Instructors

Aleida van Poelgeest

Aleida places great importance on body awareness and the quality of movement. In her classes, she encourages participants to become aware of their posture and movement patterns. There is room for discussion about the exercises performed, allowing participants to understand the effects and learn how to apply them in daily life.

Aleida’s approach is personalized; she guides everyone at their own level. Her classes are characterized by calmness, attention, and enjoyment.

Since 1996, Aleida has explored various forms of movement, including fitness, aerobics, and Pilates. She completed her Pilates training at the renowned Pilates Institute in London, under the guidance of Michael King. This institute is known for its focus on the combination of Pilates and rehabilitation.

In addition to her work as an instructor, Aleida has also trained Pilates instructors and served as an examiner. She has further trained with experts such as Malcolm Muirhead and Nuala Coombs.

In 2008, Aleida specialized in the GYROTONIC® Method, receiving training from Hilary Cartwright and Juliu Horvath. She has since further developed in both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS®, and regularly attends refresher courses.

Aleida's expertise is recognized with her status as a Pre-trainer for both methods, enabling her to contribute to the training of new instructors.

Catherine

Catherine is a professional, highly experienced, and well-traveled STOTT® PILATES certified instructor. After spending several years living and working as a certified STOTT® PILATES instructor in the Middle East, Dubai, Catherine has now returned to Amsterdam at the Full Circle Studio.

The STOTT® PILATES method focuses on restoring the natural movement of the spine and rebalancing the muscles around the joints. The emphasis is on breathing, fluid movements, and concentration.

It aims to develop longer, leaner muscles and improve posture.

Kristel

I’m Kristel, born in 1990 in Amsterdam.

Because of my congenital heart condition, I can’t participate in every sport I would like to. A group class like Pilates works well for me. I really value the connection with other participants. The STOTT® Pilates method showed me that exercises can be adapted to the individual, using props if needed.

That’s what I love about STOTT® Pilates: if something doesn’t work, we find a way together to make it work. I completed my STOTT® Mat Training in 2024.

In the time I’ve been teaching, I’ve never met anyone who couldn’t participate. That’s what I find amazing about STOTT® Pilates.

Long, strong muscles and regaining flexibility—that’s what I stand for. Moving optimally in your own body, with a nice challenge when possible. During the class, it’s a moment to step out of your head and into your body.

As an instructor, I aim to create the same connection with participants that I personally find so valuable. You come for yourself, but we do it together.

Adriana

Hello! I am Adriana. I am half Dutch/ half British. Born in Amsterdam and raised in the UK. Since starting pilates 6 years ago, I am completely in love with how pilates can make you feel: mobile, strong, helps with flexibility and above all- powerful!

The combintation of lengthening and strenghing is the ultimate winner in my opinion.

I have been teaching for a few years now and love to work with a variety of clientel. My goal is to help people get strong and mobile and leave my lessons feeling energised.

I look forward to becoming a part of the full circle family and hope to see you in one of my lessons soon.

"A fantastic experience that makes you happy"

“Aleida van Poelgeest is the founder & owner of Full Circle Studio Amsterdam. Aleida has immense knowledge and experience. I follow Gyrotonic training and, for the first time in a long while, I am pain-free—a fantastic experience that makes you happy.”

Pieter Spruit

"Had a significant back injury, and with Gyrotonic exercises, she helped me get rid of it in a few sessions"

“I was helped by Aleida. I had a significant back injury, and with the help of Gyrotonic exercises, she helped me get rid of it in a few sessions. Now I do a variant of those exercises in a Gyrokinesis group class at the studio to prevent another back injury. I'm happy.”

Harold Thiehatten

"The Pilates classes are inspiring, and you get a lot of attention because the groups are very small"

“I have been coming here twice a week for 10 years, and I am still learning. The Pilates classes are inspiring, never the same, and you get a lot of attention because the groups are very small. Aleida is my teacher, and she observes you carefully and knows everything about the musculoskeletal system. The studio was renovated and refreshed this year and is located in a beautiful old building in the heart of the Jordaan.”

Wies Lambinon

"A lot of personal attention"

“The classes are given in small groups with a lot of personal attention. Very cozy studio and a great place to practice yoga, Pilates, Gyrokinesis, mindfulness.”

Irene Maldonado

"I really enjoyed the studio and the Gyrotonic class"

“I really enjoyed the studio and the Gyrotonic class. The attention is super personal, and you leave the class feeling refreshed. All the staff is very friendly. I absolutely recommend it!”

Sonia Fernández

"Aleida's class provided me with the essential support to feel strong and stable again"

“After a visit to the pelvic floor physiotherapist, a year after my second pregnancy, it turned out that my 'core muscles,' such as pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, were quite weakened. Pregnancy yoga offered too little support for targeted muscle strengthening. Looking for a relaxed and feasible way to work on this, I quickly found the Full Circle Studio. Aleida's class provided me with the essential support to feel strong and stable again. She ensures the crucial balance between effort and relaxation, which is vital for developing sustainable (muscle) strength.”

Mylene

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5.0 / 5.00)

Average rating of 5.00 from 37 reviews.