The Pink Girls Run The World (PGRW) movement is all about using our platform to connect and empower women around the globe. This week we are continuing our celebration of women who not only use their influence to create opportunities for themselves, but create changes in the world that inspire and empower other women.
Ana Caban is a shining example of how purpose is an incredible alarm clock. Currently based in Los Angeles; she has traveled to Mexico, Japan and throughout Europe as a celebrity Pilates instructor. Featured in Harper’s Bazaar Japan, People en Espanol, Fitness Magazine and Telemundo; Ana doesn’t sit down and wait for opportunities…she makes opportunities happen!
PGRW: Your Pilates career has brought you all over the world. What has been the most memorable place where you have taught abroad?
I love to travel, so being invited to teach Pilates abroad is always fun. Out of all the places that I have traveled to teach I found the people in Greece to be very friendly. I remember asking an elderly woman who didn’t speak English (I don’t know any Greek) for assistance in trying to find an address. She was so helpful, gesturing the directions with her arms, as she spoke to me in Greek. Greek food is amazing! The grilled vegetables that I had there were the best that I have ever had in my life!
Ana at 12 years old in India
PGRW: What was the inspiration behind the opportunity for you to spend 1 year in India without your parents at 12 years old?
My parents had American friends who ran an international school in India. My older brother had been planning to study there. Sadly, he arrived in Mumbai very sick, and was immediately hospitalized. Being that my brother never made to the school it sparked my curiosity. I wanted to have an international experience. As you can imagine, my parents were NOT interested in sending me, after what had happened to my brother. However, I begged, pleaded and ultimately convinced them to let me go. It was the most amazing life experience that has had a big impact on the person that I am today.
Seville, Spain
PGRW: Outside of your year abroad in India, have you ever lived anywhere else outside of the United States? What advice would you give to someone traveling to that region?
I learned Spanish during the year that I lived in Costa Rica after high school graduation. I studied abroad in Siena, Italy and Seville, Spain during my junior year of college. I also learned the typical dance of Seville, Las Sevillanas.
Because gestures, body language and words can easily be misinterpreted, I advise anyone traveling internationally to brush up on customs and language in the country that you visit.
PGRW: What would be your advice to women who are looking to reinvent themselves?
It's never too late! Before teaching Pilates, I dabbled in dance and teaching Spanish to children. Teaching Pilates was not only a passion, but a good use of the skills that I had learned as a dancer and a school teacher. I'm now at a point in my life where I am reinventing myself yet again. I am now focusing on motivational speaking and life purpose coaching, to inspire other women to discover their purpose and leave their mark on this planet.
Ana featured in Harper’s Bazaar
PGRW: What is the best piece of travel advice that you’ve received?
My best friend once told me to lay out everything on my bed that I'd like to take on a trip, but pack only half of it. As she promised, I didn’t wear it all and I've been living by that rule for over 20 years!
PGRW: You can’t take a bulky reformer when you travel. What Pilates moves do you recommend while traveling?
I love the 100, the roll-up and hamstring stretches. The 100 warms-up the body, gets your circulation going, & tones your abs. The roll-up is a great way to warm-up your back, which often gets tight with travel.
You can see the 100 and the roll-up (plus many more exercises) in this fun beach ball workout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDC_ahxRBc8&list=PLFA73631C4EB8CC06&index=6&t=148s
“And suddenly you know….it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”