A fellow SE Londoner and bookworm, it's no wonder Naza and I have been drawn to each other. I loved learning more about her through these questions; she approaches life with a real gentleness and openness, plus a beautiful sense of adventure, and that comes through in everything she shared. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did. Over to you, Naza. 💛

Where are you based?

I am based in SE London, where I live with my husband of 10 years, Fede. I was born in Brazil and adopted.

I was very lucky, and I love my parents dearly! I am Italian and British, having lived in London for almost 20 years. London is home.

How did you discover Pilates?

I met Lottie in person whilst volunteering and later working at a yoga studio years ago. I didn’t realise I was already doing Lottie’s classes on another app! I remember thinking she was the loveliest person ever, so kind and sweet.

Alongside Covid and lockdown, I was also going through a difficult personal time, and physical exercise massively helped both my mind and body, in addition to my yoga practice.

I started doing Lottie’s classes on YouTube and then joined the LMP Community. I had a certain stereotype of Pilates being inaccessible for bigger bodies; Lottie’s classes made me feel included and safe. Pilates also complemented my strength training (I love kettlebells!) and yoga practice.

I started to really incorporate Pilates into my weekly routine over the last couple of years, as I realised it was benefiting my body as I grow older. I tore my ACL last summer, and the classes really helped with my rehab and recovery. I didn’t need surgery, and I now feel as strong and confident as I did pre-injury.

What’s your favourite class on the LMP platform?

It’s so difficult to pick! I tend to try a new class every time since we are spoilt for choice. I love the 24 Days of Pilates series, especially because it takes place in December, during cosy holiday season. The classes are brilliant, and I am usually in Italy with my family at that time.

I enjoy classes with props (weights, the ball, and the magic circle are my favourites). I recently loved Ultimate Standing Practice 392, as weighted classes challenge muscles I don’t normally engage.

I also tend to choose shorter classes when I’m travelling and don’t have much space or time. I was in New York recently and did 10 Minutes Gentle Mobility 146 on my bed. It was pure bliss!

Do you have a daily non-negotiable or self-care habit?

Movement! I work remotely, so moving for at least 30 minutes a day is essential.

I train six times a week: yoga, indoor cycling, Pilates, strength training, or hikes. On days when I’m not up for a sweat, a gentle walk in the park does wonders. Recovery and rest are essential too, and rest days are non-negotiable.

I have two chronic illnesses, and movement helps mitigate the symptoms and makes me feel a bit better. Since my recent knee injury, movement has also helped me feel stronger and more confident. I’m building my future self!

I also love concerts and travelling.

And for the important stuff, what is your favourite food, or do you have a favourite recipe you’d like to share with us?

Stereotypically, as an Italian, pizza!

I love trying different places, and London is simply the best. We have some of the best pizzerias in the world, believe it or not.

I’m not a great cook, or rather, I’m lazy. My husband is the chef!

I love making my own granola instead of buying it. I use jumbo rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, flaked almonds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Sorry I don’t have exact measurements, I make huge batches to last for weeks ahead :)

I mix everything together in a bowl, preheat the oven to 170°C, and spread everything onto a tray lined with parchment paper. I bake it for 10 minutes, then add desiccated coconut flakes and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden brown.

Are you working on anything personally or professionally at the moment?

I work in tech, which has been a new challenge for me after spending most of my career in luxury hotels and hospitality.

I work on the community side of things. Connection, people, and support are what I enjoy most.

Personally, I have a small bookish Instagram page, @nazathebookworm. I love sharing what I read and interacting with other readers. I’m always carrying either a book or my Kindle wherever I go.

Are you reading anything at the moment?

Yes! I just finished Yesteryear, and it was mind-blowing. I was lucky enough to attend an event with the author earlier this year. It’s about an Instagram trad-wife influencer. I won’t give too much away, but it was a five-star read for me!

I’m also finishing Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin, which is a beautiful story about space and personal discovery.

I love thrillers. My go-to authors are Lisa Jewell, Claire Douglas, Clare Mackintosh, and Gillian McAllister.

Do you have any advice that has impacted you and that you’d like to share?

It might seem obvious, but: be kind. And patient.

We all have different stories, backgrounds, and challenges that we carry with us. Our paths may separate temporarily or forever, but we can still be respectful of others’ choices and decisions.

Choose your communities wisely. I love the LMP community because it is supportive and inclusive. There are members of different ages, backgrounds, and countries. Lottie is very open about her own struggles and challenges, and I truly admire her for that. It makes me feel seen and accepted.