In conversation with the trainers

LARA HASSAN 
Gyrotonics, Gyrokinesis, Classical Pilates, Sculpt, Garuda Trainer

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your types of training…

I’ve always been interested in the study of humans and the body. My Dad was in the army, and he encouraged us to train and took us to climb, so we’re always very active. I grew up in Lebanon, which was war-torn and expressing yourself through movement was one of the few things we could do and enjoy. So I have experience with gyrotonics, gyrokinesis, garuda, garuda barre, barre and yoga until I developed my method, ‘Body by Lara’, to define and sculpt. 

When did you first fall in love with movement, and why? How does your type of training make you feel?

My training bridges movement and mindful movement with sculpting. When I was in my third year of work, I was working with a musician, Sting, and travelled to New York and I got deeper into the studying of classical Pilates. This ignited me to explore more. As a result, my training makes me feel energised, strong and sculpted. I still love boxing and doing cardio because I like varied exercises, but sculpt training still makes you sweat enough. It makes me feel powerful because it opens up the body and creates space, toning me and improving my posture. I’m 46 years old, but I don’t feel my age. 

How has your career in training and movement changed over time?

The secret is being curious and wanting to learn things properly. I never looked at my work as creating a brand; it was more about starting to explore and see where it takes me. In terms of my training method itself, it’s endless. When the body is your source of inspiration and the base of your research, you never reach a moment where you think that’s it. So I’m constantly developing my method. Dance, yoga, resistance training and Pilates are all elements I explore. Every time I choreograph, it is different. It’s like arriving somewhere and thinking – let’s see what we have here today. 

When the body is your source of inspiration and the base of your research, you never reach a moment where you think that’s it.

 Head to whistles.com to explore their activewear campaign.
 Here’s the link: https://www.whistles.com/inspiration/lookbooks/in-conversation-with-the-trainers-behind-the-fitness-studio-rumble-on-strengthening-your-body-nurturing-your-mind-and-reaching-further.html