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About me

My name is Anikó Lakos, the founder and lead Pilates instructor of Animus Pilates Studio.

I hold 1 to 1, group, and studio Pilates sessions in Hungarian and English in downtown Budapest. I help you to arrive in your body, experience its wisdom, and learn to listen to it. I support you in stress and tension relief, self-discovery processes, and healing traumatic wounds through Aquatic Bodywork.

 

Since my childhood, dance and movement have been an important part of my life. Over the years, I have been fortunate to experience the joy of movement in various genres (figure skating, gymnastics, aerobics, ballroom dance, jazz ballet, hip hop, Argentine tango, kettlebell, weightlifting, crossfit, Cuban salsa). Argentine tango became my true calling. I first encountered this genre in 1998 and actively taught it from 2001 to 2010.

I graduated in Recreation Management and Health Development from the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Széchenyi István University in Győr.

I first encountered Pilates in London in 2003. As a dancer, it helped me a lot, so I quickly recognized the positive effects of the Pilates method and the possibilities it offers.

I began my Pilates studies in 2007. Since then, I have attended and continue to learn at three internationally recognized Pilates instructor training centers. Stott Pilates and Michael King Pilates were the first two stops. MK Pilates truly grew close to my heart, and after many years of teaching, I also held teacher training courses as a master instructor.
I completed my Polestar Pilates Comprehensive training course in March 2020 in London and I am a fully qualified Polestar Pilates Practitioner.

During my studies abroad, I also focused on the application of the Pilates method during pregnancy. I have a spine pathology myself, hence I deeply studied the guidelines and possibilities of movement to work with clients who want to take better care and prevent pain and worsening their condition.

 

I am constantly educating myself, continuing to learn about the wonder of the human body and movement. I firmly believe that for today's fast-paced world, it is essential to teach slowing down, breathing, sensing, arriving in the body, and through these, stress management and tension relief. No one role models these for us. Most of us learned to suppress our feelings and needs as children, and to perform better at school was the example to follow. As adults, we still worry, feel anxious about deadlines, struggle to sleep well, wake up tired, and rush on. In addition to my somatic Pilates sessions, I also recommend Aquakontakt Movement Meditation to those interested in taking a pause and spend time in the here and now (also known as Aquahealing, Aquatic bodywork, or water relaxation).

I passionately love teaching, just as I did when I started teaching Argentine tango.

The principles and movement system of the Pilates technique, as well as the Pilates equipment, help you to get to know and develop yourself. As you begin to consciously focus on your body, movement, and breathing in my somatic approach Pilates classes, you will become more alert and open to everything else in your life because every learning process is also a form of self-discovery and self-development journey. Aquatic movement meditation is one of the most effective relaxation and stress-relief treatments I know. It beautifully complements the movement classes. I am grateful to be able to create a clear space – on land and in water – for the miracle that can happen when we approach the body with curiosity, openness, loving kindness and acceptance.

I'd be happy to guide you towards this awareness, openness, so that you can live in a healthier body with a freer spirit.


FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ME IN MY WORLD!



Animus Pilates
2024

"Anikó transformed the way my body moves with each session. Over time I had gradually developed areas of stiffness in my back, neck and shoulders, with patterns of doing things, past injuries, yoga teaching, pilates reformer classes and life. Also, I felt that strength and flexibility were becoming more of a struggle, more elusive with age even though I regularly practice yoga and pilates. Unlike other teachers, Anikó’s kind and patient guidance reconnected me to the ease - and joy - of more efficient mobility, all the while rediscovering my flexibility and strength. I am so grateful to have found this gem of a teacher while in Budapest, her teaching will stay with me."

Animus Pilates
2024

“Water therapy proved to be an effective means to heal ailments of my body, and relieve stress from my psyche. Therefore I have had a number of water treatments during the past years. Yesterday’s session with Aniko felt like a different dimension: as time dissolves, so does my body in the water. I was diving deeper into celular healing, leaving me feeling reborn afterwards. Something deep was touched in me, and allowed to heal. I’m grateful to Aniko, and happy for all of you who will be Lucky enough to meet her in the water.“ Stefan

Animus Pilates
2018

"Anikó such a gifted Pilates instructor! Her attention to detail and ability to fine tune movements has given me a new appreciation for many exercises. She has a deep understanding of how the body moves and knows exactly what to do with my shoulder mobility challenges! Although I had been practicing Pilates for a couple years before meeting Anikó, I feel that under her guidance I now have a much better understanding of the fundamentals." Christina Campbell

Animus Pilates
2024

“I met Aniko for the first time at a water relaxation (floating) workshop, where we were both participants. Our special connection happened right there when I was being floated, and suddenly I noticed that the touch I had felt before had changed. It became gentler, more caring, rocking and giving absolute security. Well, that was Aniko, and her touch! This shared experience was followed by another meeting, where I completely surrendered myself to Anikó's maximum professional knowledge, holding power, and loving touch, and for the first time in my life, I was "immersed" under the water. I couldn't have imagined this experience any other way. After completing the Aquacontact movement meditation, I returned to physical perception like a newborn baby. It was like rebooting my system.I have no words to express my gratitude to Aniko for this wonderful experience! I warmly recommend it to everyone!“ Orsolya

Animus Pilates
2018

"Anikó is an amazing teacher, she has helped me rediscover Pilates even with lots of physical limitations. Her direction and instruction in English is spot on. Highly recommended." Sara H.

Animus Pilates
2018

"Before coming to Hungary, I used to practice Pilates. I loved the classes I attended and I learnt a lot. However, when I joined Animus Pilates I realized that I was actually not aware of the importance of understanding the exercises. I used to copy/paste the movements without realizing how these could impact my daily activities. A good posture and breathing when sitting, when walking, even in relax mode can make a big difference, especially if you suffer from lower back pain like me. Aniko is a great instructor. Not only extremely knowledgeable, but also kind, patient and able to transmit that confidence needed whenever a new exercise feels like a big challenge. I can only say: Thank you Aniko for a wonderful year of learning. Looking forward to the next class! :) " Angelica F.

Animus Pilates
2018

"Amazing experience! Anikó is very attentive to details and a knowledgeable therapist/coach. She adapted the sessions for my special needs. Highly recommended!" Nikka Lorak

Animus Pilates
2018

"I would directly say that Anikó is my life saver. I have hernia in my neck and when I first went to her I was so hopeless and in big pain. We worked out twice a week with her and in 2 weeks I started to see the result, my pain level was decreasing already. Even physiotherapy sessions(in hospital) didn't help that much. Anikó is really competent in her job and constantly learning more about health and body." Sanal Taskinli

Animus Pilates
2016, USA

"Aniko is a thoughtful teacher that takes special interest in your personal goals and health. She does a wonderful job of creating visualizations for the exercises and always pays special attention to any issues you may be having on the day of class. I really enjoyed my private classes with Aniko and was so pleased with the changes I saw in my posture and strength. I would recommend Animus Pilates to any of my friends moving to Budapest!" Mandy A.

Animus Pilates
2016, USA

"If you're looking for a Pilates Studio in Budapest, Animus Pilates is a jewel of a find located in heart of Budapest. I've enjoyed 10 weeks (2 or 3 times per week) of personal Pilates training from owner Aniko Lakos. She is kind, patient, fluent in English, and extremely knowledgeable about the body-mechanics of Pilates. I strongly recommend Animus Pilates. What an incredible experience it has been!" Duane F.

Animus Pilates
2015, Ghana

"Approximately 3-4 years ago, a friend of mine (who is also a client at Animus Pilates) introduced me to Aniko her instructor. I recall that at the time I had a lot of lower back and shoulder pain and although I was initially reluctant to try Pilates, I decided to give it a shot. It has not been an easy journey but with commitment and a lot of encouragement from Aniko I have (and still) enjoy the workout sessions. As I always say, it may seem like torture but the benefits are worth the pain." Iris O.

Animus Pilates
2015, Sweden

"For many years I have had troubles with my shoulders which have dislocated several times and caused me a great deal of distress. I was recommended to try Pilates to see if I could make an improvement. Just after a couple of months of lessons at Animus Pilates I find that I am more toned with a better control over my body and most importantly: I feel a huge improvement in the strength and stability of my shoulders! Practicing Pilates with Aniko is pure joy! She is not only an excellent teacher, she also has a great energy and enthusiasm that she brings to each class and gives you as the student a very pleasant environment to work in." Josefin Jansson

Animus Pilates
2015, Switzerland

"I was lucky enough to 'find' Aniko via a colleague at work who recommended Aniko highly. My colleague was so right - Aniko is a wonderful Pilates teacher with the patience of a saint! She is strict in such a nice, positive way, to ensure that you learn and do movements properly. The studio is easily accessible, spotless and bright. Should I return to Budapest, I hope that I could resume classes again." Paula Boyle, Geneva, Switzerland.

Animus Pilates
2014, USA

"Aniko is a creative and thoughtful Pilates teacher with amazing attention to detail and a constant variety of exercises that work the body in its full range of movement.I am a STOTT Pilates teacher myself in the United States and when I was working in Budapest I was very happy to find Animus Pilates, conveniently located in District VI, and offering both individual and group classes at reasonable prices. Aniko was very considerate to teach me in my native language, English, and not only that, but she always corrected my alignment with great cues and imagery.Anyone who seeks a functional and healthy mind-body exercise to improve muscle balance, posture and strength will benefit from Aniko's classes. Best of all, Aniko is very friendly so her lessons are as fun as they are challenging." Karlanna L.

Animus Pilates
2013, Izmir, Turkey

"I had chronical neck and shoulder ache for 12 years. None of the treatments which I tried, worked out for my ache. After these, with a suggestion of my friend, I started to do pilates with Aniko. Its hard to believe but, after a short while from the beginning, most of my pain disappeared. For a long time I have been doing pilates regularly twice a week and I enjoy it very much. Most important part is that I feel very healthy. I have decided to be a trainer as well, currently my researches are in progress. By courtesy of Aniko - through Aniko - thanks to Aniko (which one is correct, I don't know:)) I like to do pilates very much...Really thank you very much Aniko :))))) " Nesrin ErdogmusUpdate: Since Nesrin wrote these lines, she became a super Pilates Instructor. She teaches in her home country, Turkey. Find her at The Pilates Lounge in Izmir!

Animus Pilates
2013, Russia

"I chose Animus Pilates studio for the highly professional trainer Aniko who thanks to her deep knowledge of the pilates adapts the program to your personal objectives and explains why you need particular exercise and how it will influence the body. She also provides advices on the well-being and nutrition helping to achieve great overall physical state. Being very caring person, Aniko creates unique atmosphere of harmony, relaxation and positive thinking. It is a true pleasure to come to her studio!" Oksana K.

Animus Pilates
2013

"Having done Pilates classes for 6 years with numerous teachers, it was a joy to meet Anikó and experience her professionalism in both her private and group classes. Her teaching methods, clear explanations, and attention to detail with each student really solidified my knowledge of Pilates and helped me understand the method much more clearly, making each class more enjoyable, more challenging, and encouraging me to consistently strive to achieve better physical results. I also attended private classes during my pregnancy, which were a godsend, helping me stretch and strengthen carefully and thoroughly and understand how to do things a little differently as my belly grew. I cannot recommend Anikó highly enough." Klara L.

Animus Pilates
2013, London, UK

"I thoroughly enjoyed my one-one Pilates sessions I took with Aniko of Animus Pilates, whilst recently working in Budapest.The studio is lovely, bright and airy as well as being very well equipt. I have taken Pilates classes for years, but found that in my sessions with Aniko, I could really pinpoint and concentrate on areas I need to improve, in order to progress with my Pilates work in the future. Aniko has great eye for detail and is wonderfully clear and knowledgeable in her teaching.Thanks Aniko!" Rebecca Morgan

Animus Pilates
2012, London, UK

"I found Animus Pilates via a google search preparing for a trip to Hungary. As a pilates instructor in the US, I thought it'd be fun to connect with a studio abroad while traveling and get a workout in as well. Aniko's studio was a wonderful space. Bright, plenty of space and lots of props. She immediately put me at ease (she's Stott trained and I'm not so I was a little nervous I wouldn't know what to do). Aniko is a natural. She immediately sensed what my body needed after a brief postural assessment and her queues were great. She's well studied, understands how the body moves and would be a fantastic teacher for anyone really from an athlete, dancer, someone seeking rehabilitation or who just wants to move better. If you are in Budapest be sure to stop into her studio...really a quiet oasis in the city!" Marianne Powell

Animus Pilates
2011, London, UK

"Aniko's studio and classes provided a wonderful respite from busy working life in Budapest. The studio is an oasis of calm and Aniko's gentle and precise teaching method is very effective, energising and enjoyable." Emma Davie

Animus Pilates
2011, USA

"I found Animus Pilates via a google search preparing for a trip to Hungary. As a pilates instructor in the US, I thought it'd be fun to connect with a studio abroad while traveling and get a workout in as well. Aniko's studio was a wonderful space. Bright, plenty of space and lots of props. She immediately put me at ease (she's Stott trained and I'm not so I was a little nervous I wouldn't know what to do). Aniko is a natural. She immediately sensed what my body needed after a brief postural assessment and her queues were great. She's well studied, understands how the body moves and would be a fantastic teacher for anyone really from an athlete, dancer, someone seeking rehabilitation or who just wants to move better. If you are in Budapest be sure to stop into her studio...really a quiet oasis in the city!" Lucia Apollo Shaw