Susanna Foustok is hands down one of the most knowledgeable Pilates instructors in the region. Her teaching career began in 2003 at the Al Multaqa Ladies Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where she lived for seven years. Her first wave of training was with Stott Pilates, the contemporary approach to the original method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. She completed her full certification at the Oxford studio in 2007.
Foustok recently discovered classical Pilates, which has taken her around the globe for training with the world’s leading classical Pilates teachers. In 2013, she completed the Masters Program with Jay Grimes at Vintage Pilates Los Angeles. Grimes is a highly respected first-generation master teacher who worked with the founder of Pilates at the Joseph and Clara Pilates studio in New York City. Currently, Foustok is completing “The Work”—an intense graduate program for certified teachers.
During my one-on-one session with Foustok at Pure Pilates Dubai, we went through the basic movements to strengthen my core muscles using the reformer machine and I also took the opportunity to find out how this super svelte, mother of two stays so fit.
Dannielle Blaker: What tops the list as your favorite workout right now?
Susanna Foustok: It has been the same for many years now—Pilates. I find it to be the most intelligent way to exercise. I also ride my horse every day. I find that Pilates and riding complement each other, as you need a strong center for riding and Pilates helps you become more aware of your body.
