At the heart of BASI® Pilates Cologne: our team
Our journey to BASI® Pilates Cologne has been a long and beautiful one, during which we’ve had the pleasure of meeting many special people and gaining a wealth of experience. Since 2021, you can find us – Mariam and Heiko – in our own Pilates studio in Cologne. We are proud to be able to bring you BASI® Pilates, this intensive, effective training method, even closer. And we are happy to do this with a great, capable team.
Mariam Younossi
Even during her time as a ballet dancer, Pilates was Mariam’s preferred training method. Enthusiastic about the profound power of the method, she began her own Pilates education after her stage career, learning from the leaders in the field, including Pilates Polestar Germany, Pilates Bodymotion, and Rael Isacowitz, the founder of BASI® Pilates in California.
Since 2015, Mariam has been an instructor for BASI® Pilates herself and is part of the international BASI® faculty. Today, people from all over the world participate in her group and personal training sessions.
Heiko Braun
Heiko studied music in Cologne, Berklee, and Arnhem and has been a sought-after drummer in the session musician scene for over 25 years.
For more than twenty years, he has actively practiced Pilates and benefits from the increased strength, stability, and dynamics that this method also provides him on stage. Since 2021, Heiko, who is a permanent member of the band HÖHNER, has been a certified BASI® Pilates trainer.
Heike Gille
As a trained IT and organizational clerk, Heike worked in various corporate departments for many years before following her passion for movement in 2008 and completing her Pilates trainer education at Pilates Bodymotion. Her training approach significantly evolved after she became acquainted with the BASI® Pilates method through Mariam. In 2019, she became a certified BASI® Comprehensive Trainer and has since deepened her knowledge through continuous further education.
Regina Zdebel
Regina studied law at the University of Cologne and worked as a fully qualified lawyer for over 30 years in various leadership positions, most recently as Chancellor of a university. Since 2019, she has been working as a freelance consultant, coach, and trainer.
She has been practicing Pilates since 2015, initially using the Stott method. She was introduced to BASI® by Mariam in 2018. In 2021, she completed advanced studies to become a “Personal Trainer” at the German Sport University Cologne. Since March 2023, she has been a certified BASI® Pilates Trainer.
Amira Saafan
Amira comes from a sports background. For over 10 years, she practiced synchronized swimming, which she gave up due to her career as a telecom engineer at international companies.
In 2018, she moved to Germany. And because sports are in her DNA, getting to know the BASI® Pilates method and Mariam led her to decide to become a Pilates trainer. Since 2021, she has been teaching BASI® Mat classes as a certified MTTC trainer. In 2024, she successfully completed her CTTC training.
Anna Zurek
Anna studied business administration in Cologne and gained international experience in Tokyo, London, and Seoul – in marketing, digital media, and photography. Movement has accompanied her since her youth: from hip-hop to kickboxing, strength training, and HIIT.
Her interest in efficient, anatomically sound training methods led her to BASI® Pilates. Since beginning her training with Mariam in April 2025, she has been enthusiastic about how targeted movement strengthens the body and helps people fully realize their potential.
Laura Richeling
Laura studied online editing in Cologne and worked in the agency world for over 10 years. As a project manager, she oversaw campaigns and productions for various brands. Sports never played a big role for her – until she discovered Pilates.
BASI® Pilates inspired her so much, both physically and mentally, that she decided to start training to become an instructor. Today, Laura wants to share her enthusiasm and especially motivate those who might have been ‘sport-averse’ in the past.
Sophie Scheder
As a former competitive gymnast, member of the German national team, and Olympic medalist in 2016 in Rio, Sophie brings many years of experience from elite sports. She holds a diploma as a DOSB trainer specializing in gymnastics and has a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science.
Pilates excites her as an intensive, precise training with great added value for everyone, from beginners to elite athletes. Therefore, she chose the BASI® Pilates method and completed her CTTC training in 2026. In her classes, it can be demanding, but the fun of training is always the focus.
