difficulty, it just depends on the level of the person.

When did you open for business?

My studio opened in April this year and my machines arrived in May.

How is Deia embracing Pilates?

I’m very happy because I am always full. I can’t work more because I have two young children, my husband and dog Noa. I will wait one year and maybe next summer I will have another teacher. I will stay open in the winter with the same timetable. It is important to satisfy the residents and stay open for them.

Tell me about your history with Pilates? 

I started to learn Pilates 13 years ago. I learnt in an academy in Palma and studied with different dancers including Michael King in Sitges, Barcelona. I also practice Iyengar yoga for 8 years but I don’t teach yoga, I like to practice but prefer to teach Pilates.

Before here, I worked in in Palma for 12 years in a big studio with machines, mat Pilates and ballet. We taught all modalities of Pilates and alignment classes. I was very happy with this job and my team but I needed a change and I decided to come to Deia. I’m from Mallorca and my family all lives in Palma. My husband and I wanted to change our way of life, we have a 2 and 6 year old and it is more calm here than the life in a big town. For one I don’t need to drive every day. I walk from my house to my studio and also to take the kids to school. Life is more simple. We are in beautiful nature. When I was a 14 years old I would come with my friends to Deia at the weekend..it’s always been my little dream to live here.

How did you find the studio?

For 10 months I thought I need a change in my life so I designed my project and for us it was easy to find the studio and also we found the house very quickly. I had a very very clear vision; I wanted to open a studio with machines in Deia because all the studios in the Tramuntana Mountains don’t have these exact machines. I saw there was a niche.

The life in Deia is for the nature but I also think it needs a lot of things for the residents. Not only hospitality and tourist things, but more things for the health and wellbeing. The local people are very happy with my studio and a lot of people with some medical problems in their back or shoulder practice with me and are improving their health.

What kinds of people come to your classes?

Most people who visit are residents aged between 25-70. When I started it was almost only women I think because people imagine only women can do this type of thing but then a lot of men started come. Pilates practice is so good for the spine and the core and alignment and posture. Everyone is welcome.

What do you like about the life here in Deia?

I love my job and running my classes with my clients and helping to improve the life of the people who come. I enjoy my work, life with my family and meeting new people. I would like to learn more English. I need to be able to speak about the other things not only the Pilates instruction. I like evolution in my life.

Check out Art Pilates on Facebook and Instagram. 

http://artpilates.es/