Turning Pain Into Purpose as Agi Wolan's Journey Inspires Healing Around the World
- Brainz Magazine
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Written by Agi Wolan, Pilates Teacher
Agi Wolan, known as Agi Falenta, previously, is a renowned Pilates teacher who has taught globally. Agi is the founder of Pilates House by Agi, the writer of 8 functional Pilates manuals and creator of many courses specialising in hip, back, neck, knee, and feet issues. Pilates House is a true home for all levels of clients and teachers.
Imagine a life of movement, of learning and growing, dealing with scoliosis at a young age, becoming a Pilates professional, and then discovering that a hip replacement at 42 was the only way forward. With this information, the whole world stood still. Everything Agi Wolan knew was being undone, and her future seemed uncertain. But this journey would ultimately deepen her understanding of movement and allow her to connect with clients in a way she never thought possible.
A life shaped by movement
Agi’s path to Pilates was unexpected but became the foundation of a career dedicated to helping others. Born in Grudziądz, Poland, her childhood passion revolved around horses. She pursued professional show jumping until, as a teenager, she was diagnosed with scoliosis. The news was crushing her ability to compete and continue riding was at risk. But at just 17 years old, Agi refused to let the diagnosis define her. She immersed herself in physiotherapy exercises, researching ways to strengthen her back and core. This determination led her to discover Pilates, though in the mid-'90s, it was almost unheard of in Poland.
Pilates, through its controlled and precise movements, became a beacon of hope. She first encountered it through Callanetics, an early form of controlled-movement exercise. This was the beginning of a lifelong love for movement for Agi. Eventually, she transitioned from show jumping to teaching others, helping young equestrians build the strength and balance needed to perform at their peak.
Pilates as a career
In 2005, Agi moved to Scotland, where she continued working with horses and riders. Over time, she noticed more and more people around her struggling with aches and pains. It was then that she realised her true calling: using Pilates to help others move freely. In her early 30s, she began formal training, initially focusing on riders. She launched her first Pilates business, Equitness, dedicated to helping equestrians achieve better body awareness and control. But soon, her passion grew beyond the riding world; she wanted to teach Pilates to everyone who needed it.
Agi immersed herself in learning, eventually writing Pilates manuals and developing training programs with the same passion that had driven her since her teenage years.
A challenge unlike any other
Despite years of movement and teaching, Agi began experiencing persistent back pain. Initially, she thought her scoliosis was worsening. But when her GP dismissed it as minor wear and tear, she trusted her instincts and travelled back to Poland for further tests. The results were devastating: she had severe arthritis and would need a hip replacement.
At 38, the idea of such a major surgery was overwhelming. She worried about her ability to continue teaching, moving, and living the life she loved. But instead of giving in to fear, she made a decision: she would use Pilates to prepare her body for the best possible outcome.
For the next four years, Agi focused on strengthening her body, working with movement strategies to maintain mobility. But despite her best efforts, she realised she was compensating in ways that were affecting other parts of her body. At 42, she made the difficult decision to go ahead with the surgery, determined to return to her practice stronger than ever.
Pilates as a path to recovery and healing
From the very first day post-surgery, Agi applied Pilates principles to her rehabilitation. She focused on breath, connection, and concentration, using breathwork to manage pain and nausea. She started with gentle movements like pelvic tilts and modified shoulder bridges, carefully rebuilding strength.
Her recovery took place during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant she had no access to physiotherapists. Relying entirely on her knowledge, she adapted her approach, incorporating kinetic chain exercises, connective tissue release, and mobility work. Props like the magic circle, mini ball, and foam roller became essential tools in her rehabilitation.
Her biggest challenge was reconnecting with the muscles around her surgical side. She used Pilates props to reawaken these areas, finding creative ways to regain balance and strength. Just four weeks post-surgery, she was back to teaching online, a testament to the power of movement in healing both body and mind.
A new chapter: Helping others navigate recovery
Agi’s experience transformed the way she teaches. She understands the loneliness, frustration, and resilience required to recover from surgery. This deep empathy allows her to see the full picture of her clients’ journeys, tailoring sessions to meet their unique needs.
In 2020, she founded Pilates House, a space dedicated to helping individuals move better, whether they’re recovering from surgery, managing pain, or simply wanting to prevent future issues. Her work extends globally, offering specialised courses and workshops for both clients and fellow teachers.
An inspiration to the pilates community
Agi’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can lead to profound growth. She believes that movement is medicine and that Pilates is a vital tool for both injury prevention and recovery.
Her philosophy is simple:
“Your journey depends on you: Only you and your commitment. It will be successful if you take the first step. Keep searching, keep learning, and celebrate even the smallest achievements.”
For Pilates teachers, Agi’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning. Her experience has given her an unmatched ability to guide clients through their own challenges, proving that movement truly has the power to heal and transform.
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Agi Wolan, Pilates Teacher
Agi is a renowned Pilates teacher who has taught globally, the writer of 8 functional Pilates manuals and creator of many courses specialising in hip, back, neck, knee, and feet issues. Agi had a full Hip replacement at the age of 42 and has since dedicated her functional Pilates practice to really understanding her clients on a deeper level and being able to provide specialist-tailored programmes for them across the globe.
Agi is a certificated from the Pink Ribbon program breast cancer rehabilitation program and helping many women to back to functional body. Certified in KCR Kinetic Chain Release and CTR Connective Tissue Release to offer clients a holistic approach to getting their body back to full health
