A teacher’s teacher. A guiding light in the Pilates world.

💛 In Memory of Bob Liekens (1955–2018)

A teacher’s teacher. A guiding light in the Classical Pilates world.

What makes someone unforgettable? Charm, character, knowledge, work ethic, passion, and the lives they touch through their teaching. For many in the Classical Pilates community, Bob Liekens will forever remain an inspirational part of our journey — because he embodied all of these qualities and more. His passing in October 2018 was sudden and heartbreaking, but his influence continues to live on in every lesson taught, every cue shared, and every teacher he inspired.

✨ A Life of Dedication

Originally from Belgium, Bob moved to New York in 1983 to further his dance career. That same year, he began his Pilates training at the original studio under Romana Kryzanowska, one of Joseph Pilates’ closest protégés.
Just three years later, Romana invited him to teach — a clear recognition of his talent, precision, and understanding of the Method.

In 1993, Bob helped develop Romana’s Teacher Training Program, co-authoring the training manual and establishing the examination system still used today. He also studied at the Graham Center for Contemporary Dance, where he became one of the first certified instructors in 1991. Over the next 35 years, Bob taught and led teacher training seminars worldwide, shaping the foundation of Classical Pilates education across continents

In 2012, together with Petra Karlsson, Bob co-founded The Pilates Standard — an organization dedicated to ensuring the integrity and continuity of the Classical Pilates Method. As co-owner and co-developer of the Matwork-, Comprehensive-, and the LEAP Teacher Training Manuals, Bob helped establish The Pilates Standard’s mission:

To preserve Joe and Romana’s legacy and educate future teachers in the full classical vocabulary and exercises.

🧭 A Mentor and Inspiration

On a personal level, Bob was the person who encouraged, guided, and challenged many of us — including me — early in my Pilates careers. His passion for Classical Pilates and his generosity in sharing his experience have become an inseparable part of my own teaching toolbox.

Many of those who trained with Bob from the very beginning — are now accomplished teachers and studio owners. Their dedication, precision, and ongoing pursuit of excellence stand as a living tribute to Bob’s impact on our field.

💬 His Guidance and Philosophy

Bob was passionate, opinionated, and deeply thoughtful about the Method. His views were shaped by decades of teaching, observing movement, and writing about Pilates. He often reminded his students to think critically:

“Why are you doing this exercise? Does this person need it? Is it appropriate — and if not, why?”

One of his favorite sayings captures his clarity perfectly:

“You don’t need to modify if you teach the right progressions.”

In a world where trends and shortcuts often overshadow tradition, Bob’s dedication to the genuine integrity of the original Method was both grounding and inspiring. His cues were simple, precise, and powerful — never too much, never too little.

🏛️ Teaching Principles

With his background as a dancer and his fascination with biomechanics, Bob approached the Pilates Method with scientific precision and artistic depth. He believed that good mechanics already exist in the original Method — and that it’s the teacher’s responsibility to see the body and guide it toward balance.

• “Pilates is a workout from day one.”

• “Never bring the exercise to the client — bring the client to the exercise.”

• “Challenge, don’t force.”

• “Every exercise has a goal. The goal exists in detail; detail is precision.”

💫 A Lasting Legacy

Bob was a mentor, educator, and friend — admired not only for his expertise but also for his warmth, humor, and humanity. He inspired countless teachers to remain lifelong students of the Method and to teach with integrity, curiosity, and care.

As we remember him, we are reminded of this simple truth:

“If your passion lights another’s fire, your job is well done.”

Bob’s light continues to burn brightly in the studios, classes, and hearts of those he inspired. For that, and for all he shared, we are deeply grateful. 💛