Astarti Athanasiadou

A woman in a light blue tank top standing outside in a garden with buildings in the background.

Astarti was introduced to Pilates during her dance education in Athens, Greece, where she experienced firsthand its impact on strength, body awareness, and posture. This deep connection led her to pursue teaching, completing her mat and equipment training at Smartbody Pilates Studio in Amsterdam in 2009 under the guidance of Jelena Petrovic and Anna Levin. Further, she is a graduate of BASI pilates comprehensive training and a post-graduate of the Heritage Training, a comprehensive program dedicated to the work of legendary dancer and pilates teacher Kathy Grant, taught by Kathy’s long-time student and Astarti’s mentor, Cara Reeser. Astarti continues to expand her skills and knowledge by training with and following workshops given by worldwide acclaimed teachers such as Michael Johnson, Kirk Smith, Sharon Gallagher, Tom McCook, Jessica Cresey, Amit Younger, Jessica Fundim, as well as by practicing and integrating other relevant somatic insights inspired by Alexander technique, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, dance practices and martial arts. Beyond Pilates, she is actively involved in dance and performance projects and serves as a lecturer at ArtEZ University of the Arts, Home of Performance Practices in Arnhem, the Netherlands. She is teaching at the Skill to Flow retreat, organized yearly in the island of Chios, Greece.

“My goal as a Pilates teacher is to guide my students through the classical repertoire with a safe, engaging approach and a touch of humour. I love making the method accessible and meaningful in each student’s body while witnessing their movement skills evolve. Every class is a rich and challenging journey, both physically and mentally. I work with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, always emphasising the process over the product, respecting individual learning rhythms and needs. Most of all, I want to pass on everything that keeps me hooked on Pilates—its depth, precision, and the endless discoveries it offers through movement—and the joy of  connecting with you in this shared passion.”

- Astarti

Astarti’s testimonials

  • great combination of fun and challenge

    The sessions with Astarti have always been a great combination of fun and challenge. She is a very social, engaging and supportive teacher, and she will also make sure to keep pushing the envelope and try new exercises every time. After each session, I always feel a combination of being tired but also refreshed. Doing Pilates with her results in a wholesome development of being aware of your body, your positions, your movements, and your challenges. Recovering from a serious accident, that has helped me a lot to 'get back on my feet' in so many ways!

    Bram R., Netherlands

  • surprise yourself

    Having had the privilege of being tutored by Astarti for quite some years now, I cannot thank her enough for how she has supported my increasing awareness of the strengths and opportunities of my body and how to work on them. While I greatly enjoy each session - she is a lovely and warm person who is really interested in her students - she always nudges you to give that extra bit and surprise yourself. At the same time, it’s like she has infrared eyes as she is continuously scanning you and correcting you when necessary to prevent injuries. And it goes without saying that she really knows her stuff and keeps updated, looking for new challenges that fit the goals we set for the season.

    Karen B., Netherlands

  • professionalism

    Astarti is very professional; she has the ability to change and adapt her class to every need the student has. She can provide a variety of exercises at short notice and construct a class with everyday items like towels and sticks if the proper tools are not available. She has a great knowledge of human anatomy and can, in a pedagogical way, explain and show with her own body which muscles should be used in an exercise and why. She can show you how to use your body in the best possible way. Astarti has made me believe in myself and my abilities!

    Alicia K., Sweden

  • holistic support

    With Astarti, I realised that Pilates is not only a balanced form of exercise that safeguards you from injuries but also supports your body holistically. Astarti is always well-prepared for the class, explains each exercise in detail, observes, and provides precise feedback. After each session, you eagerly look forward to the next one!

    Aspasia T., Netherlands

  • profound level of physical connection

    Astarti's deep understanding of Pilates has helped me connect with my body on a profound level and has brought me back into a shape where I feel strong and confident in my movements. I cannot recommend taking her classes enough!

    Kostas S., Netherlands

  • personalised practice

    I have been taking lessons with Astarti for years and I love it for so many reasons; her very professional and knowledgeable approach, her inspiring and energising attitude, and because she always offers personalised exercises.

    Zafira K., Sweden

Honest work, Real results.

  • Pilates Practice Amsterdam proud to help busy working mums with keeping their level of fitness and balance their workload with me time. Amsterdam West is a perfect location to reach fast.

    pilates for busy working mums

    As a busy working mum, finding time for self care is a challenge, but joining Pilates Practice Amsterdam is the best decision I made for my well-being! After struggling with ineffective group reformer classes elsewhere, switching to private sessions here has been a game changer. The studio is beautifully equipped with top reformers, and the trainers are exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and considerate. They help me feel stronger, more confident, and capable of movements I never thought possible! I walk in exhausted from my day and leave feeling empowered. Thank you, Pilates Practice Amsterdam, for creating such a positive space!

    - Leonie G., Amsterdam

  • You will not get bored at Pilates Practice Amsterdam even if you take pilates lessons with us for 15 years! Testimonial for proof for pilates as a long life practice.

    long life process

    Astarti - who runs this studio - is an excellent and patient Pilates teacher. She really sees YOU both your mind and your body. Since 15 years I practise with her, still a joy!

    - Jan vd G., Amsterdam