[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_image=”https:\/\/bl-conference.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BobLiekensItaly.png” custom_padding=”7%||7%|” transparent_background=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”500px” custom_padding=”42px|0px|42px|0px” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”500px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”all the” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Playfair Display||on||” text_font_size=”25″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In Memory of<\/p>\n
Bob Liekens (1955\u20132018)<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#f6decf” divider_weight=”3px” admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”20px” custom_css_main_element=”margin-left: 47%;||margin-right: 47%;” hide_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A teacher\u2019s teacher. A guiding light in the Pilates world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/bl-conference.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BobLiekensMemory.mp4″ module_class=”lwp-video-autoplay” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”BobLiekensMemory” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f9f9f9″ transparent_background=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n A teacher\u2019s teacher. A guiding light in the Classical Pilates world.<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/strong> will forever remain an inspirational part of our journey \u2014 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, one of Joseph Pilates\u2019 closest prot\u00e9g\u00e9s. In 1993, Bob helped develop Romana\u2019s Teacher Training Program<\/strong>, co-authoring the training manual and establishing the examination system still used today. He also studied at the Graham Center for Contemporary Dance<\/strong>, 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<\/p>\n In 2012<\/strong>, together with Petra Karlsson<\/strong>, Bob co-founded The Pilates Standard<\/strong> \u2014 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\u2019s mission:<\/p>\n To preserve Joe and Romana\u2019s legacy and educate future teachers in the full classical vocabulary and exercises.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n On a personal level, Bob was the<\/em> person who encouraged, guided, and challenged many of us \u2014 including me \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Many of those who trained with Bob from the very beginning\u00a0\u2014 are now accomplished teachers and studio owners. Their dedication, precision, and ongoing pursuit of excellence stand as a living tribute to Bob\u2019s impact on our field.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you doing this exercise? Does this person need it? Is it appropriate \u2014 and if not, why?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n One of his favorite sayings captures his clarity perfectly:<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need to modify if you teach the right progressions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In a world where trends and shortcuts often overshadow tradition, Bob\u2019s dedication to the genuine integrity of the original Method<\/strong> was both grounding and inspiring. His cues were simple, precise, and powerful \u2014 never too much, never too little.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> \u2014 and that it\u2019s the teacher\u2019s responsibility to see<\/em> the body and guide it toward balance.<\/p>\n \u201cPilates is a workout from day one.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cNever bring the exercise to the client \u2014 bring the client to the exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cChallenge, don\u2019t force.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cEvery exercise has a goal. The goal exists in detail; detail is precision.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Bob was a mentor, educator, and friend \u2014 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.<\/p>\n As we remember him, we are reminded of this simple truth:<\/p>\n \u201cIf your passion lights another\u2019s fire, your job is well done.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Bob\u2019s 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. \ud83d\udc9b<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
\ud83d\udc9b In Memory of Bob Liekens (1955\u20132018)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\u2728 A Life of Dedication<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Just three years later, Romana invited him to teach \u2014 a clear recognition of his talent, precision, and understanding of the Method.<\/p>\n\n
\n\ud83e\udded A Mentor and Inspiration<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\ud83d\udcac His Guidance and Philosophy<\/h3>\n
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\n\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Teaching Principles<\/h3>\n
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\n\ud83d\udcab A Lasting Legacy<\/h3>\n
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