Let’s dive into our super fun mini-series that’s all about celebrating a few cool entrepreneurs! PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “Movement Is The Key To Life and Freedom”.
Meet Christiane Figura
Christiane Figura is a natural movement expert, published author, and the founder of NIM® (Natural Intelligent Movement). She established the NIM® Academy, where she trains instructors to become certified NIM® trainers. With over 20 years of experience in functional mobility, pain-free movement, and longevity, her methods have enabled countless individuals to reclaim physical freedom, build resilience, and move with confidence at every age.
Her journey began with a lifelong passion for movement. She trained in classical dance from an early age and later excelled in athletics and horseback riding. However, multiple riding accidents led to severe spinal injuries that worsened after childbirth, leaving her in chronic pain and struggling with even the most basic movements. Confronted with the reality of permanent limitations, she chose a different path, one driven by deep recovery and innovation in movement.
Can you share the story behind starting your business and what inspired you to take the leap?
The development of my business, NIM® (Natural Intelligent Movement), is closely connected to my personal life story. At the age of 31, as a young mother of two children, I experienced a physical crisis with multiple herniated discs in both the cervical and lumbar spine. This situation forced me to take a closer look at my body, particularly my posture. After working as an art director at advertising agencies in Munich, I completely changed careers and began pursuing certifications in fitness. I completed training in preventive and rehabilitative sports, obtained my Pilates certifications, and later qualified as a Spiraldynamics® and fascia trainer.
When I started feeling physically well again and became increasingly fit, I felt a strong desire to share my knowledge and experience with others. I began by teaching Pilates groups at the local sports club, and in 2009, I opened a Pilates studio. The number of classes grew quickly, and in 2014 I expanded into personal training after completing additional certifications. During my early years, I continued to develop the Pilates approach and eventually created my own method in 2016: NIM® (Natural Intelligent Movement). It reflects a way of training that deeply fulfills me and keeps me healthy.
When I had to close my studio during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was still permitted to offer personal training, which grew significantly during that time. I also quickly transitioned to online teaching, gaining new clients and a level of flexibility. Beyond my studio, my business has continued to grow through my publications, speaking engagements, and training programs. The NIM Academy, our online training platform, has expanded our reach and enables us to help more people live pain-free, no matter where they are.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self before starting this journey?
At one point I wondered if I should have become a doctor. But today I would tell my younger self with confidence that I chose the right path. Preventing pain and promoting lifelong mobility is just as important as treating illness. Helping people feel strong and pain-free through natural movement is something I’m proud to do every day. When your method truly works, the results speak for themselves. I hope this inspires others to trust their path, even if it doesn’t follow the conventional route.
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
I believe there are many misunderstandings when it comes to the way people train, and often their real needs are not addressed at all. Many people are already under constant pressure in their daily lives, and in the evening they push themselves even harder at the gym or train for the next marathon. This means the daily pressure to perform carries over into their workouts as well. From an evolutionary perspective, the human body is built for moderate, functional and dynamic movement. Pushing too hard in training keeps stress levels high and puts strain on the body, which can lead to chronic acidity and increased inflammation. This can lead to a wide range of illnesses and chronic pain. When fitness becomes all about performance data and digital tracking, people often lose touch with how their body actually feels. They stop noticing what it needs to rest and recover. So when pain shows up, they’re more likely to push through it instead of seeing it as the body’s way of asking for help.
In a world full of trends, how do you keep your business authentic and true to your vision?
Helping people feel healthier, reconnect with their bodies, and move better makes it easy to stay motivated. The NIM studio is open to everyone, from young athletes aiming to improve their performance, new mothers in postnatal training, people with serious health issues, and older adults who want to stay active. Every session is shaped around what the individual needs most in that moment. We start by identifying the strengths already present in the body and build from there. By setting realistic goals, we avoid frustration which can get in the way of progress. The vision of NIM is rooted in patience and understanding, with the mission to help people feel better and live longer.
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have particularly impacted your business?
For several years, I collaborated with the IFAA, an organization in Germany that certifies fitness professionals. I had the pleasure of sharing the NIM method at major fitness conventions, which is where I discovered how much I enjoy helping large audiences and inspiring people through movement. This led to a collaboration with the Robinson Clubs, where I shared the NIM method with audiences around the world. These experiences broadened my perspective, and working with new people everyday helped me sharpen my ability to assess individual needs in real time. Today, I can even recognize scoliosis through a ski jacket.
How do you stay motivated and innovative in your business?
Seeing my clients get better is my greatest source of motivation. There’s also a personal benefit because even at 59, thanks to NIM training, I feel fitter than ever and continue to build muscle. While helping others get stronger, I stay strong myself. That shared progress is deeply motivating. The most popular motto at the NIM studio is:
‘From today on, everything changes for the better.’
Innovation, for me, means constantly applying the NIM method to new movement environments, whether in everyday life, group classes, or other sports. It’s about showing how natural movement supports and enhances everything from rehabilitation to performance. When I go to the bouldering gym, I often get curious looks from much younger climbers. Some even come up to me and say they could never imagine their mother climbing like me. It’s essentially crawling up a wall, a natural human movement skill that even older adults can still master. Right now, I can’t imagine retiring or walking away from the work I love.
Images: Ramyar Rouhi
Management: Von Wesen
Thanks for reading this addition to our fun mini-series. Please check back each month for new Q & A’s with amazing entrepreneurs.
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