It was the funky logo of Authentic Body Control that drew me in. “I need that!”, I thought, though I had to google what it actually meant. The studio’s inconspicuous facade on Rollbergstraße offered no more clues as to what to expect. But soon enough, I was hooked. With a hip vibe that takes its cue from the logo, Authentic Body Control is part Pilates studio, part club/gym/children’s playground. I say playground because some of the Pilates equipment reminds me of the things I once played with in a sandbox. Like the “snail” (my word, not theirs) which is, I am told, used to strengthen the core. The most well-known Pilates equipment is the “Cadillac” and “Reformer”, which you may know from pictures (or workouts) as couch-like structures featuring loops and resistance elements. Their purpose is to train the musculoskeletal system precisely. Of course a little guidance on the machines is required at first, but it soon becomes easy. It is easier and more precise, in fact, than performing the exercises on the mat. And that’s what Pilates is all about: Precision. Precision and repetition.

I’m guided by Sara, who explains the movements simply and patiently. She offers private lessons and classes for three on the equipment as well as mat-based Pilates in another studio in Kreuzberg. Both can be combined by booking various packages, and the two practices reinforce each other: lessons on the equipment help you perform the exercises better on the mat. Sara also learned acupuncture back home in the USA, which in my case came in useful when identifying my weak points. The class begins with glitter sequins and ends with the “ELDOA” method, a series of minimal movements invented by a French osteopath to create space between the vertebrae. The movements can be difficult to grasp, but are useful in helping with back pain. The exacting precision of Authentic Body Control is lightened by Sara’s very relaxed manner. Maybe it’s her tie-dye shirt, the cups of tea or the glitter slippers you’re given at the beginning of the session? Whatever the secret, it all adds up to good vibes that make me want to come back. That, and getting authentic control over my body, one precision movement at a time…

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Authentic Body Control, Rollbergstr.24, 12053 Berlin–Neukölln; map

@authenticbodycontrol

Three women, one vision and crystal-clear water. That is the trinity that makes the Sommerfrische Uckermark holiday apartments so special. Good friends Olga, Nicole and Gitti came up with the idea of acquiring a place in the country where they could unwind and invite their friends. After a long search, they found a small farmhouse that had been built in the early 1900s and subsequently extended. It wasn’t much of a looker, but it had lots of potential. Well located in the small village of Warnitz and linked by public transport, the house backs onto the Oberuckersee lake. The trio turned it into three separate “zones”: a building with self-contained flats, a holiday house and a small studio. The whole project took them two years and lots of effort, inspiration and vintage furniture finds. Now the three pals each have their own apartment complete with living and sleeping areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The garden at the front and the conservatory at the back are shared, letting them hang out among the plants in wicker chairs and hammocks. The property is big enough to invite the extended family or have a yoga session with friends – and that’s where you come in, because the apartments can be rented.

Each of the three flats has its own charm. Their backgrounds in the arts mean Olga, Gitti and Nicole have an eye for unique furniture and vintage finds with backstories. This is reflected in the two-storey holiday home, which sleeps up to four. Whether you spend your stay working at the small desk on the ground floor, cooking with friends in the open-plan kitchen or enjoying the fresh air on the large balcony, this place is built for lingering. For those traveling alone or as a pair, the small studio is perfectly suited. Whichever flat you pick, one thing’s for sure: you won’t have to carry your beach towel or SUP very far, given the proximity of the reed-lined waters of Oberuckersee. I visited this place in all seasons and can confirm that it is charming whatever the weather (think autumn walks in the countryside and winter nights ensconced in front of the fire). That said, this year I want one thing only: to enjoy the summer freshness that only the Uckermark can offer.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Kerstin zu Pan

Sommerfrische Uckermark, Lindenallee 52, 17291 Oberuckersee/Warnitz; map

To enquire about staying you can send an email request.

@sommerfrische_uckermark