SCOUT INSTRUCTOR SERIES - Meet Monica

MONICA GARCIA PINEDA

Age: 33

Star sign: Pisces/Aquarius cusp 

How long have you been teaching Pilates & Yoga ? Coming up to 10 years now!

How did you first get into Pilates / Yoga?  I was introduced to Pilates early on in my ballet training to help with rehab and conditioning. Later on at uni I started to experience back pain so I returned to Pilates, and haven’t looked back. 

With yoga, I used to live near a studio and wandered in one day. The philosophy, the mantra, the shapes - all of it was magnetic to me. I felt I had to return day after day after day, like chicken soup for the soul, and the rest is history. 

What are your favourite Pilates & Yoga poses?  Hmm this changes regularly, I always have a new favourite but since becoming a mum, Pilates-wise I’ve really enjoyed anything that brings more awareness to posture and core. My favourite yoga pose might be Pincha Mayurasana (forearm balance) - nothing like going upside down to flip your perspective!

What's your favourite thing about teaching at Scout Pilates? The community by far is the most wonderful I’ve come across, from the teachers right through to the clients!

Enough Pilates chat, what in your life gives you the most energy? Being outside in the fresh air with my toddler, partner and greyhound :)

Tell us your favourite place to eat in the inner west and what you order there? There are so many delicious options! A few of my favs (in no particular order) - Maiz, Cafe Paci, Kurumac, Marrickville Pork Roll, Continental Deli you can’t go wrong ordering anything off these menus! 

What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self? You are doing just fine!

Last great book that you read? I mostly read food and cookery books - currently enjoying ‘How to Eat’ by Nigella Lawson.

If you could travel ANYWHERE tomorrow, where would you go? To South America - my trip was cancelled because of Covid and I haven’t been able to return! Or perhaps Okinawa!

What goal are you hoping to achieve by the end of the year? Nothing so much to achieve, but an intention of mine is to be more patient and present with others as well as myself.