SCOUT INSTRUCTOR SERIES - Dana

DANA DEGRAZIA

Age: 33

Star sign: Leo

How long have you been teaching Pilates? Almost 2 years.

How did you first get into Pilates? I was diagnosed with stage 2c breast cancer when I was 29. I went through 3 surgeries, 6 months of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation. I started doing Pilates as a way of staying active and strong during treatment. Coming to Scout got me through the toughest, scariest time of my life. I'm 3 years cancer free now and the strongest I've ever been. It's been a dream come true to come "full circle" and go from student to instructor at Scout - I'm living the dream!

What's your favourite Pilates pose? I love any type of plank, especially side planks.

What's your favourite thing about teaching at Scout Pilates? I've met so many lovely people from teaching. I love seeing familiar faces any time I go out in the inner west. I bump into Scout folks everywhere and I love that!

Enough Pilates chat, what in your life gives you the most energy? A Saturday afternoon in my garden.

Tell us your favourite place to eat in the inner west and what you order there? Comeco Foods is this little japanese vegan & gluten free cafe (I'm not either haha) on King St. I get the japanese curry and a donut and it's absolutely divine.

What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self? Trust your gut.

Last great book that you read? My sister lent me a book called Bringing Down The Duke. I wouldn't say it's a great read, but it was certainly a fun read!

If you could travel ANYWHERE tomorrow, where would you go? I've never been to Italy! I'm really excited to finally go next year for my honeymoon!

What goal do you want to achieve by the end of the year? I'm going to get a bunch of veggies and herbs growing in the garden this spring. I'm hoping for a big end of year harvest!