Posts Tagged ‘Standing Pilates’

Looking into 2009

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

It is great to be back from a nice getaway – a break necessary to re-charge and re-condition the body, mind and soul. It is also a wonderful last minute decision. Hmm…… to be frank, it must have been 8 years ago that this trip should have been made but you know how things always does not turned out the way you want or least expected it

I am talking about trekking in Nepal, the “Land of the Mountains”. It is a spiritually holistic place in my heart. It has a special draw – both inspiring and awesome.

Sunrise in Poon Hill

Sunrise in Poon Hill

Just like the unforgettable hues of sunrise at Poon Hill at Ghorepani; the ever changing shades of the color yellow that goes from dim to bright, that somehow sparkles as the sun’s brilliant rays splashed its colors across the horizon and flood the mountain peaks with its dazzling rays, sometimes turning pink in the sky, changing to dark and becoming brighter orange until it becomes a huge big ball of warmth.

Have you ever feel that sunrise makes you feel warmth, passion, cheerful, happy and gives a sense of anticipation? To me, sunrise is Pilates Central (our corporate color); warm, intimate, cozy and fun.

The trek turns out to be easier than I anticipated although I have a knee problem and no time to train. Refusing to believe in plain luck, I conclude my strength and stamina to Pilates training and some running. How it is rather easy to switch muscle groups around. When one group is tired, I focus on using another. The rest is techniques and definitely engagement of the core.

Trekking to me means a time to be in my personal space, to reflect, to challenge myself mentally and physically and to connect and re energize- an experience that can’t be explain in a few lines. You have to take it to understand it.

And I suddenly think it will be a great idea to share this experience. Pilates Central will offer Trek Training to anyone who intends to trek but does not know what to expect and has not done it. And because different treks requires different level of fitness, all training programs will be tailored to suit specific goals. It will include advice and recommendations from appropriate gear and shoes to linking up with guides and porters in Nepal. All will be taken care of by us.

So with the right training and the right people with the right trek agency, you are all set for a wonderful experience! Meanwhile, here’s one more to tickle your taste buds!

View from Muktinah at 3800 meters

View from Muktinah at 3800 meters

India, was my next destination. I was in this tomb in memory of one of the prince whose name I forgot. I have the whole place to myself. It was peaceful and serene ….. and since it was cold and foggy and I was inspired to do “Standing Pilates” to keep warm.

Standing Pilates in India

Standing Pilates in India

For me, India means great food! I don’t think I had ever enjoyed a trip where the culinary delights do leave such an impression as I am never a foodie. I eat to live; never live to eat. Everything from the curries especially the vegetarian fare to chapattis, puris, naan and more are wonderful. And CHEAP! And those never ending chai and lassi at every meal. Too bad I never got a chance to opt for a thali. Sigh!

And talking about food makes me think of Lunar Chinese New Year and more food! ;)

As we usher in the year of the Ox, try not to over indulge. However if you feel you did over-do it somehow, don’t fret. Our popular trek at Bukit Timah Hill is back; on Saturday 31 Jan at 3.30pm. You don’t have to be fit to do it and have fun. Just let you hair down and keep those feet moving. We gurantee you will have no time to feel tired for the experience with re-vitalize you! “A-aah!”

No plans for Valentine’s Day? Still thinking of doing something meaningful? We have the solution for you. Love is in the air come February at Pilates Central. Grab your love ones and join us for a fun Valentine’s Pilates Allegro Workshop. Expect lots of interactive bonding. This is the easiest way to close the gap with your partner, child, sibling, colleague, parent, boss etc..…. Don’t lose this chance of putting teamwork and comradeship into action for a great start in 2009. Includes goodie bag and packed lunch; and definitely packed laughter as well!

Here’s wishing all a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Summing up 2008

Monday, December 15th, 2008

I can’t believe I am writing a blog! I have always been reading blogs but never ever written one. A techno flob like me is finally on the road to be IT savy! :)

The reason for starting this blog is simple – to make Pilates more personalized and definitely to share my thoughts on what I love to do most; teach and learn Pilates! And to keep doing it ever. To make this blog an interactive place where all can have a place to share and learn.

It has been a most astounding 2008 for Pilates Central – the new name of our Pilates Studio. Why Pilates Central? Simply because we are centrally located in the Central Business District. It will be hard to miss us with our prominent stick man logo all over our front façade. We now boost a new and bigger cozy lounge area with throw cushions. We even redo a layout to separate private training away from group classes with new reformers.

New Facade of Pilates Central

New Facade of Pilates Central

The purpose of these new machines is to facilitate our “Intro 3” program – a 3 private one on one session for beginners new to Pilates and to facilitate our students taking PMI’s Pilates Teacher Certification Program. We also started offering remedial massage and discover it is fast picking up pace as one of the most popular. Most of our clients feel it is a brilliant way to compliment their Pilates training with remedial massage (not to be confused with standard massage)as it helps to release tight joint capsules and re-align tight ligaments, tendons and muscles. They can feel the difference!

New Reformers for Group Classes

New Reformers for Group Classes

As we are the only certifying studio in Singapore for PhysicalMind Instititue’s (NYC) Pilates Teacher Training Program since 2004, our first group of students had just completed the Concentration 101 – Pilates full equipment & apparatus course. This program is an intensive but a straightforward way to be a Pilates Instructor in machine work. It comes fully supported with in- house apprenticeship and mentoring programs. Hence if you have been in the studio you would have seen our new trainees observing classes and doing case studies with their clients.Moving forward into 2009, PMI’s latest teacher’s program “Initiation 301” – Circular Pilates will be added in later part of 2009; the final stage to the full Pilates Mat Work Certification. If you want a career switch to become a Pilates instructor like me, subscribe to our mailing list or better yet email me at jo@pilatescentral.com.sg so we can send you the details.

To kick start 2009, “Standing Pilates” – the NEW 2nd level of Pilates Matwork workshop is now open for registration. To end 2008 on a high note, we have lined up a series of promotions for this holiday season.

With this year almost gone and next year upon us, it’s the time of the year to make resolutions! My hopes for next year will be to create more fun and exciting programs and workshops. Stay tuned for more excitement here!

And here’s wishing all a Merry Xmas & a fabulous New Year!