About

Marta Bestetti

Owner and BASI Pilates Faculty

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I first opened the studio known as “Timeless Pilates” in 2018, to fulfil my dream of being able to teach Pilates. I started studying dance at an early age: I perceived and found myself in movement and music and in sharing a feeling that went beyond study and technique. I used to create short choreographies by myself and show them to friends first and to students then, with a great sense of freedom, joy, emotions and feelings. I studied ballet and modern dance, achieving the ISTD Advanced 2 diploma at the same time as the Language High School, the degree in Linguistic and Intercultural Mediation, all completed with flying colours, and fitness disciplines. I have been teaching in schools in the provinces of Como and Ticino since I was 18, until I realised that my big dream was to create a space where emotions and movement could come alive and revive.

Thanks to BASI® Pilates’ training I identified a path that could provide me with a more scientific approach and that could accompany me in my personal and professional growth.

Timeless Pilates is now “BASI Pilates Academy Lugano” and this is a real honour for me.

From March 2024 I am BASI Pilates Faculty.

The latest training courses:

2018 BASI Pilates Mat Teacher Training

2019 BootyBarre Plus and Flex 

2019 BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training

2020 BASI Pilates Mentor Program

2021 BASI Pilates Master I 

2022 BASI Pilates Master II

2024 BASI Pilates Legacy Program Honors

2026 BASI Pilates Master I 

2026 BASI Pilates Master II

Continuing education courses:

2021 “Stretching within strengthening” with Sondra Karman, BASI Pilates principal faculty

2021 “The art of cueing” with Natascha Eyber, BASI Pilates principal faculty

2021 “Learn from the Leaders Germany 2021”

2022 "The power of Aging" with Rael Isacowitz, Founder of BASI Pilates

2023 "Pilates for Scoliosis" with Rika Brixie, BASI Pilates faculty

2024 “Learn from the Leaders 2024”, New Port Beach, USA

2025 "Setup for Success", New Port Beach, USA

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Alessandra Bonzi

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Pilates teacher

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Movement has always been a part of me. Ever since I was little child, my sister and I used to play in the meadow doing somersaults, handstands, bridges. Then at the age of six I met dance and have never left it. However, there is one question that has been with me ever since I started moving at the barre: how does a body move? Is it possible to move a body by following its needs and not by forcing it?

In September 2022, I decided to answer to this question by taking part to the BASI Pilates Teacher Training in Lugano: it was a fascinating journey that led me to get to know my body and its rules more deeply. 

In september 2023 - while not stopping training, studying and observing - I started working as a Pilates instructor at BASI PILATES studio in Lugano.

BASI pilates has enabled me to understand many things about me and my body and to answer all those questions that had gone unanswered for so many years. 

The journey has just begun, but I am delighted to be able to complete my long experience as a dancer and dance teacher with Pilates. 

Of the BASI method I love the accuracy, the precision, the continuous possibility to improve every day, the attention to detail, the harmony of breath. 

My hope is to help more and more people to feel that a balance between body and mind is a key element for a wonderful life. 

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Donna Marie Jones

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Pilates teacher 

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Born in the UK, my professional life was spent in hospitality, PR and event organising including working for a private airline carrying royal families, heads of state and celebrities all over the world. A qualified fitness instructor, movement in all its forms has always played an important part in my life. I moved to Italy for love and am a proud mother of three young men, all ex ski racers. I love the outdoors, walking, hiking, skiing, cross country skiing. My pilates journey started 20 years ago with my first reformer lesson , it was love at first sight. I moved with my family to Lugano in 2015 and completed my Basi Comprehensive course in March 2022. I have always believed that movement is healing. Through Pilates I have gained much more awareness of correct posture and alignment, being present in my body, and understanding how my physical state impacts my mental and emotional wellbeing. 
A life long learner, I am looking forward to deepening my knowledge and being able to help and inspire others to understand their bodies. 


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​​​Alessia Imberti

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Pilates teacher 

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My name is Alessia, I graduated in economics and I work as Human Resources Business Partner. I'm also a Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Barre Concept®, Pilates, swimming and water gymnastics instructor.

I started teaching swimming to children when I was 15 years old. Once I moved to Zurich, I did the water sports instructor training. In 2012, I completed my training as a Barre Concept® instructor in Munich, Germany. A discipline that combines elements of ballet, Pilates and Yoga. My passion for Aerial Yoga started in San Francisco in 2016. After a few years of constant practice, I flew to Bali and I completed the teacher training in Aerial Yoga. I flew to Bali again after 2 years to complete the advanced training, where I took the specialization in Aerial Fitness, Aerial Pilates, Aerial Barre, Aerial Kids, Aerial Yin and Nidra. In 2017 I completed the 200h Teacher Training in Ashtanga Vinyasa. I started teaching in Zurich and after 2 years I decided to start two advanced Teacher Trainings of 300 hours each. I specialized myself in therapeutic yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative, Nidra, Yoga for pregnant women, meditation, breathing techniques and Ayurvedic medicine. 

Recently, I completed the comprehensive BASI® (Body Art and Science International®) Teacher Training, where I also did the specialization in pre and post pregnancy.

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​​​​Paola Pervangher 

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Pilates Teacher

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Since I was a child, movement, sports and nature have always been an important part of my life.

I have always been trying to strike the balance between my physical and mental wellbeing.
Nowadays, I am a happy mom with two beautiful children. When you have your family, I think it is important to take time not only for your beloved ones, but also for yourself and the activities you like and make you feel good. 
As a sportswoman, alternating between MTB, ski mountaineering and trail running, I approached the world of Pilates after my first pregnancy and I was immediately fascinated, realizing that this discipline brings numerous benefits to my body.
Hence my decision to start the Comprehensive teacher training course in 2023, choosing the BASI Pilates method. 
I loved BASI Pilates from the very first day for its precision, for making me understand every movement, for giving me a new passion and dedication to this amazing discipline.
In March 2024 I completed my training, practical and theory exams. I am now finishing my internship hours and writing my thesis to receive the final certificate. 

Elena Marques e Sousa

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Pilates Teacher

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A sport lover since she was a child, Elena started studying pilates in 2007 with Matwork and Reformer group classes. Since 2019 Elena started studying the BASI Pilates method in Lugano thanks to Marta and she discovered the pilates repertoire on other equipment, too, on the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, the Spine Corrector, and F2 Arm Chair. BASI Pilates made Elena much more aware of correct posture and alignment of my body, as well as mental and emotional well-being. In September 2023 she decided to attend the Comprehensive Teacher Training Course, choosing the BASI Pilates method.

While continuing to train and study, Elena loves to share what she has learned through her training and experience with clients and friends.

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Sara Fosforani

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Pilates Teacher

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My interest in human movement and in the functioning of the human body originates from my academic background in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and from the professional experience I gained in the MedTech sector. This journey provided me with a strong scientific foundation that continues to shape and enrich my approach to mindful movement.

Passionate about functional training, I discovered Pilates through small-group Reformer classes. From that moment on, I began exploring this discipline more deeply, eventually enrolling in the Comprehensive Teacher Training Course at the BASI Pilates Academy in Lugano in 2025.

For me, Pilates represents a journey of continuous discovery: a method that combines precision, awareness, and respect for the body. I am fascinated by the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the human body and to support each person in developing movement that is conscious, balanced, and effective.

I am a curious person who enjoys studying and continuously expanding her knowledge. In my free time, I enjoy walking and spending time outdoors.

My greatest satisfaction would be to contribute, through Pilates, to people’s well-being and to an improved quality of life.

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Mariaclaudia Franchi

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Pilates Teacher

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​After completing my master’s degree in law, I moved to Lucerne in search of new life and professional experiences. Throughout my university years, I continued to pursue dance, a passion that had been part of my life since I was seven.
During my first few years in Lucerne, due to various challenges, I didn’t have many opportunities to stay active, apart from jogging—something I still enjoy today.
When I realized that I had been neglecting my body, I began exploring the world of fitness. However, for a long time, I struggled to find a professional path that gave me a sense of fulfillment and truly sparked my passion—until I discovered Pilates.
Two years after my first pregnancy, I began the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training in Zurich in November 2023 and successfully completed it in September 2024; I actually took my final exam while five months pregnant with my second child.
To me, Pilates is unlike any other form of exercise. It is a method that has taught me to move with greater awareness, deepened my understanding of anatomy, strengthened my deep muscles, and helped me protect and care for my body.
Coming from a classical dance background, what I love most about the BASI method is its precision. I find it fascinating that, with every session, I develop a deeper and more refined understanding of each exercise. I also deeply appreciate its focus on the individual and the meticulous attention paid to every detail.
I began teaching in 2025, and my goal is to continue growing as an instructor, deepening my knowledge and becoming a trusted guide for my students. Supporting them throughout their journey and seeing their progress is my greatest source of satisfaction and fulfillment.

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