With contagious energy and an authentic approach, Larisa Stanciu, Pilates & Fitness trainer and founder of The Core Society, has turned her passion for movement into a life mission. Beyond rigorous workouts and well-structured plans, Larisa speaks about balance, vulnerability, and the courage to begin even when things aren’t perfect. For her, movement is not just a physical exercise, but a way of living consciously, mindfully, and in harmony with one’s own body.
C&B: If you had to describe yourself briefly, in a single sentence that sparks curiosity, what would you say about yourself?
Larisa Stanciu: Hi, I’m Larisa and I wear many hats – mother, corporate professional, and Pilates & Fitness trainer, founder of The Core Society for everyone who wants to turn movement into a lifestyle. I like to think of myself as a work in progress – always eager to learn, grow, and discover new ways to become a better version of myself. I dream of being that energetic, active old lady who enjoys life to the fullest.
C&B: If we asked your colleagues or collaborators to describe you, what do you think they would say?
Larisa Stanciu: People around me say I always go above and beyond, that I bring value to what I do, and that I have a dose of tough love – I challenge people to grow, but with authenticity and passion.
At the same time, I’m not afraid to admit that I also have struggles, ups and downs – I believe that owning your vulnerability and staying authentic are part of your real strength.
Journey & Beginnings – Larisa Stanciu
C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve changed since then?
Larisa Stanciu: One evening, while scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post from a neighbor inviting people to try Reformer Pilates. Being naturally curious, I wrote to her right away and found out that the studio was actually on my street. I had no excuse. I booked a class – and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Practicing alongside her, who later became a close friend, made me fall in love with this sport. Her passion and the energy with which she pushed me to do more inspired me to want to do the same for others: to create a community where ordinary people feel good doing sports and to spread the message that movement is for everyone – from children and teenagers to adults and seniors. That’s how The Core Society was born.
Today, I’m like a sponge: constantly learning, practicing, and inspiring alongside those who choose to join me on this journey. I’ll always be grateful to my friend for igniting this passion in me and motivating me to aim higher. Discipline has become my ally, and everything I learned in program management now helps me as I build my own business.
C&B: Looking back, what were the turning points that shaped your professional path or business?
Larisa Stanciu: The moment I realized I wanted to do more – even though I didn’t yet know exactly what or how – was during a vacation in Greece. I had gone to Athens for a bachelorette party, and because I have a rule not to go more than a day without working out, I booked a Reformer class at a local studio.
At the end of the class, in the locker room, I met several women between 50 and 70 years old. We started chatting, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that for them, exercise was a lifestyle – even recommended by their family doctor. Two of the eldest ladies simply said, “How else can we enjoy our second youth if we can’t move easily?”
That simple truth stuck with me. It took a while for the business idea to take shape – during that time, I spoke to many people and looked for inspiration. At some point, I chose to follow the principle “be the change you want to see in the world” and started building a plan. Now I follow it step by step. I’m sure changes will appear along the way – but hey, we work agile. Haha.
“Movement is a lifestyle, not a 30-day challenge.”
Challenges & Decisions
C&B: What has been the most difficult challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?
Larisa Stanciu: The hardest challenge so far was setting the prices for one-on-one sessions, group classes, and memberships. It might seem trivial, but for me it wasn’t simple at all. Not because I can’t put a price on what I do, but because, deep down, I wish I could offer these sessions for free. I asked for help to clarify my thoughts, and that made me see things differently: price isn’t just a number – it’s a commitment people make to themselves and, at the same time, a deposit of trust in me. People invest in me so I can become a better instructor, a more skilled specialist – and they also invest in themselves, choosing to practice this sport correctly, under professional guidance, with respect for their health and time.
C&B: What decision has most changed the direction of your career or business?
Larisa Stanciu: One of the most important decisions was to start even though the studio wasn’t ready. I realize now that if I had waited for the perfect moment, I probably still wouldn’t have taken the first step and would have stayed stuck in planning. The perfectionist in me wanted a flawless business plan, risk-free. The dreamer imagined success. But then the program manager in me stepped in – looked at the plan pragmatically and made clear decisions: I defined an MVP, iterated several times, sought mentorship from experienced teachers, and started executing the steps one by one. That made all the difference – progress, not perfection.
C&B: Did your leadership and decision-making style develop naturally, or was it built over time through experience?
Larisa Stanciu: My leadership and decision-making style didn’t just appear naturally – it was built step by step, through experience. I was shaped by both my corporate roles, where structure, rigor, and clear responsibilities mattered, and my experience as an entrepreneur in the Pilates niche, where I discovered the importance of adaptability and community. Today, I blend discipline and data analysis with empathy, listening, and sometimes a bit of tough love – because I know people grow when they’re challenged, but also supported and encouraged. I believe my style is still a work in progress, but that’s exactly what makes it authentic and relevant.
Present & Differentiators
C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most joy?
Larisa Stanciu: A typical day for me means wearing all my hats: mom, partner, trainer, and entrepreneur. My schedule may seem like organized chaos, but the greatest joy comes from being at peace with myself. That allows me to be fully present in every activity – whether I’m building Lego with my daughters, leading a workshop at the office, or coaching a Pilates session. This sense of balance is what brings fulfillment.
C&B: What do you think sets you apart from other professionals or businesses in your field?
Larisa Stanciu: What makes me different is that I truly understand what a busy lifestyle means – I’m also someone juggling many roles, and I hope I manage to convey the normalcy of imperfection, which to me means authenticity. I want ordinary people like me to see themselves in what I do. I want to promote the idea that movement isn’t a 30-day challenge but a sustainable lifestyle. Pilates doesn’t need to be intimidating or reserved for the super-fit – it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or level. Through The Core Society, I aim to build a community based on inclusion, where we support each other, learn from one another, and celebrate every bit of progress – no matter how small. For me, the real value isn’t just in the exercises on the mat, but in the sense of belonging and the strength you discover when you realize you’re not alone in your journey.
Values & Inspiration
C&B: Has there been a dream or desire that has always kept you motivated, no matter the obstacles?
Larisa Stanciu: If I had to define myself by one dream that has always kept me motivated, it would be the desire to help others. That has been the common thread in everything I’ve done – whether as a program manager seeking clarity and helping teams succeed, as a mother, partner, or Pilates instructor. For me, success has no value unless it also impacts others. I love being the person who offers a helping hand, who creates contexts where others can grow, feel better in their own skin, and discover their potential. I think that’s what keeps me going even when obstacles appear – the thought that what I do isn’t just for me, but for the community and people I can inspire and support.
C&B: What values or principles guide you every day, and how do you keep them alive in what you do?
Larisa Stanciu: The values that guide me daily are authenticity, discipline, and the desire to bring value to those around me. I believe authenticity means showing who you truly are – with strengths and vulnerabilities alike. Discipline keeps me on track even when motivation fluctuates, and the desire to help and build communities helps me see the bigger picture beyond the daily grind. I keep these values alive through how I organize my time, raise my children, and bring energy to a Pilates class or a work project. For me, values aren’t abstract concepts – they’re concrete anchors reflected in my daily actions and decisions.
C&B: If you could share one message with those who see you as a role model, what would it be?
Larisa Stanciu: Movement is a lifestyle, not a 30-day challenge.
At the end of the day, for Larisa Stanciu, success isn’t measured by the number of subscribers or classes taught, but by the community she’s built around the values of balance, discipline, and authenticity. Through The Core Society, she proves that movement can be a source of joy, confidence, and belonging — a space where people relearn how to feel good in their own skin, at their own pace. And her message remains simple yet profound:
“Movement is a lifestyle, not a 30-day challenge.”
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