Forma Pilates’ Liana Levi on Her Daily Practices for Essential Wellness

Rip & Tan: You founded Forma Pilates in 2020, but we’d love to know more about your personal pilates journey up to that point. What drew you to this form of movement?  

Liana Levi: I fell in love with Pilates around the age of 18. As a dancer and an athlete, I was recommended to Pilates to complement my training. It was instant love at first burn. I remember thinking, wow, what an elegant form of exercise. It felt elevated, sophisticated, intricate and so effective. 

Rip & Tan: So much of meaningful movement is about creating a connection between mind, body, and soul—for you, what does that look or feel like? 

Liana Levi: For me, meaningful movement that embodies the mind, body and soul connection is restorative. As someone who is so active day to day, my body craves a reset and restore. I benefit the most from mindful movement and that could be anything from a high-intensity workout to a vinyasa flow, it really depends on how I feel energetically. 

Rip & Tan: Starting your own studio is no small feat. What was that experience like? How did you find balance in the chaos?  

Liana Levi: The experience was magical because it was so organic. I had no intention of starting a studio, I just became passionate about helping friends and family during an uncertain time. There wasn’t much need for balance, nothing else was going on, no distractions, just finding some peace, normalcy, and human connection. My circumstance was unique—I didn’t feel the pressure of “starting a business,” it was more of a pursuit of passion.

Rip & Tan: What do you think is one of the biggest misconceptions about pilates?

Liana Levi: That you do not sweat!

Rip & Tan: What kind of benefits can we expect from adopting a pilates practice? What are some of the most significant changes you’ve noticed in your own life? 

Liana Levi: Posture—you feel longer and taller. Toned—you feel tighter and leaner. Defined—your muscles sculpt, shape, and wrap around your bones.

Rip & Tan: What are your favorite movements to do when you have 5 minutes? 15 minutes? 

Liana Levi: For when I am in a rush and only have 5 minutes, I would do cat cow breathwork and a half pigeon. If you have 15 minutes, I recommend ab and glute activations. This includes crunches, double-leg stretches, and bicycles. I would also mix in, a bridge series, donkey kicks, fire hydrants, and leg lifts. 

Rip & Tan: What does wellness mean to you? 

Liana Levi: Wellness is just another form of awareness. Awareness of your mental health, emotional health, and physical health. Wellness looks different for everyone, it’s not “one size fits all”, it’s choosing to live a happier, healthier, and sustainable life for YOU. Quality of life.