01 October 2015
With barre based classes constantly on the up, there is one woman undoubtedly leading the way, Paola Di Lanzo. Holding a clientele list long enough to get any health lover interested, Paola’s Body Barre provides high-energy low impact exercise classes in London. Juggling three children and a seriously hectic work schedule can’t be easy, so we decided to speak to the Paola for a quick word on how she manages to find balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
PAOLA’S DAY ON A PLATE
FIRST THING
I generally wake up every morning around 5.30am/6am and have a tea, either a green tea or herbal.
PRE-MORNING CLASS
Before I go into the studio I have a piece of fruit/berries and my Wellco Super Elixir Greens.
BREAKFAST
Once I have done two classes I am usually famished! My breakfast options are pretty much the same! Eggs, Avocado, Spinach, Rye bread, mushrooms, tomatoes. Not always all at once but combinations of these foods. Some days I may have squashed avocado with lemon and fresh herbs and olive oil. Other days I may make an omelette with olive oil, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic. Sometimes I just fancy a piece of rye toast with vegemite! (the Aussie coming out in me).
LUNCH
If I have a big breakfast lunch is normally salads and protein. Salads of all varieties. My favourites include sweet potato, quinoa, beetroot, kale and goat’s cheese.
DINNER
Dinner depends on what I prepare for the children – and I will make healthier modifications for myself. Such as substituting white pasta for whole-wheat – I love my pasta, having grown up with an Italian restauranteur father!
SNACKS
I have green juices or the occasional protein shake as snacks. Or any prepared veggies I have in the fridge I will whip up in a frying pan with garlic and olive oil (eggs if I haven’t had them at breakfast).
YOU GREW UP IN BEAUTIFUL, SUNNY AUSTRALIA – WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO MOVE TO THE (NOT SO SUNNY BUT EQUALLY AS AWESOME) UK?
I went to Italy to visit my aunt at the age of 26 and ended up travelling around Europe. A great friend of mine invited me to London and landed me a job at PEAK gym at Knightsbridge and I never left.
IN THE WINTER MONTHS ESPECIALLY, GETTING UP AND MOTIVATED IN THE MORNINGS CAN BE TOUGH. WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
I have always been a morning person. Having lived my adult life in the fitness industry, I have learnt the best way is to go to bed early in order to function well with early mornings.
YOU’VE STUDIED AT THE PILATES INSTITUTE AND TRAINED SOME TOP CELEBRITIES, BUT WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FITNESS CAREER?
Opening up Paola’s BodyBarre in Fulham, and winning the 2015 Tatler Award for ‘Best All-Rounder’!
WITH BARRE BEING A VERY SPECIFIC STYLE OF WORKING OUT, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A PBB NEWBIE?
The PBB Barre is newbie-friendly. Being a fusion of many fitness methods, it incorporates a high intensity, low impact workout that is accessible and caters towards mixed abilities. Our small group size means our trainers will be able to give you guidance and modifications when required.
WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A REAL PASSION FOR PILATES AND OF COURSE BARRE, BUT ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS YOU ENJOY WORKING OUT?
I teach a variety of classes which results in me participating in all types of workouts – including Pilates, Barre, TRX, functional fitness and cardio HIIT. I also like to do yoga, especially Yin yoga when I have time.
FROM LOOKING AT YOUR BODY, WE DEFINITELY WOULDN’T THINK THAT YOU HAVE HAD THREE CHILDREN! HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO KEEP FIT DURING AND AFTER YOUR PREGNANCIES?
Participating and teaching Pilates classes.
YOU STUDIED PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION BACK IN AUSTRALIA SO THIS ONE MAY SEEM SLIGHTLY OBVIOUS, BUT HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN HEALTH CONSCIOUS TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU ARE NOW?
The physical activity part came naturally, but the health consciousness regarding a balanced diet came around my mid-20s, and I have continued to learn from there.
TO TRAIN AS MUCH AS YOU DO YOU MUST HAVE TO EAT RIGHT! WHICH FOODS COULDN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?
Eggs, spinach, avocado, fish and olive oil.
AND WHAT ARE YOUR ULTIMATE GUILTY PLEASURES?
I’m partial to burger or fries. I really don’t have sweet tooth!
IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE SOME DOWN TIME TO RELAX AND ENSURE THAT YOUR MIND IS AS HEALTHY AS YOUR BODY IS. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO WIND DOWN AFTER A LONG DAY?
Family time and reading. Yin Yoga, with Jo Arthur.
YOU INSPIRE SO MANY PEOPLE TO FOLLOW A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE – BUT WHAT IS IT THAT INSPIRES YOU DAY-TO-DAY?
My clients – watching their progress and making them feel good about themselves. My father for his insane work ethic. He is pushing 80 and works harder than anyone I know…. and he never complains.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE NEXT FROM YOU AND OF COURSE PAOLA’S BODYBARRE?
We are launching our online shop and PBB products – and hopefully another PBB studio soon! We will also have on-line classes launching soon.
To explore all things Paola’s Body Barre, head to the website: http://www.paolasbodybarre.com
