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.

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)!

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. ♡

It's been a week!

and particularly today, I began to think "How am I going to integrate Pat's teaching into my work?" She makes things simple enough to understand, to feel. How would I convey the same information to my clients without shortchanging them the information that they need to know?

The simplest answer I got was to practice- to embody my practice as a student. I cannot be more grateful to have Pat mentor me, and guide me along this journey to be a better teacher.  Her deep conviction touched my heart and inspires me. There always comes a point in time, a phase in your journey, a particular kind of teacher resonates deeply into your heart who brings out an element in you that you desire to be. 

For me, it's not just about exercise choreograph or exercises, but the meaning and intention- "the life" you give these exercises... Such make me think and connect deeper into what the body needs to stay mobile.

It would be my desire to learn her work well and pass on the torch...

Thoughts

"...all Pilates teachers should find someone excellent to watch over and guide their own Pilates practice. This can be pivotal to the development of oneself and one’s teaching." 

~ Mary Bowen (Source: Pilates Anytime)

I couldn't agree more. I remember when I met Mary Bowen in her specialized "Pilates Plus Psyche" workshop organized in Singapore, I was the youngest in the room at the age of 27 (she guessed so too.) I was in the midst of finding myself, discovering the route that was ahead of me. I honestly hadn't imagined (or planned for) this journey, having graduated in a degree in Chemistry. 

"Don't fear because of your youth." She said, as we went through our individual personality types. "Don't be too hard on yourself if things don't work out the way you want them." 

7 years isn't too long at all. I've just passed the infant stage of my career. 

I'm grateful to have met Pat whom I look up as a teacher mentor, very fortunate to have her guide me and help me understand the true essence of Pilates- so many different schools, so many different styles... I'm still trying to find my style. It's always good to get understanding sorted, and simplified. I think I tend to complicate things...

The past week has been an opportunity to learn, and unlearn things. I can't imagine what else will unfold as we spend more time together.. So what is Pilates? How/what have we been taught, and how/what have we been teaching?

I am surely more inspired to understand better. Time really is in its essence. 
Who needs more time? ✋

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!!