Founder and instructor
Nazlı Bendeş
A big part of my life was spent on basketball courts. I played in the First League, studied and played on a scholarship in the United States, and continued playing professional basketball after returning to Türkiye. Today I teach pilates at my studio in Karabağlar, and I teach every class at Studio 4 myself.
- First League3 seasons in Mersin
- $120,000Education and basketball scholarship in the US
- TodayFounder of Studio 4 Pilates
My story
From the court to the studio
- 1999
Erdemli, Mersin
I spent my childhood and teenage years in Erdemli, a district of Mersin.
- Before the US
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality
I started basketball at Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and played three seasons for the club in the Turkish Women's Basketball First League, while studying at TED Mersin College.
- Graduation
A $120,000 scholarship
In recognition of my work at school and on the court, I won a $120,000 scholarship from Casper College in the United States. My school, TED Mersin College, announced the news as a proud moment for its alumni.
- 2018–2020
Casper College, Wyoming
While studying Early Childhood Education, I played for the college's women's basketball team and appeared in 33 games in my first season. That team was like a family to me. My greatest inspiration was my mother.
- August 2020
Turgutlu Belediyespor
When I returned to Türkiye after finishing my studies in the US, I received offers from several clubs and chose Turgutlu Belediyespor because it was a team with goals.
- 2022–2025
Pilates instructor training
I completed Balanced Body's Reformer, Mat, Cadillac/Tower and Chair & Barrels instructor trainings, and received my Pilates Level 2 Basic Instructor certificate from the Turkish Gymnastics Federation.
- Today
Studio 4 Pilates
I teach Reformer and Mat pilates at the studio I founded in Fahrettin Altay, Karabağlar. My classes have no more than 3 people, and I teach every class myself.
From the court to my classes
What did basketball teach me?
I trained at a high intensity for years. Knowing my body, moving correctly and avoiding injury were part of my life. Today I share these with you in my classes.
Discipline and consistency
In sport, progress doesn't come from a single session but from weeks of regular work. In my classes, too, I value this patient progress.
Body awareness
On the court, doing a movement correctly mattered as much for avoiding injury as for performance. That's why the emphasis on control and good posture in pilates feels so familiar to me.
Team spirit
In duo and trio classes, small groups that motivate each other always remind me of the energy of a team.
A knack for teaching
Studying early childhood education taught me to teach things step by step and with patience. That's how I explain every movement.
My training
Certificates and training
The training I completed to become a pilates instructor after my time on the court. I keep learning, and I'll add new training here.
- Turkish Gymnastics Federation
Pilates Level 2 Basic Instructor Certificate
Coach Education Programme · 30 April 2025
Official certificate, available to view at the studio - Balanced Body
Pilates Chair & Barrels Module
BB Türkiye Instructor Training · 21–23 March 2025
View certificate (PDF) - Balanced Body
Trapeze Table / Cadillac / Tower Instructor Training
BB Türkiye Instructor Training · 21–23 February 2025
View certificate (PDF) - Balanced Body · BAPS Academy
Pilates Mat 1 Instructor Training
Pilates BAPS İzmir · 11–13 November 2022 · 16 hours
View certificate (PDF) - Balanced Body · BAPS Academy
Pilates Mat 2 Instructor Training
Body Arts Pilates Studio · 26–27 August 2022 · 16 hours
View certificate (PDF) - Balanced Body · BAPS Academy
Reformer 1 Instructor Training
Body Arts Pilates Studio · 10–12 June 2022 · 16 hours
View certificate (PDF) - TO Pilates Academy
Knee Biomechanics and Alignment Problems
2-module course · Instructor: Tılsım Okay
View certificate (PDF)
Studio 4 Pilates holds a Facility Qualification Certificate from the Turkish Gymnastics Federation.
Following an on-site inspection, the Federation confirmed that the facility is suitable for pilates activities (17 July 2025, registration no. 926350).
In the press
In the news
- TED Mersin College (in Turkish)A $120,000 US scholarship for our graduate Nazlı Bayazıt
- Casper CollegeWomen's Basketball 2019–2020 Q&A: Meet Nazli Bayazit
- Turgutlu Municipality (in Turkish)A transfer from the US to Turgutlu Belediyespor
Let's meet in your first class.
Let's find the right time and class format for you together. Message us on WhatsApp or call +90 545 805 09 99.