Pilates for Kids

With more exposure to Pilates as a form of exercise amongst the adult population, I find that there is also an increasing awareness for kids too, if they're typically involved in sports at school. 

In recent years, I have had the opportunity to train kids as young as 10 yo; and to my surprise, synchronized swimming has become such a popular sport with teenage girls, other than netball and volleyball. The boys are more into racket sports like badminton and tennis, or soccer. I mean, WHY NOT? At this age, kids should be out playing sport instead of facing the computer/ IPad.

Below illustrates briefly a child's motor skill development process:

But really, this post came about because today my client asked me for help about training her teenage girl who enjoys synch swimming so much, she wants to improve in her sport (O what tender age 💖) but has been really upset that whenever her coach tries to stretch her (like a reverse pancake), she cries in pain (poor girl). 

This is probably the 4th kid (whom I've encountered for water sports) and I honestly think kids these days have a mix sense of adult instincts to thrive and compete- well I didn't when I was that age HAHA. I think the beauty of synch swimming especially- it's a mix of the fun of gym, the aesthetics of dance, and the athletics of diving and playing in the water. 

I personally feel that while flexibility is a plus at that age, there's a need for purposefully guiding them to know and understand their bodies better. This would mean they can enjoy their sport(s) and stay off the injury zone. While I prefer to teach young adults past 16yo, I am equally glad to empower kids who start from zero to be inspired to participate in a sport and eventually get stronger. 🙂

Furthermore, as Celeste and Howard mentioned in this video (PLEASE WATCH!), 9yo is the peak of a kid's neurological state, and from experience, they really pick up movements fast. "Fun and interactive" is probably the most important element when structuring for a program for teenagers. 

In time to come, I think it will be pretty exciting to see how Pilates will eventually unveil a myriad of benefits and opportunities for kids and sports, and sports for kids, and more. Truly.

In due season

Life is such- there are ups and downs, joys and disappointments, laughter and sorrow, and friends who become absolute strangers. You can't hide the truth, time will tell. You can't hide emotions, because they are real. 

It's interesting how clients (somehow know and) ask; how Di now miles away can somehow sense (and check on me); how of all time, meeting my dear friend A this evening... well, she's probably one of the few who knew me enough because of the time we spent together in our previous workplace, ran together, and shared a deeper spiritual sense than anyone whom we can render "a friend" in this industry. 

I guess that's just who I am, I am what you get. I am grateful for friends who have lent their support and advice that everything will pass. There will come a time (in due season)... Everything happens for a reason, and they remind me how truly blessed I am to know and see a person's credibility before we commit in partnership (sooner now than later). 

Keeping my dream alive, and working towards my goal as priority; I shouldn't let what happened make me that kind of person I don't want to be, and I am certain of the character of a person I wouldn't want to work with. A has always been like a big sister, and I am grateful (always) to have her part of my life, for better or for worse. 💖

Business in Perspective

There're more studios popping out in Singapore, although there are few that couldn't survive the battle and eventually shut their doors. WELL... I think at the end of the day, being part of the process and having a clear direction are important "beginnings" for a (studio) business owner.

That being said, having some time now to visit a couple of friends in their new establishments gave me some insights and ascertained one very important point- there is a fine line between making money (making a living), making people happy (doing your job), and changing lives (living your passion).

I think Betsy did a great job with her set up of ODP with Julie. The natural light and clean set up of the studio set the tone of a friendly, cosy community space where you would hang out with your girlfriends and have a sweaty good time. They were clear that group classes are going to be fun and I appreciated the complementary use of the TRX suspension trainer with the reformer. Other than Club Pilates in USA, I haven't encountered any studios in Singapore that have managed to successfully marry these two. Also, very clear that they want to retain the essence of Pilates, they actually flew to Japan to train with Rebecca- founder of PSM.

Having gone through the process of helping a couple of start ups that try to marry Pilates and fitness, we have to be clear that Pilates is "foundation", working into the body to make it strong. Pilates is not another form of exercise, but it helps to make exercise more effective because of the gain in inner strength and control. If it was another form of exercise for you, what makes you different from the other commercial gyms and studios in the market?

Then there is the other spectrum of the market- Pilates Smith. I admire Regine for her effort to maximize her space and try to make the studio as whole and complete as possible. The set up is clear, their intention is clear- focused on privates and duets (personal attention), no frills, and a space where clients can work out with continuity and consistency. That is also the vision I have for clients' consistency, for them not to be over-reliant, be independent, or simply be open to having another trainer to facilitate their growth and progress.

At the end of the day, as teachers we also need our time to recharge our souls, rest our brains and renew our spirits. We are only human. Working together as a team is not easy, but certainly with the right energy and synchrony amongst good people. 

Hello friend :)

Today is probably the most heartwarming day I've had in months. It couldn't have been any brighter. 

J-May whom I used to train in the first studio I worked in 2013 contacted me, hoping to get back on track and also to do Pilates. Its been eons since we last met, although we've pretty much been in the loop on each others' FB/IG. She brought a friend along and they both enjoyed it. 🙌🙌

Firstly, my heart beamed because meeting her again after such a long time felt like meeting a long lost friend. It gave a sense of 'homecoming'. 😊 Undescribeable.

It's also interesting (to realize that) we've come to a point in our lives we meet at the same level - a teacher-student consensus that "I'm here to do something for myself" and "I really need to build my core strength". We weren't when we both were younger. Honestly. That being said, after all these years, I'm really happy that she acknowledges that Pilates is indeed fundamentally essential and complementary to the other fitness programs she chose to take on. And even more grateful that she thought about me. 💖

Lastly, she understood that Pilates is NOT JUST ANOTHER FORM OF EXERCISE, but when done intuitively with control can also be a workout. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! "OMG, I'm sweating without having to do cardio," she told her friend. And I told her, "Pilates works into the body, not out of it." And they both concurred.

Teaching her today vs then, I have to say, gave me much more joy. I think it took a cycle for both of us to understand, practice, and purposefully execute to embody the benefits of Pilates.

It's a journey. And I'm grateful to be part of it again.

What makes up a 'community'?

Community is friendship between different people or groups, and a sense of having something in common.


I think this is the best illustration for the sense of community in my heart.

However, it is not easy to gather a team of people who can work together and tap on their strengths to make things work, unless they have a common vision and purpose.

Sometimes I feel that primarily what drives us innately speaks of our belief system, and that shapes our values and approach to situations in our lives.

Although there are changes that might not be favorable, there are always things to be grateful for. And I truly believe that as long as I stand firm to what I feel resonates within me, God will do the rest.

On a happier note, Teacher is making her way to Singapore, and I am grateful for Collin's kindness and love to her, extending this generosity and hope for her method to me.

Somehow balance is eventually attained when it goes one round, and you realize the more important people whom you should value are those who stood by you all these years. That being said, Renee and I have known each other for more than 5 years. Despite the dramas that happened introducing J, we still kept our grounds and settle it amicably in our hearts.

I shall end this on a positive note.

Reflection

The past few months was like a nightmare. I wouldn't like to say this BUT my mom was right about me being too trusting and giving people way too many ideas. (Well, I always choose to find that element of good in people I meet along the way...)

Firstly I must be thankful that I haven't lost friends whom I had introduced Jamie Foo and I Rene Pung to, and thankfully it was only a brief period of encounter with them. Somehow introducing them to each other was the best chemistry that happened- they somehow clicked. Good for them.

Secondly, so glad to have my life back and training, heading outdoors. I so absolutely miss that!!

Lastly, although I had built up the brand name Pilatesoulfit for 5 years, I had SO stupidly offered to let I Rene have it to build her business upon. People say, the hardest thing is to let go. Truly. But it has to come, and Rozanne was right.

That being said, I have no more links to Pilatesoulfit. May God bless your steps.

so... what is Pilates?

I had a really interesting conversation with someone last night- he has been practicing Pilates (forever) to complement his sport in skating. He took the plunge to do a reformer training (somewhere) but was rather disappointed how information was watered down (or taken too simply).

so... what is Pilates?
and what does it offer you as a practitioner?

I fell in love with Pilates at first attempt (like quite literally). It was logical, and highly functional. As a teacher/instructor of this method for more than 7 years, I am still awed by this revolutionary method. I guess it's also because our bodies are (DAMN) amazing, how it naturally moves, and heals.

so... what is Pilates?

I would say the concept itself is foundation to many other forms of training modalities, its essence and intention (the system) creates balance for effective strengthening and efficiency of movement. I mentioned during the event last Saturday that as a sports person, I prefer some form of rigidity rather than too much flexibility in my body. (That being said, split was never on my to do list)

I prioritize (and largely believe in) integrated mobility and muscular elasticity. These came about from my background of trainings. I coined integrated mobility to refer to the ability (of a joint that is right in its place) to move with good range of motion without the risk of injury- a little more to feel good in the body, not less to feel outright stiff. Muscular elasticity assimilates that of a spring that recoils and recycles energy in the entire system. This is possible because of the intention to facilitate the gliding of tissues in the body and tap on the stretch-reflex properties of muscles that create movement.

and what has it done for me as a practitioner?

I can touch my toes? NO, haha. That's part of the process. I think the best takeaway for me is that I maintain a form of homeostasis in my body, when something gets out of order, I feel it right away and I can address it. I am very much aware of my body asI hit the ground when running (it's remarkable how you feel your steps recycle on its own - like a bicycle), and when I glide through the water when I swim. I think being able to do that has made sports enjoyable for me.

My hope for people out there is for them to regain that joy in their activities. J