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

Pilates for Sports

It's been a pretty busy period juggling work, and planning for work- the latter involved more travelling and meetups than I had anticipated. But all's been well. I'm grateful for this experience. I think I've taken a huge step out of my comfort zone trying to pursue something that's true to my heart. 

I can't reveal much because there're still many unknowns although also many plans in the pipeline. Slowly but surely..

On a side note, time flies! It will be the end of August soon, and the event for endurance sports is this Saturday! Haha, friends are more excited than I am... They've already texted me that they can't wait! So blessed to have them support this venture, and also, it has been my hope for people to see how Pilates and sports training are actually complementary and WHOLE. 

 

In the hope that such initiative will follow through, I will be starting a class on Thursday evenings at 6pm at Ilies Soma Pilates studio at Holland Village.

TADAHHHH! PM for details, or email^^ mobility.fitness.pilates@gmail.com

xoxo