Pilates professional Nonna Gleyzer has trained talent including Gisele Bundchen, Natalie Portman, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Garner, Jake Gyllenhaal and more. She teaches at Body by Nonna, her private studio on the Sunset Strip in LA, but teaches some special clients, like Kay, virtually. Specifically, one-hour sessions 3-4 times each week. We had a chat with her to learn more about how Kay stays so fit at 93.
When did you start working with Kay?
I was working with Camila for many years and during Covid we took a break. Then in
September 2020 she asked me to train her and Kay. At the time, Kay was 88 and I was hesitant.
And what do you think now?
She’s kicking my butt, and I’m a former gymnast from the Ukraine. She’s made so much progress and challenges me more than I’m challenging her. Her abs are like a rock. Each session we do 80-100 different ab exercises. Young people can’t handle it.
And she uses weights?
Yes, 2-3lbs for arms and 1lb on each leg.
Does she ever complain?
No, only when I don’t push her, then she yells at me.
What’s your favorite thing about working with Kay?
Her nickname is Inspiration. She’s my inspiration. I love her positive energy and positive outlook on life. She told me she always told her boys when they wake up, ‘Make it a great day.’
She calls me Sunshine and I call her Inspiration.