About
About us
My daughter once said: “Mummy, whenever you teach, you’re happy.” – And I realized it’s true! And so are my clients when they leave my studio. Serotonin is often called the body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Exercise helps raise the serotonin level in our brain. That’s how “Serratonin” was born, a combination of my name – Serra – and the word serotonin. I strive to offer you a place that creates the ideal circumstances as well as a vast variety of products and services contributing to a lasting experience of happiness, energy, calmness and well-being.
Our studio offers state of the art equipment and a variety of equipment not easily found in Basel: Barre Pilates, Garuda Pilates, chair Pilates, arch Pilates / spine corrector, mat Pilates, Garuda sling Pilates and Pilates reformers with tower.
Serra’s teaching style is informed by her classical Pilates Training, incorporates the Garuda Method, and uses a fascial approach to holistically train the body while taking into account the connections between our muscles, ligaments and bones, as well as the nervous system.
While Garuda Pilates has specific equipment, it is mainly a philosophy. Garuda Pilates combines the exercises of Pilates with the breathwork and practice of yoga and the grace and flow of dance movements. By combining the three, the philosophy of Garuda aims for a holistic body, soul and mind experience. Some call it 21st century fitness, because we often fail to experience ourselves as a whole – the Garuda technique empowers us to feel at home in, and connected with our bodies.
Another focus in Serra’s teaching is fascia in motion. A part of our body that is neglected in certain fitness practices, the fascia is the connecting tissue surrounding all muscles and organs. When focusing on fascia through exercise, we experience the body as a whole and use the movement itself to create connections and loosen tension at the same time. Like this, while building muscle tissue, the fascia is stretched and releases unnecessary adhesions, allowing for free and natural movement.
Serra has her own unique way of teaching and in her classes she alternates and combines all mentioned techniques, securing a well-balanced training custom-tailored to her students.
Serra Faraci Furrer
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and grew up in Lausanne, Switzerland, where I graduated at the École Hotelière de Lausanne. In 2008, I opened my own Pilates studio in Istanbul after completing my studies at Balanced Body University. After living abroad for a decade, my family and I moved to Basel in 2013.
As a trained Pilates instructor, I have since participated in a number of Pilates and other closely related rehabilitation workshops and conferences around the world, notably several editions of Pilates on Tour in Istanbul and London, learning from 'Masters of Pilates' such as Elizabeth Markam, Brent Anderson and Rael Isakowitz. Still pursuing my hunger in knowledge, I am currently broadening my education with the Garuda method created by James D’Silva.
I have always been fascinated by the human muscle, its delicate parts and intricate movements. It is important to me to keep educating myself, as more is discovered about the human body and wellbeing. After learning more about fascia in motion and incorporating this in my Pilates practice, I could feel a difference in my body – the benefits were an increased range of motion, more functional strength and a release of tension. I am passionate about giving these benefits to my clients.
My main areas of interest and expertise are:
- Rehabilitation and training for students suffering from osteoporosis, scoliosis, shoulder and back problems
- Specially designed post and prenatal Pilates courses
- Regulating the nervous system with a hands-on approach
- Fun and creative personal and group trainings for people looking for an effective workout
Since 2014 I have been teaching in Basel, and in 2023 I opened Serratonin, my own studio, at Hardstrasse 41 in Basel. I like to design my training concepts under consideration of the Garuda method and with a unique touch and mix of techniques. Having fun while practicing is always my main focus.
*All classes held by Serra are available in four languages: French, Turkish, English and German.
Serra's Qualifications
- 2008: Balanced Body education for mat 1-2-3, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chair and all studio apparatus
- 2010: shoulder and special injuries certification along with pre- and post-natal Pilates by Balanced Body
- 2020: Garuda education for mat, Garuda Apparatus
- 2021: fascia seminars and workshops held by Centre for Spatial Medicine by Karin Locher and fascia by
- 2023: nervous system work (Centre for Spatial Medicine by Karin Locher)
- 2024: Stott Pilates Teacher education to become a certified Pilates Instructor Teaching Trainer (in progress)
Sarolta Arany
Sarolta Arany, originally from Budapest, has a deep-rooted passion for sports and an inspiring journey in the world of movement. Growing up in an active family, she explored various sports, including cross-country skiing, triathlon, basketball, and more. Sarolta's love for movement eventually led her to Pilates in 2021, transforming her perspective on fitness.
She completed her Pilates mat instructor training in Budapest in 2023, and her Polestar Reformer education in 2024, and now she's here with us at Serratonin Pilates, ready to share her expertise and passion.
Monika Seyffer
Born and raised in Zürich, Switzerland, Monika obtained a business degree before relocating to Colorado in 1997, where she first encountered Joseph Pilates's method. This holistic approach to body and mind fitness transformed her life, alleviating her chronic back pain, enhancing her flexibility, and bolstering her muscular strength.
Starting her Pilates education journey in 2010, Monika pursued comprehensive training, earning certification to instruct on all studio equipment and mat at every proficiency level by 2012. Upon returning to Switzerland in 2013, she established a studio in Meilen, Zürich, continuously expanding her expertise through diverse workshops.
In September 2021, Monika made the move to Basel while still teaching Pilates in Meilen and working locally as a freelance photographer. By summer 2022, she made the decision to close her studio in Meilen, and is now happy to continue teaching with us at Serratonin Pilates in Basel.
FAQs
Not finding your answer? Please contact us – we’re happy to answer all of your questions!
How can I book a class?
Group Classes
We use the Eversports booking system for our group classes. You can see our schedule and click on a class to learn more about it and book your spot. The Eversports app will guide you through creating an account and buying a ticket. You can also download the Eversports app (Apple app store / Google play store) to your smart phone, and book through the app.
Private Classes
For Private Classes, please contact us directly via email or by phone/whatsapp.
Do you have a beginner class? What is the level of the group classes? Do I need prior experience?
We don’t have a class specifically for beginners as our classes are all-level classes, but everyone is welcome – no prior experience neccessary. Our instructors will give intermediate/easy variations if needed, and will help you keep pace with the rest of the class.
Can I participate if I have an injury/chronic pain/special condition?
We ask you to please check with your doctor if it is ok for you to participate with your injury. If you are looking to get back into exercise to rebuild strength after recovering from an injury, a private class may be best for you. We're happy to discuss your situation with you and find a workout plan that works for you.
What equipment does your studio have?
Our studio at Hardstrasse 41 has state-of-the-art Pilates equipment: We have multiple Pilates reformers with towers, a Garuda Apparatus, Garuda slings, a barre area, mats, chairs, and spine correctors. Whether you're new or experienced, our tools help you build strength and flexibility in a comfortable setting. In addition to a changing room we also have a bathroom with a shower, and a small waiting area at the entrance of our studio.
Can I take a trial class?
We don’t have free trial classes, but when you’re coming to take class for the first time, you can purchase a single ticket through eversports and then decide if you would like to buy an Abo going forward.
Are there classes available for men?
Our classes are not gendered, and we have a mixed classes – contrary to popular belief, Pilates is not only for women, and we have participants of all genders and ages.
What is fascia?
To learn more about fascia and how our awareness of it influences our Pilates practice, have a look at our "Understanding Fascia" page.
What language are your classes taught in?
All instructors speak English and German, and classes held by Serra are available in two additional languages: French and Turkish.
How much do the classes cost?
Group Classes
Multi Equipment Class: CHF 37.- / single class
Kids Pilates: CHF 22.- / single class
Private Classes
60 Minutes: CHF 154.-
Can I buy an abo / class pass?
Yes! Abos are available for purchase at the studio, or you can contact me via email or phone/WhatsApp. We accept cash and bank transfers as payment options for abos.
These abos are available:
- 10 session abo for Adult Group Classes (CHF 325.-)
- 20 session abo for Adult Group Classes (CHF 616.-)
- Yearly unlimited abo for all Group Classes (CHF 4'800.-)
- 10 session abo for Private Classes (CHF 1'362.-)
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes, we do! Gift certificates are available on our Schedule & Booking page, under "Vouchers". You can choose the value of the voucher, gift it to someone you love and they can then use it to book classes at Serratonin Pilates.
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