Former soccer player turned avid cyclist and Pilates instructor, Daniela Diamente beautifully balances numerous roles – mom, wife, teacher, coach, mentor, activist, world traveler – to name a few. Wednesday evenings Body Works Pilates clients are fortunate to take a COREtet or Pilates Mat class with her at the Central studio. Monday and Wednesday mornings, she teaches Fletcher Pilates to University of Arizona students.

Daniela recently stepped down from her role as executive director of El Grupo, a 501(3)C youth development and cycling organization she founded with her husband Ignacio Rivera de Rosales after 14 years. Ignacio, a long-time athlete and new enthusiast of cycling, introduced Daniela to the sport and became a youth coach while working for BICAS in 2004. He started leading a bicycling PE elective at City High School, which eventually grew to become its own organization, offering much more than riding lessons to Tucson’s Youth. El Grupo provides community, support and an opportunity for youth to set and reach goals – life lessons through cycling.

Lou Waugaman, a supporter of El Grupo introduced Daniela to his wife and Body Works Pilates owner, Kyria Sabin Waugaman who suggested she try Pilates as a complementary practice to cycling. With Kyria’s guidance and recommendation, Daniela began practicing the work which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“I’m 100% convinced that Fletcher Pilates has transformed my body,” she states. “I love the work and applying it to cycling.” In the summer of 2016, she assisted with a three-week Fletcher Pilates intensive for some of the El Grupo youth members, along with a Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher. Daniela deemed the program a total success and recalls its publication in Pilates Style Magazine. Daniela has completed the complete Fletcher Pilates comprehensive program.

With Kyria’s help, Daniela was able to acquire equipment through Balanced Body so she can regularly run classes with El Grupo kids.

“The kids came back for Pilates because it really helped them. We have 19-23-year-old boys who trained with Pilates and raced at near professional levels,” she states – pride ringing in her voice.

If you don’t get to take a class with Daniela by May, you’ll have to wait for a year. She, Ignacio, and their 9-year-old son will be taking a year-long bike tour around Europe and South America. Daniela is mapping out where Fletcher Pilates is offered in those regions and plans to take classes and get to know fellow disseminators of the work.

Stop in and take class with Daniela on Wednesday evenings. She is always thrilled to meet new students and encourage your Pilates practice. If you’d like to learn more about or donate to El Grupo, please visit www.elgrupocycling.org.