At Home with Aneta Bachanova

At Home is a portrait series by photographer Chloe Paul, documenting BodyMindLife’s teachers in the spaces they have created to play and practice. We take a glimpse into their lives, investigate how they hold space for the community both virtually and within the physical structure of the studios, and ask them about the silly things they are missing under the current lockdown.

Join as as we tune in with Pilates teacher Aneta Bachanova.

Can you give us an introduction?

I am Aneta Bachanova and I teach Pilates at BodyMindLife.

Why were you originally drawn to Pilates?

I originally fell in love with yoga while I was living and studying in Sydney. When I got back to Prague, I couldn't find a studio and started searching for alternatives. When I found Pilates I instantly loved it, and knew it was exactly what I wanted to do in the future. My partner and I found a teacher training course 3 hours from our city, and road tripped there every second weekend. We absolutely loved it. Not many people were teaching Pilates back then. I got a job straight away, first in Prague, then Barcelona, and now in Sydney.

How has your relationship with the practice changed?

I've been teaching Pilates for over five years, and every year I'm more in love. There are so many things to learn about about each human body. We're all so different! I see it in my clients and in myself.

Has your perception of home changed in the last few months?

I honestly love my home, so to be spending more time here makes me feel really happy. I’ve noticed during this time that I’m kind of introvert, which is something I've never realised before. I feel very lucky to wake up with sounds of birds. It feels very calm to me.

What do you love about what you do? I love when people come up to me after class or in the street and share how much Pilates has changed their life. It's so wonderful to play a part in that. I really love that I get to do what I am passionate about, and share this with people who have the same positive attitude.

What does your home practice mean to you?

It gives me the space and time to practise and experiment with new routines.

How do you feel when you’re in flow?

I feel energised and present in the moment. I notice this the most before I practice as I’m looking forward to getting into flow.

Any insights about yourself in isolation?

That I enjoy having more time for myself and my own practice, and time to continue learning.

What are you listening to/reading?

Watching – Money Heist on Netflix Reading – Cookbooks Listening – To my fiancé to playing on his new ukulele (I'm looking forward to him getting better)

Something silly you’ve missed?

Window shopping. Practice with Aneta live and on our video archive, and connect with her on instagram.

About Chloe Paul Chloe Paul is a portrait and social photographer from Sydney, Australia. Over the last decade, she has created imagery for Prada, Dior, Moet&Chandon, Burberry and Christian Louboutin. Her work has featured in Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Elle and Instyle. When not working with influential publications and high profile personalities, she can be found capturing the world on her Hassleblad.