Mastermind: Lili Schloss, Founder of Isofit Studio

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz a Beijing personality on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

Contestant: Lili Schloss, Founder of Isofit Studio

Specialist Subject: History of Pilates

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Name two actors who played James Bond on film.
Roger Moore and what’s the other guy’s name?The new one, that good-looking guy. I know all of their faces! Can you give me a visual? X

What is the smallest ocean?
That has to be Beihai! The North Sea near Beijing. X

How many wives did Henry VIII have?
Four wives, if I’m correct. X

What zodiac sign is symbolized by a crab?
That would have to be Juxie 巨蟹. I don’t know how to say that in English – can you look up the translation for me? √

What did the crocodile eat in Peter Pan?
I’ve only read this story to my kids two million times and you know what? I can’t remember. Maybe Tinker Bell or Captain Hook’s arm? X

SPECIALIST SUBJECT

What town was Joseph Pilates born in?
He was born in 1883 in Germany, somewhere near Dusseldorf. Well, that’s what we were told in training. X

How many books did Pilates publish about his method?
At least two books: The Return to Life Through Contrology and Your Health.√

What is the first generation of Pilates students called?
We are the third generation of Pilates students. Was it the Olders? X

What is the original name of the Pilates chair?
The Wunda Chair. It has springs and can be used for standing and sitting.√

According to Joseph Pilates, what’s the key to “full inhalation?”
His quote about breathing is: “In the Air, out the Air.” It means you need to exhale completely to inhale deeply.√

Final Score: 4/10

Verdict: Our Pilates instructor came close to a perfect score on her specialist subject, but the answers “Olders” and “near Dusseldorf” just missed their mark. It’s all about the details, Lili.

Answers 1) Pierce Brosnan, Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby, Roger Moore
2) Arctic Sea 3) six 4) Cancer 5) a clock 6) Mönchengladbach 7) two 8) The Elders 9) Wundachair 10) forced exhalation

Read our review of Isofit Pilates and Gyrotonic Studio. They will be offering Mat Pilates teacher training this month. To learn more about their classes, check out their website.(Mention the Beijinger for a 20 percent discount.)

This article originally appeared on page 54 in the March issue of the Beijinger.