Power Precision Control and Balance
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My Pilates Journey
My passion for Pilates started almost incidentally. After graduating from NUS, I started working in the corporate field. Long hours in front of a computer were the norm and in less than a year, I started developing chronic neck and shoulder aches that refuse to go away. The aches even developed into excruciating sharp pains on some days. Initially, I resorted to using heat packs, basic stretching exercises and even spent a small fortune on regular neck massages. These provided temporary relief but quickly lost their efficacy. I begin to experience more intense and frequent neck aches even during the weekends when I was not working.
I also started swimming regularly and took brisk walks in the hope that it will improve my blood circulation and loosen the tension around my neck and shoulders. But I was experiencing intense pain which was affecting my sleep. The final straw was when I started experiencing pain in my lower back making it uncomfortable for me to sit on my chair without a special support.
That's when I realised I needed professional help and at that time, I came across an article on how Pilates helps in lengthening the spine and developing good posture. I hestitated for a while before joining a studio near my workplace, the lessons were costly for a group class but after just a few sessions I realised that my shoulders and neck were no longer aching. Also I felt stronger and 'lighter' after each session, and my core and arm muscles toner than ever.
After a year of regular weekly sessions, my passion for Pilates grew so much that I took the plunge to take up the STOTT PILATES Instructor Mat Course (Intermediate). The course was challenging for a non-athlete like myself as compared to the rest of my course mates who were ballet teachers or were already from the fitness industry.
But I manage to complete the course and today feel that it's my background as a non-athlete that helps me to engage with my clients. As most of my clients are working in the corporate field, I understand how difficult it is for them to carve out time to embark on a new fitness regime and to stay dedicated to it.
I would like to share my knowledge of Pilates and let my clients understand how their bodies and muscle groups react when performing a certain exercise. I focus a lot on precision and control during an exercise, which also means I like to keep my group classes small to allow time to correct each client's posture. Also, Mat Pilates is so convenient that I often encourage my clients to practise it in the comfort of their homes, which makes it easier for my clients to stay committed to Pilates. They don't feel too out of touch even after missing a few sessions with me.
I believe Pilates is a form of exercise that should be easily available for everyone. That's why I enjoy teaching at Condominiums, corporate organizations or for my private clients. Being easily accessible lower the chances of clients not attending regularly, which also means I am able to design a workout for them with a set goal in mind by progressively challenging them week after week.
Thank you for spending the time to read my PIlates Journey and I hope to see you at my classes soon!