Stefan Monz, the owner and Pilates instructor at Purajana, along with his wife and co-owner Sonia Tamaroff, interviews a very special guest: Sonia’s father and Stefan’s father-in-law, Leonardo „Leo“ Tamaroff. It was Leo who first brought Stefan to a Reformer Pilates studio, igniting a passion that would shape both their careers. In this candid discussion, Leo shares his personal story of resilience, the pivotal role Reformer Pilates has played in his life, and how he continues to inspire others, including Sonia and Stefan, to pursue a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
(This post features a shortened and translated excerpt of the interview. For those interested in the full conversation, you can watch the original interview in Spanish with English subtitles on the Purajana YouTube Channel)
Interview
Purajana: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first encountered Reformer Pilates?
Leonardo Tamaroff: First, I'd like to mention that I have a history in sports. I was involved in high-performance sports before I was 20 and continued to stay active, playing volleyball and basketball at my local club. However, in 2000, I had a spinal issue that required surgery, and after that, I could no longer participate in high-impact activities like jogging, volleyball, or basketball. So, I stopped playing sports. Then, in 2008, at the club where my younger children played tennis, a Pilates instructor set up a studio with three or four Reformers. I decided to try a class and immediately knew this was what I needed. It allowed me to exercise, strengthen my core—something essential to protect my damaged spine—without any impact, and I found it quite enjoyable. That was my first contact with Reformer Pilates, and I’ve been practicing it for 16 years now.
Purajana: You’ve inspired many, including me, to start Reformer Pilates. How did you motivate others to join this practice?
Leonardo Tamaroff: As you know, you were among the first to start, and like you, many of my children followed suit. By 2009, it had become a family affair. Whenever my children and grandchildren visited Argentina, I would organize trial classes for everyone interested, from the younger ones to adults. It became clear that Pilates was suitable for any age and offered benefits to all. I even managed to motivate my wife, Eva, who initially resisted but finally agreed last year. She quickly saw the benefits, especially for muscle tension and a back issue she had. It has helped her tremendously.
Purajana: At 77, you have incredible posture and strength. How has Reformer Pilates contributed to your physical well-being?
Leonardo Tamaroff: Given my background in high-performance training, Pilates has helped me reawaken and strengthen my physical abilities. It’s allowed me to maintain a level of fitness that is quite acceptable for my age. You can start Reformer Pilates at any age, and with so many exercise options available, it can be tailored to anyone’s abilities.
Purajana: It was special to have you and Eva in my class. How did it feel to be on the other side, being taught by a family member?
Leonardo Tamaroff: It felt great. You’re very professional and detail-oriented, and you take good care of your students. We even did some exercises I hadn’t tried before, which were quite interesting, especially those focused on the scapulas. Everything was very natural and smooth; I didn’t feel any discomfort at all.
Purajana: What were your impressions of our studio in Frankfurt, and how did you feel practicing Reformer Pilates here?
Leonardo Tamaroff: I had seen photos of the studio, but being here in person was a very positive experience. I felt great because, beyond the professionalism and high-quality equipment, there’s a warm atmosphere that makes you feel very comfortable. This environment motivates you to work hard and improve, and being in such a pleasant space enhances your efforts.
Purajana: You also tried our state-of-the-art cold chamber and Icaros exergaming core training. How did these experiences complement your Reformer Pilates practice?
Leonardo Tamaroff: They complemented it very well. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about the cold chamber, but once I was prepared and entered, it turned out to be a unique experience. The cold was intense, but I followed my granddaughter’s advice to spin around, which helped me maintain orientation. Once the initial cloud of vapor dissipated, I felt more secure and completed the three minutes comfortably. The warming effect afterward was very refreshing.
As for the Icaros, it was my first time, but I found it very interesting. I quickly learned the basic movements across the four axes and felt that it was an excellent workout for the core. Despite having occasional issues with vertigo, I didn’t experience any dizziness during the session.
Purajana: Beyond physical benefits, how has Reformer Pilates impacted your mental clarity and overall quality of life?
Leonardo Tamaroff: It has had a significant impact. I’ve been in the process of retiring from our family business over the past two years, and I needed a routine to help me transition. Pilates has given me that structure. I now go to the studio in Argentina three times a week, which helps organize my time. When I’m there, I focus on the exercises, and it gives me something productive to do. It also keeps me in good physical condition, which is important for my travels. Even though I don’t particularly enjoy running, I’ve managed to walk an average of 1.5 kilometers per day in Buenos Aires and over 4.5 to 5 kilometers per day here in Europe, which I’ve been able to do without any problems.
Purajana: How do you see your Reformer Pilates practice evolving in the future?
Leonardo Tamaroff: I see it continuing to be a vital part of my life, and I think the future will be more of a future if I keep practicing.The more I practice, the better I feel physically and mentally. As they say, “You make your path by walking it,” and I plan to keep practicing as long as I can. If I find a studio as good as yours, great, and if not, I’ll just visit you more often. Thank you for the conversation, and I hope we can do this many more times.
"I see it well, and I think the future will be more of a future if I keep practicing."
Purajana: Perfect, thank you so much for the conversation. We hope you visit many more times.
Leonardo Tamaroff: Yes, I hope so too. It would be wonderful if we could make it happen. Thank you
In this inspiring interview, Leonardo Tamaroff shares his journey with Reformer Pilates and its profound impact on his physical and mental well-being. From introducing his family to the practice to maintaining an active lifestyle at 77, Leo’s story is a testament to the benefits of Pilates at any age.
