8 Day Pilates meets art and creative coaching with Tina Nitschke (DE), Quesada, Costa Rica

My Pilates story

In 1986, I transformed my passion for jazz dance into a fulfilling career. After dedicating years to teaching jazz dance full-time, I encountered severe back pain that prompted a doctor’s stark advice: to shift to a gentler form of movement if I wished to sustain my profession long-term. This news was nothing short of a shock! What would I do now?
Fast forward to 2003, when Europe was just beginning to embrace the Pilates and power yoga wave. At that time, mat training was the predominant offering, so I decided to explore it. I was instantly captivated, discovering deep muscles within myself that I never knew existed. Unfortunately, Switzerland had limited training schools, so I pursued Contemporary Polestar Mat training and Power Yoga training. Through teaching Pilates, coupled with my own practice and in-depth study of the method developed by J. Pilates, I quickly witnessed remarkable improvements in my clients’ movements. More importantly, my own back pain began to diminish. Thus began a lifelong journey that truly fascinated me.
Driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge, I traveled extensively to workshops, events, and congresses led by international Pilates experts, delving deeper into the classical Pilates method and its equipment. My aspiration was clear: to share this knowledge and eventually become a Pilates Teacher Trainer. I found my home at Peak Pilates Training School (USA), which supported my dream. By 2006, I had become a Peak Pilates Instructor and Trainer for all of Switzerland. In 2009, I proudly opened a fully equipped Peak Pilates studio in Baar/Zug alongside my dance and gymnastics studio "Body Move," immersing myself further into the holistic world of movement inspired by Joe Pilates.
Years of teaching—thousands of hours spent analyzing, correcting, and understanding clients and students—revealed the intricate connections between our emotions, experiences, thoughts, and how they manifest in our bodies. This profound realization inspired me to learn even more. I completed the 2nd Generation PMMP with Lolita San Miguel (USA), one of the last individuals personally trained by Joe Pilates himself.
Many of my students from the Peak Pilates School have blossomed into passionate and successful teachers, even establishing their own studios. Witnessing the ongoing need for knowledge, modifications, and innovative ideas led me to create various workshops designed to bridge these gaps. With humor, empathy, patience, and practical experience, I share this knowledge—facilitating those enlightening "Aha!" moments for every aspiring Pilates teacher.
Now, a new chapter unfolds as we embrace life in Costa Rica—a return to nature that fosters connection and awareness while adopting the "Pura Vida" lifestyle in all its beauty. My passion for guiding individuals toward a self-determined and healthy life continues as we establish a holistic Pilates Oasis on our property—a sanctuary where I will train Peak Pilates enthusiasts, conduct workshops, and offer intensive retreats that cater to all levels.
This lifelong journey has liberated me from pain after two decades of dedication—a path worth taking. My heartfelt gratitude goes to J. Pilates for this transformative system of exercises and the holistic wisdom connecting body, mind, and soul through movement, nutrition, and mindset—knowledge I am eager to share.
I take immense pride in being part of classic Pilates history while bringing Joe Pilates’ vision to life. My mission is to empower you through this method—to help you discover a healthier, more vibrant self that enhances your entire being. As J. Pilates eloquently stated: “The attainment and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental tranquillity, and spiritual peace are invaluable... This unique trinity can only be achieved through 'Contrology.'”My Pilates story

In 1986, I transformed my passion for jazz dance into a fulfilling career. After dedicating years to teaching jazz dance full-time, I encountered severe back pain that prompted a doctor’s stark advice: to shift to a gentler form of movement if I wished to sustain my profession long-term. This news was nothing short of a shock! What would I do now?
Fast forward to 2003, when Europe was just beginning to embrace the Pilates and power yoga wave. At that time, mat training was the predominant offering, so I decided to explore it. I was instantly captivated, discovering deep muscles within myself that I never knew existed. Unfortunately, Switzerland had limited training schools, so I pursued Contemporary Polestar Mat training and Power Yoga training. Through teaching Pilates, coupled with my own practice and in-depth study of the method developed by J. Pilates, I quickly witnessed remarkable improvements in my clients’ movements. More importantly, my own back pain began to diminish. Thus began a lifelong journey that truly fascinated me.
Driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge, I traveled extensively to workshops, events, and congresses led by international Pilates experts, delving deeper into the classical Pilates method and its equipment. My aspiration was clear: to share this knowledge and eventually become a Pilates Teacher Trainer. I found my home at Peak Pilates Training School (USA), which supported my dream. By 2006, I had become a Peak Pilates Instructor and Trainer for all of Switzerland. In 2009, I proudly opened a fully equipped Peak Pilates studio in Baar/Zug alongside my dance and gymnastics studio "Body Move," immersing myself further into the holistic world of movement inspired by Joe Pilates.
Years of teaching—thousands of hours spent analyzing, correcting, and understanding clients and students—revealed the intricate connections between our emotions, experiences, thoughts, and how they manifest in our bodies. This profound realization inspired me to learn even more. I completed the 2nd Generation PMMP with Lolita San Miguel (USA), one of the last individuals personally trained by Joe Pilates himself.
Many of my students from the Peak Pilates School have blossomed into passionate and successful teachers, even establishing their own studios. Witnessing the ongoing need for knowledge, modifications, and innovative ideas led me to create various workshops designed to bridge these gaps. With humor, empathy, patience, and practical experience, I share this knowledge—facilitating those enlightening "Aha!" moments for every aspiring Pilates teacher.
Now, a new chapter unfolds as we embrace life in Costa Rica—a return to nature that fosters connection and awareness while adopting the "Pura Vida" lifestyle in all its beauty. My passion for guiding individuals toward a self-determined and healthy life continues as we establish a holistic Pilates Oasis on our property—a sanctuary where I will train Peak Pilates enthusiasts, conduct workshops, and offer intensive retreats that cater to all levels.
This lifelong journey has liberated me from pain after two decades of dedication—a path worth taking. My heartfelt gratitude goes to J. Pilates for this transformative system of exercises and the holistic wisdom connecting body, mind, and soul through movement, nutrition, and mindset—knowledge I am eager to share.
I take immense pride in being part of classic Pilates history while bringing Joe Pilates’ vision to life. My mission is to empower you through this method—to help you discover a healthier, more vibrant self that enhances your entire being. As J. Pilates eloquently stated: “The attainment and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental tranquillity, and spiritual peace are invaluable... This unique trinity can only be achieved through 'Contrology.'”

Vinyasa Yoga is always adapted to the ability of the participants. We learn the sun salutation, the correct execution of the asanas so that everyone can benefit from the released energy. Meditation and relaxation are not neglected.

For more than 15 years, I have dedicated myself to the realms of nutrition, optimizing metabolism, vital substances, and detoxification programs. Throughout this journey, I have empowered countless individuals to reclaim their ideal weight and enhance their vitality, fitness, and overall health. The key lies in understanding the secrets of nature and its scientific principles, enabling us to harness their power effectively. I am passionate about sharing this invaluable knowledge with those who are curious and open-minded, guiding them on their path to wellness and vitality.