The Ridge is a place where you can truly be yourself—where you’re empowered to chase your dreams and turn your daydreams into reality. This vision isn't just for the people joining our community; it's something we share with our core team as well. Together, with a diverse group of inspiring women, we’re building something beautiful and empowering one another every step of the way.
We’re beyond proud to introduce the incredible women behind the Ridge. Each of them is unique, inspiring, and has brought something special to our journey. We feel truly lucky to have crossed paths with every single one of them.
Anna Eikendal
Ex-athlete, Model & Pilates teacher
From the age of four, sports have been a central part of my life. I began as a runner and pursued athletics professionally until I was 20. Moving from Holland to Belgium marked a turning point for me, as I shifted from my running career to modeling. I’ve discovered many parallels between the two: both require a deep understanding of the body and a strong mental focus—two aspects I’m deeply passionate about.
After stepping away from competitive running, I embraced a balanced routine that includes fun runs and Pilates, maintaining an active lifestyle with workouts five times a week. I love nourishing my body through healthy cooking and integrating mindfulness and meditation into my daily life.
Modeling adds an exciting dimension to my journey, igniting my creativity through mood boards and concept development. I relish the entire creative process, which complements my passion for Pilates beautifully. As a teacher, I find that Pilates harmonizes the body and mind, allowing me to express that creativity while sharing its benefits with others.
My true motivation as a Pilates instructor is to pass on the strength and balance I’ve gained from my practice. It may sound cliché, but I genuinely aspire to inspire as many people as possible to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. The joy it brings me fuels my belief that it can have a transformative impact on others, too.
Jolien Poelmans
Marketeer & Pilates Teacher
Jolien’s journey began with fitness and weightlifting, but she soon craved more balance, both physically and mentally. That’s when Pilates found her. It taught her to truly connect with her body and embrace the mind-body connection.
“I fell in love with Pilates for its holistic, healing power. It inspired me to pursue Peak Pilates certification in Reformer, Mat, Chair, Tower, and Cadillac.”
Pilates helped Jolien discover the harmony between strength and control, energy and calm. She believes in a balanced, joyful lifestyle where self-care and living fully go hand in hand. Through teaching, she hopes to inspire women to feel their best: strong, confident, and empowered.
From the moment she discovered The Ridge, Jolien felt a connection. Its vision of women uplifting each other, rooted in balance and holistic wellness, perfectly aligns with her own philosophy. She’s passionate about sharing and growing this vision together.
Elke Smeets
Psychologist, University lecturer, Singer, and Crystal sound practitioner, with a PhD in Psychology.
Propelled into singing at age 10, combined with an ever-present fascination for human flourishing, Elke pursued a dual career in psychology and music. Elke's drive lies in inspiring people to cultivate greater compassion for themselves and helping them feel safer in their own skin. At the heart of her mission lies an unwavering desire to help people feel less alone and more accepted, showing them their past doesn't have to define their future.
“Balancing my time between therapy sessions, teaching, giving talks, hosting retreats, facilitating crystal sound baths, and performing live on stage with my band, my journey is anything but conventional.
My PhD in understanding eating disorders and body image, combined with my clinical expertise in mindful self-compassion, positive psychology, sound healing, and acceptance and commitment therapy, enables me to support human flourishing through a variety of approaches.
Joining the Ridge as a team member feels like a beautiful opportunity to empower women to rediscover the incredible strength and beauty that's already within them.”
Ines Schots
Yoga and meditation teacher, body worker & nutritionist
Ines embraces the transformative power of purity in every aspect of life. As a yoga teacher and bodyworker, she emphasizes balance between mind and body. Through meditation, she inspires a healthy mind and spirit. The transformation she has experienced because of this focus, inspires her to guide others on their journeys, helping them connect with themselves, cultivate self-love, and live vibrantly.
“For much of my life, I struggled with body image and bulimia. Intense workouts and strict diets led to anxiety and burnout. I was so focused on the physical while neglecting my mental well-being. This turning point pushed me to embrace my mental health, focusing my energy on my soul. Developing self-love became my mission, and I’m grateful to have discovered this early on.
Yoga, inner work, and bodywork have been deeply healing for me. It ignited a passion to learn more and share these gifts with others. That’s how I began this journey: allowing me to enrich both my life and the lives of those around me.
I'm drawn to The Ridge for its holistic foundation and dedication to remaining grounded. Especially to their focus on empowering women by connecting them to their essence I cherish purity and believe in going beyond the ego to foster equality, openness, balance and growth.”
Tara Fernandez y Mendez
Regisseur, bodycaster & Pilates Teacher
Pilates entered my life as the perfect form of relaxation, a way to escape from the busy life and its many obligations. The connection with my body, combined with the most beautiful thing our body has to offer – our breath – creates the perfect balance for me. I love sharing this feeling with others, which is why it’s a dream come true.
‘For me, Pilates is coming home to my body, a safe space to connect my body and mind. It’s my time to be myself, fully present, flowing with the moment.’
Sharing my passion with other women, in a space where time stands still for a moment. It’s the balance between a workout and being as close to myself as possible in the purest way. Through this, I discovered that I can be proud of what my body has to offer, and I’m eager to pass on this message to others: be proud of ourselves while living in the moment - because tomorrow doesn’t exist yet.
After years of focusing on yoga, Hedwige discovered her passion for Pilates. She had been practicing Pilates intensively for years before deciding to take the leap and complete an extensive Pilates training to become an instructor. With her personal brand, WELL., she beautifully bridges the worlds of yoga and Pilates.
“With a mission to inspire and guide others, I aim to create more balance in daily life. Yoga, meditation, Pilates, breathwork, and healthy eating – everything is interconnected. Do what you love, and do it in a strong, healthy body.
When Dagmar and Elien approached me about The Ridge, I immediately felt a connection. A female-owned business and a Pilates studio focused on style and quality – it was a perfect match. Their holistic approach to women’s well-being and the importance of feeling good aligns perfectly with my own values, both personally and professionally. Their passion for wellness is so inspiring, it only fueled my own drive.
Small groups, personalized attention, and space to connect and grow at your own pace – exactly how I believe Pilates should be taught.”
Hedwige Bontidean
Yoga, breathwork and Pilates teacher