LMP member spotlight: Yuana Schulte
It was so lovely to learn more about Yuana’s Psychology studies, journey with movement and passion for cooking. So excited for what lies ahead for you and to have you in our community!
“Stay open to people who think differently. You never know how beautifully they might change your perspective — and your life.”
—Yuana
Where are you based?
I’m originally from Germany but moved to Salzburg, Austria, for my studies, where I now live with my partner and our cat, Miro.
How did you discover Pilates?
That was about six years ago. After finishing school, I practiced Yoga quite intensively — maybe a bit too much. I was struggling with back pain from herniated discs, and sadly, Yoga didn’t make it better. It took me a while to accept that my body needed something different, especially since yoga had helped me so much mentally.
I’ve always seen movement as a way to reconnect with myself and give my busy mind a rest, so I wanted to find something that would support both my body and my mind. When I discovered Pilates, I quickly felt stronger and more in control (of my body and my mind). My pain started to fade into the background, and I finally knew what to do when my back flared up (Lottie, your back-friendly videos were literally on repeat some days!). For the first time, I felt like I was in charge of my pain — not the other way around.
Since then, Pilates has become a significant part of my life: I started working at a Pilates studio that has its own little café — I get to make coffee and bake pastries there, which I absolutely love. I began my teacher training, and, interestingly enough, my mother-in-law is also a Pilates instructor. Life works in mysterious ways sometimes!
What’s your favourite class on the LMP platform?
Definitely Day 7 from 24 Days of Pilates 5.0.
It’s such a fun class, and I love feeling a little sweaty afterwards. It’s the perfect balance for me, especially since I have to be cautious with cardio movements due to my back.
Do you have a daily non-negotiable or self-care habit?
My non-negotiable is my first coffee in bed, cuddled up with my partner. Those 15 quiet minutes somehow make the whole world feel gentle, even if it’s only for a short while.
And for the important stuff – what’s your favourite food or recipe to share?
Oh, I love cooking! Alongside Pilates and Yoga, it’s my way to unwind and be creative — kind of my moving meditation.
My summer obsession was a Crispy Rice Salad. I’m always a little paranoid about eating day-old rice (hello, bacteria!), so I found a way to make it fresh, safe, and deliciously crunchy again.
Here’s how I do it:
Spread pre-cooked and cooled rice on a baking tray.
Drizzle with oil, soy sauce, a little agave syrup, and your favorite spices (I love paprika, coriander powder, smoked paprika, and chili).
Roast at 200°C for about 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Mix it into any salad you like — or just enjoy it as a crunchy topping.
Are you working on anything personally or professionally at the moment?
Professionally, I’m currently finishing my Master’s degree in Psychology — maybe some of you have already seen my community post about my study (or even completed the survey, which I’m so grateful for!). I’m also figuring out how to weave psychology, movement, and nutrition together in my future work. I’ve also recently started my Pilates teacher training — something that feels both professional and personal to me: partly because I’d love to teach one day, but mostly because I’m fascinated by how movement can support both body and mind. And — big step — I’m preparing to ask for a raise (why is that so hard for us, especially as women?).
On a personal level, I would like to spend more time in the kitchen again, playing with new flavors and deepening my understanding of cooking. I am also trying to nurture my friendships more intentionally. Since I’ve moved around quite a bit, building deep connections hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something I now truly want to focus on.
Are you reading anything at the moment?
Yes! I’m currently reading Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat - A beautifully written cookbook that breaks down the four essential elements of good cooking and teaches you to create delicious food with intuition and joy.
Do you have any advice that’s really stuck with you?
Never blend hot soup. Trust me — you don’t want second-degree burns on your arms!
But on a deeper note, I’m really grateful for my partner, who is so different from me. Being with someone who sees the world through another lens has opened my mind and helped me grow in ways I never expected. So my advice would be: stay open to people who think differently. You never know how beautifully they might change your perspective — and your life.
If you’d like to support Yuana with writing her thesis the link to the survey is here.
Check out previous Member Spotlights here.