Teaching Schedule

Privates and Corporate Classes/ Events by Appointment only.
Email mobility.fitness.pilates@gmail.com.

Studio base: Pilates Passion (Bukit Timah Plaza) & Ilies Soma (Holland Village) 

Physio base: Physio Dynamics @ TripleOne Somerset

Home visits available.
For Guild House classes, please liaise directly with the Sports Administrator. 

Teaching group classes at:

Mondays

6pm | Reformer Starter (Virgin Active, DUO Galleria)

7.15pm | Reformer Beginner
-- slight changes for Oct-Nov '19, then resume back--

Tuesdays

12nn | Reformer Intermediate (Virgin Active, DUO Galleria)

Thursdays

7.30am | Reformer Classical (Virgin Active, Holland Village)

8.30am | Reformer Intermediate

Fridays

12.15pm | Reformer Beginner (Virgin Active, Marina One)

1.10pm | Reformer Intermediate

Saturdays
11am | Pilates: Core Strength (NUSS Mandalay Guild House)
12nn | Pilates (Back to Basics)

Sundays 

9am | Pilates: Core Strength (NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House)

Journey of a Pilates Teacher

It's been almost 7 years since I embarked on this journey of teaching pilates... I reckon I would prefer to be identified as a movement teacher who exemplifies mobility and strength through controlled yet power movements... I've been really blessed to meet great teachers over the course of my journey who inspire me to be better than who I was (each time).

My teachers (from left, clockwise): Pilates Elder Mary Bowen who was briefly in Singapore to teach a couple of workshops, showing the long-lasting integrated strength at the age of 85 years; Madeline Black who continues to inspire me with immense passion and conviction to her work; Michael Watson (Anatomy Trains) who always amazes me how connected and amazing our bodies are; Emily Splichal who taught me so much about the foot and the importance of our foundation from the ground up; and Portia Page and Joy Karley whom I have learnt so much from workshops.

    

Thank you Zohreh for bringing Mary Bowen to Singapore!

   

At the Foundation (Essentials) stage of the ASTI program: Legs & Arches

   

So much fun, so much knowledge gained from a week with dearest Madeline Black.

The best part of my job? Learning never ends, because there's so much more to learn. 

Science evolve, the body changes, our environment changes...

Education/ Credentials:

• Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) Graduate (National University of Singapore)
• Specialist Diploma in Sports & Exercise Science (Republic Polytechnic Singapore)
• EIM Singapore Registered Allied Professional (Changi General Hospital)
• Certified STOTT Pilates® Mat, Reformer, Chair, Cadillac & Barrels
• Certified STOTT Pilates® Injuries & Special Populations
• Certified EBFA Barefoot Specialist (Level 2)
• Certified FRCms (Functional Range Conditioning)
• Trained Balanced Body Pilates® (Comprehensive)
• Trained STOTT Pilates® Advanced Mat & Reformer

Mentored by:

• STOTT Pilates® Lead IT (Aust) Chael Hilton (Dec 2015)
• "Gather" (2018) & "Encompass" (2019) by Madeline Black
• Pat Guyton Pilates Conservatory (Summer 2019)

Other includes:

• Anatomy Trains (ASTI Program; Essentials)
• Certified Total Gym® Gravity
• Certified CrossCore® RBT
• Kinetic Link Training Level 1
• ZEN∙GA™ Mat Foundation (under Merrithew™)
• Myofascial Techniques (Presented by Penny Elliot)
• Self-Myofascial Release Technique (Equatorial Adventures)
• Pre-/ Post- Rehab Certified (FIT Singapore)
• Pre-/ Post- Natal Certified (FIT Singapore)
• Trained in Xtend Barre®
• Trained in Peak Pilates Chair
• willPower & grace® (Phase I & II)
• Trained in MOTR^TM
• Trained in Bodhi Suspension System^TM

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.

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

Strategies to train for Endurance Sports

I am really grateful that Jeri and COS Coaching Colin have agreed to do this event together.

I always believe that sports and Pilates are complementary to each other. Pilates shouldn't be done only after an injury arise, but as a maintenance of one's joint mobility and strength, and muscular elasticity. I am always very excited to explain to people the beauty of doing Pilates- well cos it's just so logical and useful. It's so sciency, I get nerdy. 🤣

So this is really an event I look forward to!! Also very thankful for clients who believe in me and share this same passion for the challenge of the sport. I really hope that this event will provide consumers (aka potential runners and triathletes, people who have left the sport for some reason..) with the knowledge to better prepare for their races/events.

Please click on the link to sign up!
http://ptix.at/Z4yiJC

31st August | Saturday | 2-5pm
Core Collective Dempsey
ONLY $20 for a reformer class (limited to 6 spots) and $12 for a mat class (limited to 15 spots)!

Training for 113 Aquathlon

Last Friday night after bible study we had some time for fellowship and in the midst of discussion about the unearthly swim squad my swim coach organized, I realized I could well head into the pool at the same time without the mind boggle to set my head in its place. 🤣

So because I was honestly inspired to do so, I'd posted I was back in action for my first swim the next day and my friend said about joining the 113 Aquathlon. (Aiks!) So I did (has she?). I sure hope so... We are going to attempt the standard distance excluding the bike leg, so that would give me an opportunity to fine tune my swim technique and probably improve on my run before I decide if I would join the standard distance triathlon... (next year?), but out of the blue yesterday I got volunteered to participate in Ironman (70.3) events next time.. (SURE.) 

To cut the story short, my intention for this post is to establish my (training) periodization program. When I sign up for events, I always plan for success (to complete comfortably) even if competition is secondary. I feel that keeps me in the game for a longer period of time, and to understand the athletes under my charge better.

So because I have exactly 3 months before the race on 20th October, an initial goal/training platform (mesocycle) would look something like that:

• first month (20/7-20/8): work on 5-km runs (current at 27min, aim to complete 5km in 25min), progressively maintaining speed for an increment of 500m; fine tune swim technique (currently employing the total immersion swim style) and work my way back up to 1-km consecutive laps.
• ~1 week recovery, maintain routine of regular Pilates practice and strength training^ and complete a short brick at the end of recovery week (25/8): 5-km run, 750-m swim

So exciting. I always believe in the potential of marrying sports training and Pilates for athletic conditioning!

Alright! Off to train! 

A renewed mind

I taught my first class today after almost a month of retreat to Boulder to recharge, and learn from the teacher mentor, Pat.

I was hoping for some time to sit myself down and do class plans on how I would integrate concepts into my current classes. That didn't materialize of course, of all things I had to do (or chose to do)- I shouldn't give myself excuses. I was playing out ideas in my mind, with no skeleton program in my head, just a bag of exercises. How would I inject that life into classes?

Although I'm not feeling like I just got hit with a hard rock, I'm certainly not 100% present in my head space. I don't know how I'd thought my class was at 12.15pm instead of noon! Thankfully I am usually early otherwise... DEAD. But because of that, I was focused not to complicate things, and just work on the fundamentals - keeping simple. I listened to my own words (I tried to), I injected in concepts (as Pat taught) to exercises they already knew and linked the pieces together for them. I stayed on to help Ailin understand better then essence of footwork - she didn't feel her knees as she usually did (she has hereditary osteoarthritic knees) and when she focused on drawing in from the hip joints, she felt the work coming from her deep core. 😍

Back to the usual Pilates practice with my mates every Tuesday. We did exercises on the chair. It feels like Pat's voice was still resounding in my head, reminding me how the body should be moving, and logically making sense why I am feeling that way. It clicked. I'm happy. I think many times that heartfelt sense of achievement and understanding show. I think my friends know. I think I say it too much sometimes.

Sometimes you can't hide joy. I am grateful, and excited at the same time. What more will it unveil? It's only the beginning, my gosh. Suddenly 7 years of teaching Pilates doesn't count at all.... The scientist in me says, "keep questioning". That's the beauty of this work. ♡

Still wandering..

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. 

Benjamin Franklin

I wouldn't trade anything for this trip down to Boulder. It truly has been insightful, the people I have met (DISCLAIMER!) are warm and inclusive, open and honest. No fancy tricks, just time spent to understand Pilates better, in depth. Why I love Pilates? Because it's just plainly logical, Debora agreed. 

I am grateful to have met teachers who are ever so willing to share and pass on their knowledge. Although, I wouldn't have revealed that I was teaching Pilates back home in Singapore... because HOW ODD and how on earth this Asian girl managed to get an accommodation at the University when she's just visiting, HAHA!

I've barely scratched the surface of the rock, I know. It's exciting, AND scary. I've met teachers who have guided me to be body-sense more aware and inspired me to keep learning and be a better teacher, but I haven't met one who truly inspires me to understand WHAT I am teaching and WHY, not just HOW. Specific as she can be, yet she makes it plain simple and digestible. It just takes time to unlearn (and relearn) and reprocess information. Change doesn't happen overnight. But I'm glad I made this first step because... well, I can't explain, maybe it's just a personality thing. 

I also wanted to share Eve Gentry's work, which I thought would actually clear doubts and allow my peers and fellow Pilates practitioners understand the idea of "Imprint" better.

Part 1

Part 2

Though I mostly teach 'neutral spine', I am just saddened at the fact that for years my idea of imprint (as was delivered), was actually not what was intended. I'm glad that has been clarified earlier.

Never take the information given to you for granted and accept it. Question it and reacquaint with it if it makes sense...

That being said, last 4 days in Boulder! :(

Boulder Beckons...

In my quest to be a better teacher to my charges, I value the opportunity to learn from the greater teachers to deepen my understanding and practice. It was just timely (all in His time and plans) that I met Pat at the Asia Pilates Summit earlier this year.

I would've said "I wish I had met her earlier..." but I think my steeper learning curve was mapped out the past few years when I had a clearer vision of what I wanted out of my career. I didn't want to be an ordinary teacher who teaches exercises, but mindful movements that translate to daily functionality.

So here I am in Boulder.. pursuing that calling when I first met her. That deep sense of conviction I see in her eyes when I met her again today, nudged my heart. It honestly feels different when you dedicate time to be mentored, to learn, to take yourself out of the picture momentarily because you need it. Sometimes we really don't give ourselves enough time to digest and embody our own teachings...

We need that. 
"Now you are my student," she cooed. 

The more I learn, the more I unlearn. The more I seek, the more I forget... 

I like how she's gentle yet firm; open yet convicted; guides you into understanding. Three weeks have barely begun, but I already have the feeling I wish I had more time...

What's more! The mountains are calling too...

OMG IT'S JUNE!

Before we know, half the year is gone... Where did all the time go!

⟳⏰⭮

It's been a tremendous period. The last I wrote was leaving the previous organization X and now helping out at my friend's studio Y. A learning process for all of us when it comes to organizing things to its details and communication because most of us are up and running about. 

In my opinion, the soft launch was a good indication of how things will/might run, and it also shows how we each bring out that element in us to give clients what's good for them. We have finally (albeit a tad delayed) agreed on the Open House program ↓↓↓

Call to book in for a customized mixed equipment group session! Max 5 pax per class!

🤟🤟

Amidst all the busyness in the studio, I am also struggling (or not) to finalize details for my trip down to Boulder, CO. Accommodation, budget, what clothes/ home equipment to bring, what luggage to use, SAFETY, FRIENDS...? So all this while I was double-minded about making the trip down SOLO, because it's my first (after summer school) travelling so far out solo. (I think it comes with age, if you don't do it, you lose it- GUTS.)

Also, thankfully (all in His time) I met people who are travelling/ have lived/ are travelling to the United States. Tips on finding the right accommodation in a [legit] location helped calm my nerves a little- somehow it's the intuition that tells you that things can be done better. NEVER IGNORE YOUR GUT FEELING. Super Super delighted too, that you know someone whose family actually lives in the city that you're about to make home for the next 3 weeks (thereabouts)- double YAY YAY! The first thing I asked Dr Jesse was "can they take me out to run in the trails?" 👀🙊 Haha...

I'm now more excited as the day approaches, and I am really looking forward to dedicating my time to learn from Pat and time to practice in my own body. I also am deciding on books to bring to keep up with my readings and possibly come up with some exciting stuff! YAY!

Everything in His time reveals the course of the future. Nothing to be afraid, only to have faith- tremendous amount of faith. Faith gives hope to what's unseen, a future untold. Keep loads of faith, and know that creating history is a partnership between you and God. 

Madeline Black

May went by rather quickly, with one of my favorite Teachers back in town to deliver her work. 

Madeline Black is one of those teachers you meet in your quest for knowledge and inspiration- whose eyes you see such strong conviction and belief, it literally scares you. It scares you because you're on a journey of self-discovery and that (seemingly similar) passion spurs you to think ahead, illogically logical (if you get what I mean). Well, sometimes what makes sense to you might not make sense to onlookers.

Aside from my lack of discipline and over-commitment (and lack of time) - guilty as charged for not preparing ahead of time for the course - I am glad I wasn't lost in a deep ocean of conflicting thoughts. Madeline teaches, and her work helps to connect the dots in your mind (information gathered over the years). I'm thankful to have her as a mentor who guides me (I would say decently early in my career) and grateful for like-minded friends who are always willing to share and discuss openly.

With my very adorable Japanese friend Taeko (left) and Ailin (right).

4 of us in blue with dearest Madeline (center): Ailin, Anni, myself, and Tracy.

Caught photo-bombing Sam and Bom.

💓

With Sudha, Bom and Val.

Group photo.

Breaking up into teams to work on techniques.

Till we meet again.

⛥ Constellation ⛥ in 2021.

Sharing is Loving

I missed "International Pilates Day" while on vacation.

But.. every day can be "Pilates Day". Every day we celebrate the opportunity to be able to give while we can, learn while we can, and love while we can. I consider myself one of the few super blessed- to be able to do work that I enjoy which challenges me in many aspects, and one that takes out the element in me that would otherwise be subdued (due to my personality trait).

I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Decathlon to conduct a workshop last night at their City Square Mall branch. They sponsored the door gift that included the props that I had selected for the class. Participants were surprised and delighted to receive their goodybags!

Thank you all who made time to come, and hope everyone took away ideas on how to use these really useful and portable props at home and in their offices!!

Finding peace in the mountains

Thankful for a weekend of retreat into the (tropical) mountain teehee.

March has concluded and April is about to unfold. There were moments when there were too many thoughts, and also times when the mind just feels completely blank. I guess that happens to everyone. Well, it did give me an opportunity to reflect on my life at this point in time.

This is the second time I'm scaling Gunung Lambak- and we did 2 circuits up and down again. As before, we took the raw climbing route the second time again... Felt like a rock climbing + jungle adventure, getting on my hands and taking huge giant steps up. I can't say it got any easier, but surely we did shave off 1/3 of the time we took previously from 6h to 4h.

  

Although I haven't ran a lot recently as compared to the same period last year... because this half of the year I'm preparing for multisport events vs last year I was dedicated to train for my first trail 42km... I must say the cross trainings I've had in the first quarter of this year have prepped my joints well for the ROM I needed for my adventures! (AHA, perspectives)  

As a trainer, I realize for sure, giving my joints the right preparation, stimulus and load they require helped me to take on my activities with more ease (no one said it would be easy anyway!) When I think back about the clients under my charge, that's also my hope for them- to be able to enjoy their hobbies, take on their personal adventures, perform in their sports knowing that they have PREPARED for it. Of course, no one can predict an injury, but better prepared joints have shown to have greater recovery rates.

Most people are afraid of down slopes because they feel that would hurt their joints (more specifically their knees) but they fail to realize the truth is our joints/bodies are meant to move. The most obvious reason for joint pains, other than being clinically diagnosed of bone growth/ arthritis, is that our muscles are not performing their functions on our bones to move it.

I'd posted earlier on my vision as a trainer for my clients. I thought about it on my trails. I'm glad I had this thought/ goal/ mission at the back of my head. It really sets the tone of the structure of your programs for your charges. I never wanted them to fear, fear movement? WHY? I want to empower them with movement. That's possibly the best gift I can give them in my journey as a teacher - to find their own journey. Everyone's journey is different, we need to respect that.

We all have a destination, everyone do Pilates for their own personal reasons. It could be flexibility and mobility, a less impact form of strength training, cross training for sports etc. I respect that. My clients who have stayed with me for years are always amazed how revisiting basic exercises can add a new dimension of challenges. More specifically, my utmost priority is to address your needs (especially if you have an injury- for me to get you out of pain zone as quickly as possible; if you are training for a sporting event, for me to get your joints organized, and give you eccentric strength capacity to take load from your trainings out there..).. Understanding, for me is more important to your learning. Fancy exercises are secondary.

I think at the end of the day, life is just like climbing a mountain or performing a sport. It may seem like a common destination/ stroke, but if it was tracked very specifically by a sensor, there's no one path that is the same for everyone, likewise, the most successful shot has the most variability.

I choose my teachers very wisely because I take charge of my education and understanding is very important for me to impart to people I train. I find that these days people do not take charge of their own journeys and hardly ever appreciate the rigor of their sporting endeavors to take care of their bodies. If there was anything to take away, we need to respect ourselves for where we are now and chart our own successes, with the right resources.

5 years down the road

5 years ago, I wrote myself a mission.. how I envision things to work out... a coaching style that speaks of me... a method that describes how I train clients.

I'd actually forgotten about it.
Until I was trying to sort out my drive.
I've never shown anyone.
My mom is the first person I'd decided to show today.
She asked "why haven't you shown anyone this, perhaps you should. Then they know you care."

Love and care come from the heart, spoken less felt more.

So this was what I had back then, and it enlightened me that truly keeping to what holds true in my heart have helped me achieve this (I have to say) for all my clients who have stayed with me. Thank you for believing in me.

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<< The Pilates Journey >>

Stage	Goal	Est. # of sessions	Recommended Frequency
Stage 1: Getting To Know	Understand the fundamental principles of Pilates, have an appreciation for the method. What Pilates is about and how it will change your perspective about fitness and health, and your body. “The mind, when housed within a healthful body possesses a glorious sense of power.”	Approximately 3 months	2-3 x a week
Stage 2: Trying/ Beginning To Understand		Approximately 3-5 months	twice a week
From experience, people who practice consistently for a year start to notice changes in their bodies, develop a different perspective about their individual fitness program, and start taking charge of their lifestyles. It is my success as a coach for you to pass this phase.
Stage 3: Incorporating Pilates into Daily Life	Having the spatial and body awareness to take principles into daily activities and other fitness programs. Performing exercises with proper alignment and posture in a balanced manner. “Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.”	depends on individual	twice a week
Stage 4: The Empowered Self	Knowing your body, having the ability to be pain-free and perform exercises safely. “Pilates is the complete coordination of mind, body and spirit.”	depends on individual	minimally once a week (Pilates is a practice!)

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Reflections

I think it's important to dedicate time to reflect on the week, not to dwell but to run through positive situations that inspire you and improve on those that doesn't. Growth doesn't end. 

I am very grateful for people who have come along this journey and believed in me, who continue to walk beside and witness my growth. It tears me periodically when I think about it because it touches my heart a lot a lot... when I try to recall how you (all) started and have progressed to be on your own. I feel like even if your job took you to other places, or if you have to relocate, or if you wish to find other activities to complement your fitness training, you know how to keep yourself safe from injuries. To me, that is success- to share with you what I have learnt from my teachers that would benefit you individually in your pursuits. 

I wish I could say I am no longer affected by comments out there. But it's real- I'm only just human. But I shall keep peace in my heart. Because I know very well what keeps the fire in my heart burning, it's being true to my work and seeing the fruit of it. You won't understand that excitement when you see nice spinal articulation or when your client gets an "aha moment" unless you're in the same shoes. 

Sometimes I feel the younger girl in me dives out when I get too excited and nerdy about the things I discover while attending courses, meeting great teachers or even practicing in my own body. I wish for you, at some point, to be able to take charge of your own bodies, be excited about movement and not too fixed on weaknesses. 

The body is the best gift from God.