Table of Contents
About Petz Heinen
Patricia “Petz” Heinen brings a whirlwind of positive energy, joy, and deep empathy to every ALGSO class she leads.
With a background in sports therapy specialised in oncology and psychology, she tailors each class to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of our members.
Whether you’re running beside her, lifting a ball, or catching a flying balloon, one thing is certain: you’ll leave feeling lighter.
We’re not just working the body. There are three parts of the cake: biology, psychology and social connection. All three have to be nourished equally.”
Petz Heinen – when asked about her philosophy
Her Teaching Style
Meet the Coach 📸
An Interview with Petz Heinen
“I always say to the group: I’m happy that you’re here! That’s my first sentence. Because I really am.”
Petz Heinen – ALGSO coach
What drew you to work in oncology and with ALGSO members?
The mother of a close friend, who felt like a second mother to me, passed away from cancer. That moment stayed with me. I’d already been thinking about working in oncology, and it really made me feel like this was the path I wanted to take. I also travelled a lot — solo trips, hiking the Camino de Santiago — and I met many people with different health conditions. The two that really caught my heart were cancer and autism.
Autism is fascinating to me because even I sometimes don’t understand myself. For people with autism, it’s even harder — especially when others can’t understand or accept them. I worked a lot with kids who have autism, and often they’re seen as aggressive or loud, but behind that there is something else. Many of them feel that nobody wants them, or that nobody sees them. I try, with my dog and through my presence, to help them feel that it’s okay to be themselves. That it’s okay not to fit into all the expectations.
Tell us more about your background.
I studied in Germany to become a sport therapist, with specialisations in oncology and psychology, and I trained to work with people of all ages — from babies to the elderly. Along the way, I also studied fine arts and music. I play saxophone and drums. I did gymnastics and climbing for years. I love animals and have worked with my dog, Daya, for the past seven years — she joins me in schools and running classes. She’s a mix of Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and something from Romania. She’s knee-high and has the best energy.
I try to bring all of that into my classes. Because people are all different, and sometimes a person connects through movement, sometimes through humour, sometimes through music, sometimes through just knowing there’s a dog beside them. I use all those tools to help people connect, to feel seen, and to feel safe.
Tell us about Daya!
She’s just the best. She’s a certified companion dog and she really helps to bring out the best in people. She’s so honest: she never plays a role or wears a mask, she’s just always herself and I find that so inspiring… That’s what I try to be too, and people can really feel it.
Thanks to that, I think, she connects very easily with people. Of course, she’s a living creature and, just like for us humans, I make sure that people respect her and understand this. But I’ve never had any problems or come across anyone who doesn’t like her! I always make sure that people are OK with dogs before bringing her though, whether it’s with kids during the day at the school, or in my classes with the ALGSO.
Actually, come to think of it, it’s more of the opposite! People tell me off if I don’t bring her with me! Especially in my Advanced Running group…they bring her treats and love the cuddle-therapy (a very mutual feeling shown by Daya’s wagging tail and excessive requests for attention), so if I don’t bring her, we have a problem!
What can I say… she’s the princess! She’s the queen!
How do you create a safe space in your classes?
Some people come and talk to me straight away about what they’ve been through. Others need more time. I never ask directly what someone has or had — instead, I give them the space to come to me when they’re ready. Sometimes I notice something during an exercise, like they can’t lift their arm properly, and then I find a quiet moment to check in with them. I might say something like, ‘That’s your weak point, no?’ and give them the chance to open up.
But you need to give people time. Especially in oncology, depending on the type of cancer or their treatment, people can feel vulnerable or uncertain. Over time, trust builds. And what’s really beautiful is that the group helps with that too. When someone new arrives, the others welcome them straight away. Often they do half my job for me!
What role does music play in your sessions?
A big one! I love 80s rock, and so does the group, they all know the songs and will often sing along. The music sets the tone. It’s energising, familiar, uplifting. Sometimes when I forget my phone, they immediately ask: ‘Where’s the music?!’ But it’s not blasting like in a nightclub. It’s just enough to energise and let people enjoy themselves. At the end, we change to calmer music for stretching or relaxation.
What makes ALGSO classes so different?
It’s more than sport. It’s therapy. It’s connection. It’s feeling safe to just be. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to do the whole class. You can come, sit down, and just enjoy being with others who understand. There are people from so many backgrounds, so many nationalities, and everyone just flows together. Luxembourgish here, French there, English and German… it’s a beautiful mix.
One of my favourite things is how spontaneous everything is. Some days the group is tired. Other days they’re full of jokes and silliness. So I adapt. We might play games with sticks, do partner balance work, or just have a good laugh with balloons.
Tell us about a moment that made you proud.
There was one member who had real trouble with balance. At first, they could only manage one side of a coordination exercise. Then six months later, they nailed it on both sides! Their face just lit up. They told me how important that was to them because they have grandchildren, and playing with them requires balance. That moment showed them that they were getting stronger, and that confidence and empowerment opened them up so much.
What would you say to someone who feels unsure about joining?
Just come once. Then decide. You don’t need to commit. Some people say, ‘I’m doing this just once for my friend, then never again.’ And then ten years later, they’re still coming! You don’t need to be fit. You don’t need to be confident. Just show up. If you want to do only half the exercises, or just talk and laugh, that’s totally okay.
A personal message from Petz:
Do it. Try it. You cannot know if you will like it if you haven’t done it.
I’ve heard so many things like: ‘it changed my life’ or ‘it helped me in my darkest moments’ or ‘it was the best decision I ever did’. And all of that simply because they took the opportunity and tried it.
Petz’s Class Schedule
Activity: Fitness and Strength Training in Colpach
When: Every Monday from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Centre de Réhabilitation du Château de Colpach
Who for: Open to all ALGSO members and resident patients of the centre
Shared with: Maxime Dierickx
Activity: Fitness and Strength Training in Merl
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Campus Geesseknäppchen in Luxembourg-Merl
Who for: Open to all ALGSO members
Shared with: Cloé Lotteri & Kévin Laumond
Activity: Advanced Running in Luxembourg
When: Every Tuesday from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Starts and ends at the Geeseknäppchen
Who for: Open to all ALGSO members
Shared with: Daya, Kévin Laumond & his loyal dog Merlin!