Mara Iancovici
Founder, Mara Core Conditioning
Mara is the founder of Mara Core Conditioning Pilates & GYROTONIC® Studio. The studio is the result of Mara’s lifetime work of promoting and integrating fitness and wellness into daily life. Mara focuses on creating a mind/body connection that develops students’ emotional and physical health through self-esteem and brain power.
Mara has a B.A Physical Education, Sociology and Anthropology from Bar Ilan University and M.Ed. from Boston University. Mara holds certifications in:
- STOTT Pilates and GYROTONIC® Expansion System instructor
- STOTT Post-Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist
- Therapeutic Exercises and Alignment of the Human Body
- Volleyball Coaching from Wingate Institute
She discovered the GYROTONIC® Expansion System due to a hip injury from running and her personal need to heal and regain hip/lumbar spine range of motion. She was so impressed by it’s effectiveness that she decided to incorporate the GYROTONIC® Method into her practice which has helped many students recover from a variety of injuries and ailments.
Mara loves to teach and she draws upon her strong background in exercise physiology and kinesiology. Her goal is to create the right blend of exercises and intensity so everybody can succeed and progress at their own level.
She is very active both outdoors and indoors – with a particular passion for biking, hiking, volleyball, spinning, dance, and of course Pilates and GYROTONIC® exercise.
Rachel Mushlin
STOTT Pilates Instructor
Rachel has practiced Pilates with Mara for over two years, and is currently working to finish her STOTT Pilates certification. She first learned about Pilates and Mara’s studio from her older sister Rebecca, who is a STOTT certified instructor (teaching for over 6 years now).
A professional Senior Business Analyst by day, Rachel decided t o pursue a Pilates teaching certification due to her love of fitness and working with people. She is passionate about teaching the principles of Pilates and importance of body awareness. A Newton native, Rachel holds a degree in Mathematical Economics from Colorado College. In her free time, Rachel is involved in a variety of physical activities, such as strength/endurance training and participating in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathon road races.
Vania Chan
STOTT Pilates Instructor
STOTT Pilates Instructor
Vania Chan is a STOTT Certified Pilates Instructor who joined Mara Core Conditioning in 2019. Under the mentorship of founder Mara Iancovici, Vania has developed a deep appreciation for thoughtful, quality movement. She takes a personalized approach with each student, tailoring sessions to meet their individual needs and goals.
Vania’s passion for movement began early, fueled by a fascination with acrobatics. Her drive and energy led her to train in Circus Arts at the School of Acrobatics. Later diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), Vania turned to Pilates to build joint stability, reduce chronic pain, and reclaim her overall well-being. Her journey informs her teaching and inspires her to help others move with strength, control, and confidence.
Vania is looking forward to working with new students at our Newton Highlands studio on Monday and Friday afternoons. To book a session with Vania, please contact us.