Astarti Athanasiadou

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

Astarti discovered Pilates during her dance training in Athens, Greece, where she felt its power firsthand—the way it built strength, sharpened body awareness, and transformed how she moved. That experience stayed with her, eventually drawing her to Amsterdam to train as a teacher.

In 2009, she completed her mat and equipment training at Smartbody Pilates Studio under Jelena Petrovic and Anna Levin. From there, her practice deepened through BASI Pilates comprehensive training and, most significantly, the Heritage Training—a rigorous program devoted to the work of legendary dancer and Pilates teacher Kathy Grant. Studying under Cara Reeser, Kathy's longtime student and Astarti's mentor, she learned an approach to Pilates that honors its roots while staying curious, creative, and adaptive.

Astarti continues to learn from master teachers around the world, including Michael Johnson, Kirk Smith, Sharon Gallagher, Tom McCook, Jessica Cresey, Amit Younger, and Jessica Fundim. She's also trained in Movement Science Made Simple (MSMS) with Cara Reeser and Jeremy Laverdure, studied motor learning principles with Gregory Youdan, neutral pelvis work with Irene Dowd and joined the foot muscles study group.

Beyond Pilates, she draws insight from Alexander Technique, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, dance, and martial arts—practices that all share a somatic, mindful approach to movement. This wider lens informs how she teaches, allowing her to meet each body with nuance and intelligence.

Astarti remains deeply connected to the dance and performance world. She's a lecturer at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem, teaching at the Home of Performance Practices, and teaches the Skill to Flow retreat on the island of Chios, Greece—a gathering that blends movement, nature, and community.

For Astarti, teaching Pilates is about more than exercise. It's about guiding people back into their bodies, helping them discover what's possible, and supporting them through every stage of life with skill, care, and presence.

“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

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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., Amsterdam
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., Amsterdam
hard work great results

If you are looking for the best Pilates trainer in Amsterdam, you found it! I experienced many different teachers and Astarti is the best teacher because of her precision, knowledge, her encouragement that you can improve and her kind way combined with hard work and great results.The studio is serene, very clean and well equipped. If you are beginner or very advanced or you have an injury or you want to strengthen your body to prevent injuries to happen then I encourage you to book an appointment with Astarti, you will be pleased and happy that you found your studio. I am a student for 10 years and many more years to come!
Ryan B., Amsterdam
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., Amsterdam
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., Santpoort Zuid
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

Pilates is a shared journey; I grow with you.

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
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
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
stronger knees, a freer back, and bigger goals ahead

Though initially I visited the studio for rehabilitation purposes, as I suffer from a permanently damaged knee and some good old lower back pain, I quickly realised that these routines can go a long way as full body workouts. Now that the back pain is gone and the knee feels much more adventurous I enjoy the mobility and will definitely keep setting higher goals. It is great to train in a private space especially if you are coming back from injury or any other dysfunction.
- Stavros P., Athens/Amsterdam