Digital Christmas issue with Anna De Bekkar
December 9, 2025
Tessy Bucher
February 2, 2026
- How has your approach to health and fitness evolved over the years, and what experiences shaped it the most?
My approach has changed a lot over the years. In the beginning, fitness was mostly about aesthetics and fitting into a certain standard. As life became more intense, with work, travel, pressure, and personal challenges, health became something deeper. Training turned into a way to feel grounded, clear-minded, and stable rather than just looking a certain way. Pilates and strength training especially helped me reconnect with my body and taught me that long-term consistency and balance always matter more than extremes.
- What does “feeling strong” mean to you — physically, mentally, and emotionally?
Feeling strong goes far beyond physical appearance for me. Physically, it means feeling capable and connected to my body, having energy throughout the day, good posture, and moving with confidence. Mentally, strength is clarity and resilience, being able to stay focused and calm even when life feels intense or demanding. Emotionally, feeling strong means knowing my worth, trusting my intuition, and setting boundaries that protect my peace. It’s about feeling stable within myself, independent of external validation, and grounded in who I am.
- Many people struggle with consistency. What strategies help you stay disciplined in your fitness routine?
Consistency, for me, comes from structure rather than motivation. I don’t rely on how I feel on a given day, I rely on routines that I’ve built over time. I treat movement as a non-negotiable part of my lifestyle, not something optional. Choosing workouts I genuinely enjoy also makes a big difference, because discipline feels natural when you like what you’re doing. I focus on progress, not perfection, and remind myself that showing up regularly, even on low-energy days, is what creates real, lasting results.
- How do you adapt your workouts when you’re traveling or have a very busy schedule?
When I’m traveling or my schedule is full, I let go of the idea that workouts need to be long or intense to be effective. I focus on movement that fits into my day, such as Pilates flows, bodyweight exercises, long walks, or short strength sessions. Even 20 minutes helps me feel connected to my body and maintain my routine. Traveling has taught me flexibility and consistency at the same time, it’s about staying active in a way that supports my body rather than adding stress. Maintaining that mindset helps me stay balanced no matter where I am.
. What types of exercises do you believe every woman should include in her routine for long-term health?
I truly believe Pilates should be a foundation for every woman. It builds deep core strength, improves posture, mobility, and body awareness, which is essential for long-term health and injury prevention. Pilates teaches control and connection to your body, something that often gets overlooked. I also think strength training is important and works beautifully alongside Pilates, helping maintain muscle, bone density, and overall strength. Combined with daily walking, this creates a balanced routine that supports both physical health and longevity.
- Is there a wellness practice you’ve recently added to your life that made a big difference?
One of the biggest changes I’ve made recently is learning to truly slow down and prioritize recovery. For a long time, I was always in motion, traveling, working, training, and pushing myself without fully listening to my body. I’ve become much more intentional about sleep, rest days, and creating moments of calm in my routine. This shift has made a noticeable difference not only in how my body feels, but also in my mindset. When I allow myself to rest properly, I show up more focused, energized, and creative in everything I do. I’ve learned that taking care of my nervous system is just as important as physical training, and that sustainable wellness comes from balance, not constant intensity.
How important is mindfulness in your daily life, and do you incorporate practices like meditation or breathwork?
Mindfulness plays a very important role in my daily life, especially because my work and lifestyle can be quite fast-paced. I’ve learned that staying connected to the present moment helps me manage stress and stay emotionally balanced. When I get the chance, I try to meditate every morning, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I don’t believe mindfulness has to be rigid or perfect; what matters is intention and consistency. I also practice it through conscious breathing, long walks, and slow, intentional mornings.
- What is one wellness myth you wish more people would stop believing?
One wellness myth I wish people would stop believing is that health requires constant discipline, restriction, and self-control. Many people think that being healthy means pushing harder, eating less, and never slowing down, but in reality, that often leads to burnout and an unhealthy relationship with your body. True wellness is not about perfection or extremes it’s about listening to your body and respecting its needs. Progress comes from consistency, balance, and patience, not from punishment. When you approach health with kindness rather than pressure, it becomes something sustainable and empowering rather than exhausting.
- How do you structure your mornings to set the tone for a healthy and productive day?
I’m very intentional with my mornings because they set the tone for everything that follows. I like to wake up early and start the day calmly rather than rushing straight into work or my phone. I always take my dog out for a long walk first thing, which helps me clear my mind and gently wake my body. After that, I move my body, usually with Pilates or a light workout, and then have a nourishing breakfast. I try to create space in the morning for quiet and presence, whether that’s breathing, planning my day, or simply enjoying the moment. Starting the day this way makes me feel centered, focused, and much more productive throughout the day.
- Are there any supplements or wellness tools you personally love and rely on?
I keep my approach to supplements very minimal and intentional. I focus on the basics that truly support my body rather than following every new trend. Magnesium is something I rely on regularly, especially for recovery, sleep, and overall nervous system support. Electrolytes are also important for me, particularly when I train a lot or travel, as they help with hydration and energy levels. I prioritize high-quality protein through food first, and I see supplements as a support rather than a replacement. For me, the most powerful wellness tools are still the simplest ones: good sleep, consistent movement, proper nourishment, and listening to my body.
- How do you approach balance between work, personal life, fitness, and rest?
Balance for me is not about having everything perfectly structured every day, it’s about awareness and flexibility. My work can be very demanding, with travel, deadlines, and collaborations across different time zones, so I’ve learned to really listen to my body and mind. Some periods require more focus and intensity, while others call for rest and recovery. I try to be honest with myself about what I need in each season. Fitness supports me, but I never want it to become another source of pressure.
- What message do you hope women take away from your lifestyle and your wellness philosophy?
I hope women understand that health and wellness should feel supportive, empowering, and personal. There is no single formula that works for everyone, and you don’t need to live in extremes to feel confident or strong. I want women to know that taking care of themselves is not selfish, it’s necessary. True wellness is about consistency, self-respect, and choosing habits that nourish both your body and your mind. When you approach health with kindness and patience, everything else starts to fall into place naturally. My message is to trust your body, listen to it, and build a lifestyle that feels good from the inside out.
Model: Clara Wahlqvist @claraalinnea, Photos by: Alex Rosenkreuz
@alexrosenkreuzphotography, Make up by: Brandy marlin @brandyincolour