Attended a pilates course recently and met up with many fellow practicitioners.

There are so many new Pilates studios set up lately, I am glad to see the industry blooming, that means people are more aware of the goodness of Pilates. Consumers are really spoilt for choice ^_^

I have updated studio listings, check them out:

• In KL, Malayisa
• In Singapore

Complimentary Trial Class - The Moving Body

Me and hubby have started furniture hunting as we are hopeful to get our flat at Pinnacles@Duxton by end of the year.

After visiting a few furniture warehouses at Balestier, we went to River Vallery area to get some "up-market" furnishing ideas. While we were there, we thought might as well visit the new Pilates studio nearby.

The Moving Body is opened by my two Polestars mentors, Audrey and Diego. It offers Pilates, Gyrotonics and rehab. I think the flash intro page on their website is pretty cool.

The studio is located at Robinson Walk, free parking on Sunday! The studio isn't very big but very cosy. I really should get the contact of their renovation contractor!

Anyway here is some "lobang" for my dear P-Latte readers. From now till end of September, you can get a complimentary trial class if you quote my blog at registration (of course subject to class availability)! Grab the chance if you always wonder if Pilates is for you.

Where to learn Pilates, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Here are the studios offering Pilates & Gyrontonic classes (Polestar method) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Essential Dance Academy 

72-2 (1st Floor)

Jalan PJU 8/5B, 

Damansara Perdana, 47820, 

P.J, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

bAlign Pilates Studio 

A2-3-3, Solaris Dutamas 1,

Jalan Dutamas1,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.

(Updated 3rd April 2012)

A special Pilates Challenge

My friend, Jacqueline, has just opened her very own pilates studio, The Pilates Place, at Tras Street.

On its website, besides having the usual information about the studio location, class schedules and intructors etc., there is also special opening promotional package that I think it's really value for money.

But what impressed me was the brilliant marketing idea, "Wedding Challenge"!

Jacq is going to train her bride-to-be friend (Mei) intensively for a month, and see if Pilates can transform Mei's body in time for her wedding. You can follow Mei's progress at her blog. I think that is going to be fun!

In fact, Pilates is really useful for any bride who wants to look their best on the BIG day. Not only Pilates can tone up all the crucial areas like abs, arms and back muscles, it also makes the bride walk and stand with proper posture, so that she will look elegant and confident in that beautiful gown! Here is what Lynn Robinson, the co-founder of Body Control Pilates Education, said about how Pilates can be incorporated into the wedding plan:

Differentiating Various Pilates Style

Reader, Karen, has asked me to list the different certification system available or employed in Pilates studio in Singapore, and to elaborate on how and why they differ from each other. I agree with Karen that this will probably be informative for Pilates newbies in choosing a suitable studio based on the teaching styles, and also be useful for those who are interested to learn to teach Pilates as a career switch. As I honestly have too little experience in other methods other than the one that I am trained in (especially classical Pilates) to blog about the differences, Karen was very kind to start me up with lots of resources.

There are actually many certifications system worldwide which might not be as readily available or established in Asia (yet). You may read a New Zealand Pilates info site which features a "Comprehensive Guide: Pilates Schools, Pilates Teacher Training, Pilates Certification". The author is rather non-biased and give interesting (and humourous) personal views on various systems. But below are some certification systems available and employed in some studios in Singapore (in alphabetical order):


Polestar Education / Polestar Pilates Asia
The Polestar Pilates curriculum is designed by Physiotherapist and Orthopaedic Certified Specialist Brent Anderson, and is based on a scientific foundation, as opposed to an anecdotal one. Drawing on his extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent Anderson has expanded on Pilates' principles by adding manual skills, advanced body awareness, and principles from motor control theory. The Polestar Pilates method draws on the sciences of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor control, and integrates scientific research findings in the areas of orthopaedics, sports medicine and movement science. Polestar Education is recognized by the American Council on Exercise as a 'Continuing Education Specialist'.

• Being taught in Singapore: Focus Pilates, Ivana Daniell Studio, Singapore Dance Theatre (Kellie Vanderploeg),
  Sky Pilates

Romana’s Pilates / True Pilates
While many fitness professionals are now offering pilates-inspired programs, or in some cases combining what they call Pilates with exercises from other training regimens, The True Pilates method is different because it refers to the system of exercises that were originally developed and taught by Joseph Pilates. Romana Kryzanowska is the world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates and has been teaching the method for nearly six decades. Long ago Romana made a commitment to Joe and Clara Pilates to continue their life's work and Romana continues to deliver on that promise today by traveling the world and teaching the next generation of instructors.

• Being taught in Singapore: Classic Pilates, The Pilates Studio
  

STOTT Pilates
Started in 1988, Stott Pilates is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Ms. Moira Merrithew (who was certified as a Pilates instructor under the tutelage of Ms. Romana Kryzanowska) and Mr. Lindsay G. Merrithew created the Stott Pilates method of exercise and equipment to include modern principles of exercise science, spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement to the original classical method. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas Stott Pilates exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization.

• Being taught in Singapore: Options Studio, The Pilates Touch

The Fletcher Work by Ron Fletcher
An evolved approach to the original classical method developed by Mr. Ron Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher was a former dancer who studied the method under Mr. Joseph Pilates and his wife, Clara. With his background in dance, he adapted the classical method exercises and created the Fletcher Work which includes the Fletcher Floorwork, Fletcher Towelwork, Spine Corrector and Percussive Breath™ technique.

In addition to covering the complete Pilates syllabus - including all levels of mat and work on the Pilates apparatus - Ron Fletcher has evolved several innovative techniques to support further understanding of the original Pilates method. Among these include Fletcher Percussive Breathing™, Fletcher Standing and Centering™, Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork®, and unique pieces of movement on the full range of Pilates equipment.

• Being aught in Singapore: iPilates

The PhysicalMind Institute - The Method Pilates
An evolved approach to the original classical method. Joan Breibart is the President of the PHYSICALMIND INSTITUTE, formerly the Institute for the Pilates Method. Breibart claims she started the Pilates trend in 1991 with the first Pilates certification, the first Pilates video, and the first portable Reformer. Joan's Pilates training programs are being used world-wide (including Wellington New Zealand).
"She regularly writes on all aspects of the Pilates Movement..."Pity none of her writings are on show at her website, which has no free training information to speak of. She is famous for "Standing Pilates", which was designed for the elderly and infirm (available as a pdf immediate download from amazon.com) -see advert in right hand panel).

• Being taught in Singapore: VF Studio

Pilates in Macau

Thanks to Su-Lin's information, finally my friend in Macau can try out Pilates. I am quite surprised to know it is so affordable to learn Pilates in Macau, it's either MOP$/HK$80 per class, or MOP$/HK$500 for a month of 8 classes.

This Pilate place has no website. So you have to call/ email the owner for more information. Here are the contacts:

Address: Carmo Swimming Pool in Taipa - Studio B,

Rua da Restauração, behind the Taipa Houses Museum

Mobile: 66646783 / Fax: 28841521 / Email: fitforlife_macao@yahoo.com

Budget Pilates

Many have heard about the goodness of Pilates, but they are worried that good stuff like Pilates comes with high cost.

Well, honestly, it can be quite costly for some to learn pilates in professional studios, but then again "costly" is a relatively term. I always feel that classes at studios are "value-for-money" as they really give solid/ superb/ noticeable results.

If you have a tighter budget but want to do Pilates, you may consider these:

1. Community centres or public sports complexes. Class rate is about $110 for 10-12 classes. Remember to try out classes at A FEW centres near your home or workplace, as standard and teaching style of instructors vary. Same as choosing a pilates studio, you will need to find a class where you are comfortable with its location and its instructor.
   
2. Some professional studios offer periodic promotions/ packages which are quite affordable. For example VF-Studio has a recent promo such that you may attend unlimited number of mat sessions for S$180 within a month, or 3 beginner reformer (machine) classes at S$100. I think this is a pretty good deal. So sign up for the mailing list with various Pilates studios to stay updated on promotions (of course you can stay updated by reading P-latte too ^_^).
3. Hire a freelance instructor to teach at your workplace/ condo/ school/ parks etc, so that your peers (ideally about 4 or more people) can help split the cost with you. Market rate of such instructors range from $80-150/hour, and it depends on various factors such as your prefered location & time of the class and instructor's experience.
   

Zii and MK, hope this answer your questions :)

Recommendations for Pilates Starters

I had been really busy in the past few weeks trying to complete my thesis, so shamefully i didn't have time to update P-Latte. :[

April posted some enquiry on my message board but I think I need more space to answer them:

8 Apr 08, 09:50
April: Hi Teresa, I was wondering if u would recommend machines or mat to start? What are the advantages of each?

P-latte: Mat classes tend to be more accessible and affordable than machine classes. But given equal convenience of access to machines and mat, I would recommend to start learning Pilates on machine (either Reformer or Allergro). This is because while exercising on the machine, you can sense your body posture so that you can learn the proper movement with ease. Moreover the springs and straps of the machine can provide some assistance during the exercise, this is good for Pilates newbies as they may not have the sufficient body control & strength to perform the exercises. Nonetheless, I think convenience and access to the classes are more important, as learning Pilates should be a lifestyle and it really need to fit well into your schedule.


7 Apr 08, 18:00
April: Also, which exercise videos do you recommend? and do you know where i can get them from? i have a problem where i think i always use the wrong muscles when exercising thus straining my lower back

P-latte: I seriously do not recommend exercise videos for starters. You will need a good instructor's guidance to perform exercises safely and effectively, especially if you tend to use wrong muscle while exercising. During a class, you can feedback to the instructor if you feel that you are straining your lower back and he/she will point out what went wrong and they will be able to modify the exercise for you to avoid straining. Try to attend classes with small class size (below 12 pax in the class) so that you can get adequate attention from the instructor. Videos are only useful to seasoned Pilates lovers to learn more about the exercises.


7 Apr 08, 17:28
April: Hi there, i would really like to have some recommendations on pilates. Which would you recommend? work in the west but live in the east, so anywhere i can get through the mrt will be great

P-latte: Focus Pilates, Pilates Bodyworks is located few minutes walk from raffles place MRT. VF studio is at Amoy street near Tanjong Pagar MRT. Sky Pilates is near wheelock Place so it is walkable from Orchard MRT :) (updated on 6 May, Options Studio is in walking distance from Dhoby Ghaut MRT) check out their websites and better still, go visit them at the studio to see if you like them! see my post on Choosing a Studio to find out more on what you should pay attention to while visiting the studios. Have fun =)

Learn to TEACH Pilates

I am sure many Pilates lovers wish to become an instructor, so let me share with you my certification story.

I stumbled upon an Australian based Pilates certification through a like-minded friend. We each paid S$1100 and completed the 6-day Level One course. I passed my theory and practical exam and was offered an apprenticeship. But before I could complete the 100 hours training, the studio that hosted the course closed down. Unless I go to Australia, I would have no access to complete the level 2 & 3 locally (obviously it was not an option to me!). Thus my time and money spent in this cert was quite badly invested as I needed to get another cert and start from scratch!

So, don't repeat my mistake to rush into any certification. Do some research and plan properly. Read on.

The Focus Pilates website says:

"...To train in Pilates is an arduous (and expensive) journey with no short cuts...Pilates is a highly integrated and scientific movement system. Learning to be an instructor is more like taking a Diploma or Degree than just an instructor certification."

TOTALLY. I personally feel that learning to be a Pilates instructor is far more difficult than getting my Master degree in Sports and Exercise studies. Not only it is just as expensive, it requires many hours of reading, practicing, thinking, observatory & assistant teaching, trainee teaching and passing a stringent practical and theory exam before you can ever proudly proclaimed yourself a certified Pilates Instructor. More importantly, the road of learning in Pilates never ends, you will have to keep yourself abreast with movement science by even more reading, attending continual education workshops and conferences.

There are 'over-the-weekend' crash courses on Pilates instruction, but they are really meant for those who just want to get a paper to smoke by, and hack-care about learning the real knowledge. A serious and dedicated Pilates certification system is essential to make you a qualified and internationally recognised instructor.

First thing on your road to be certified is to be mentally prepared to dedicate a LOT of time to it. It can take year (or years) to get the certification. If you do have the determination, scout for a certification body that provides local training course and apprenticeship/mentoring programme. It is important to ensure this certification body is recognised by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), an international not for profit professional association for the Pilates method, which specify the internation standards for certification.

To my limited knowledge, there are few certification courses available in Singapore (you might be able to find more on Google), they are:

• Polestar Education hosted by Focus Pilates
• Physical Mind Institue hosted by VF Studio
• STOTT Pilates hosted by Options Studio
• Fletcher Work hosted by iPilates (updated 12/2/08)

Besides checking if they are recognised by the PMA, consider if you are comfortable with the principles and style it offers. Like myself, I eventually found another certification available locally. This time round I was more aware of what was required in the certification process. I made sure there was opportunity to progress in my learning (ie, the host studio wouldn't close down suddenly!) and there are reasonably sufficient trainee hours that match my work schedule. I also found out that this cert advocates evolved Pilates, which applied physical and medical exercise therapy and science into classical Pilates exercises and philosophy. So this very scientific cert is a perfect match for a science geek like me.

Again quoted from Focus' website:

"Please don’t rush your decision to go into Pilates certification. Do some classes as a participant, meet different instructors from different schools of Pilates and see what suits you best. You’ll spend a lot of time with these instructors learning from them and their peers. Pilates is a way of life through exercise and you evolve with it so ensure it’s something you are comfortable with."

Choosing a suitable Pilates Studio

A reader has set her mind to learn pilates from professional studio, and asked how to choose a suitable one.

I personally feel that most of the fully-equipped studios have 2 major differences, which is, their studio ambience and their instructors' teaching style.

Ambience, well, mainly depends on the layout of equipments and mat area, the lighting, background music etc., which should make you feel (if not like home), at least, at ease when you step in.

Teaching style is a little trickier, and it depends on 2 things:
1. Instructor's personality - Fun/ serious/ slave driver or soft mommy-style, you get what I mean
2. Schools/ certifications of pilates where the instructors receive their training.

Some schools teach classical pilates, which meant to teach the principle, teaching method and exercise repertoires originally developed by Joseph Pilates himself; on the other hand, other schools teach "evolved" pilates. Evolved pilates add findings from modern sport and movement science research into classical pilates, while removing or modifying some of the exercises that may deemed otherwise too tough (or "Gang-ko" in hokkien) for the general population.

I would say it is best to keep an open mind and try out the studio that is most convenient for you. If it doesn't have the "X-factors" to make you feel right, try another one, and soon you will find the studio environment and instructor that suit you best!

Where to Learn Pilates, IN MACAU

My friend from Macau was inspired to learn Pilates, but she wonders if she can find a decent Pilates place in Macau.

I did a quick search and found Macau Pilates Practitioners Association on its government website.

I was quite impressed because there isn't any Pilates Association set up in Singapore yet.

However, there is no other useful information about Pilates in Macau on Google. :(

I will check with my Pilates friends for more information. At the mean time, can anyone out there help me and my Macau friend??

Where to Learn Pilates, IN SINGAPORE

In my entry, "Where to learn Pilates", I have given a brief on various types of facilities/venues where you can learn Pilates. Follow the hyperlinks below to find out where to locate some of them in Singapore:

Pilates Studios	Core Fitness Physiotherapy and Pilates (Orchard - Forum Galleria) Focus Pilates(Raffles Place & Orchard)
	Pilates Bodyworks(Raffles Place; Buona Vista)
	Sky Pilates(Orchard)
	Classic Pilates(Closed wef 1-aug-09, taken over by Options Studio, tks Karen for the info)
	Pilates Central (Tanjong Pagar)
	Jace Physio Pilates (Orchard Wisma Atria)
	PowerMoves(Bishan, Dempsy)
	Ivana Daniell Studio (Camden)
	iPilates(Orchard) Pilates Fitness (Telok Blangah)
	Options Studio(Bukit Timah, Dhoby Ghaut)
	Pilates-The-Studio
	The Pilates Inc.(Marine Parade)
	The Moving Body(Robinson Quay, Bt Timah)
	Elements Pilates(Orchard Tanglin)
	The Pilates Flow (Bt Timah) Breathe Pilates (Novena) Pilates Body Pilots (North Buona Vista)
Health Clubs/ Fitness Centers	Singapore Sports Council (Public Sports & Recreation Centres)
	People's Association (Community Centres)
	California Fitness Center
	Planet Fitness
	Fitness First
	True Yoga
	Amore
	Sky Fitness
	Creative Body
	The Body Clinic
	Hotel Clubs
	Country Clubs
Hospitals/ Chiropractic/ Physiotherapist	Singapore General Hospital
	Changi General Hospital
Dance Schools	Jitterbugs
	Tanglin Arts Studio for Dance
	Singapore Dance Theatre
Home Studios	Pilates By The Bay (Previously known as The Pilates Touch at East Coast)
	The Pilates Studio (Seletar)
	Uplift Pilates (Jelita )
	46 Degree Pilates Spunky Pilates (Bukit Timah)
Freelance Instructors	If you want to engage freelance instructor to teach at your workplace/condo/home, contact me for more details. I will try to provide instructor choices, besides myself, through my network of instructor friends :-p)

The above listing serves only as a limited reference for your convenience and it does not intend to endorse/recommend any of them. I have tried some of them so you can contact me to find out my personal views on them.

And if you know of any other facilities/venues to learn Pilates in Singapore (which I might have missed out), please share the contacts/ leads by dropping me a comment.

I will update this list every now and then and you may want to bookmark this page. Click the Bookmark button below and revisit this page. (Last updated on 17 April 2012)

Where to learn Pilates

Your personal preferences and lifestyle might determine what environment works best for you:

Pilates Studios	these businesses focus solely on Pilates, thus they can tailor your Pilates sessions to your special fitness or rehabilitation needs. A fully equipped and staffed studio can offer a larger range of appointment and class times, and many types of sessions, including private, small groups, and slightly larger classes (but not too large!) Typically on a pay-by-session or –class basis, not by membership
Health Clubs or Fitness Centers	offer Pilates along with many other fitness activities, such as yoga and aerobics. Usually membership is required. Typically only Pilates mat classes are offered because they rarely have equipment. These mat classes can be quite large and very mixed in level, which may not address your needs. Some clubs and centers consider Pilates to be an extra and charge an added fee, so ask for details.
Hospitals/ physiotherapy/ Chiropractic Clinics	Focus on rehabilitation or clinical Pilates, versus fitness. Usually offer only private one-on-one instruction, and only limited instructors and time slots available.
Dance Schools	Some offer private instruction or group classes
Home Studios	Some individual instructor set up shop in their home. Usually shops are intimate, personal, quiet, and can be informal (you might have to walk through the kitchen and share a bathroom with the family)
Freelance Instructors	Some instructors do not teach at fixed location, they teach mat classes at client’s premises, such as condominiums, offices or parks. Some of them can be contacted through Pilates studios where they get their certification from.

I have tried most of the options and realised the quality of instruction varies. Personally I like Pilates studios the most as the low instructor:student ratio is very conducive for learning. Most importantly you have to, basing on your very own preference and lifestyle, consider things like location, cost, available supporting staff, class structure and other services, of all your possible options.

Before you commit, try asking if you can observe some sessions and check out the following:

1. Do you like the atmosphere? Is it warm and inviting, also conducive for mental concentration?
2. Do the clients look like they're having good time?
3. Is the teacher focused on instruction, or is she answering the phone, eating and chatting away?
4. How's the condition of the equipments and overall cleanliness of the place?

Read on for "Where you can learn Pilates in SINGAPORE"

Learning Pilates: by yourself or from instructor?

There are great variety of books, DVDs and even online videos that show you how to perform Pilates exercise at home. So can I teach myself with these learning aids or do I need to learn from professionals?

My take is that, it is always good to start learning Pilates, especially the foundation & fundamentals, from certified instructor in a professional environment. This is because a teacher’s trained and watchful eye can ensure that you develop only good habits as you learn the Pilates method of body conditioning. Also, learning in a professional environment is a stimulating and educational experience. You learn by observing other people working out – seeing and hearing the teachers and other students in the process of learning and practicing Pilates.

As you progress, you can depend less on your instructor and practice more on your own. Learning aids mentioned above are good supplements to your guided lessons. They remind you of what your instructor told you so that you can practice at home. However no learning aids will beat the guidance of an experienced instructor.

No matter how advanced our Pilates training and experience might be, you’ll always find that an instructor’s guidance is valuable. Your Pilates workouts will change your body; and your instructor will make sure your Pilates exercises continue to benefit your development.