Ms Janette Scott

I read about Pilates in the US, before I moved to Singapore in 1998. Many Hollywood stars had also taken up Pilates, and that made me more interested in knowing more about the big thing within Pilates.

When I arrived in Singapore, I was frustrated with my health – 25 kg overweight, physically ill and easily tired, I could not do what many take for granted – bend over to tie my shoelaces. Walking was a chore as I was plagued with severe aches and pains due to my previous involvement in home renovation projects. At age 42, I felt like I was already in my 70s.

Today, after 3 years with Pilates Bodyworks, I have experienced a new “Me”. Not only am I able to bend over to tie my shoelaces, I am also able to touch my toes and at the same time look up at the ceiling from behind my legs! For years, I suffered from lower back pain, sore feet and sciatica pain occasionally since the birth of my daughter 17 years ago. Now these pains are gone, and this is amazing!

Pilates has helped cut down my cravings for high fat/carbohydrate foods that I used to have 3 years ago. I rediscovered my internal strength that I thought I had permanently lost. I attended classes with Pilates Bodyworks 3 times a week, and complemented with a healthy diet, I was able to shed off 20kg in just 1 year!

My previous high cholesterol and blood pressure has also reduced. My posture has improved. I am able to stand, move, breathe and think more efficiently. My energy level has also gone up. I can now play tennis under the Singapore sun for 2 hours and yet not feel tired. I am so much healthier and a happier woman. I actually feel 20 years younger now, thanks to Pilates Bodyworks!

While doing Pilates, my mind is in deep concentration. After deep breathing for an hour, my brain is oxygenated and I feel great. It is very cleansing and refreshing for the brain. I am not exhausted after the hour-long exercise, unlike other workouts like aerobics. My body feels lighter & limber. I can even ride my bicycle back home after the session.

Note however, that you only get the best out of Pilates with the qualified instructors. Alvin Giam, the director of Pilates Bodyworks, is a guru in Pilates. I had been with him for 3 years and have never seen another person who knows as much as him.

The classes at Pilates Bodyworks are kept to 6 students. Hence, I am able to get more attention from my instructors. The instructors are knowledgeable not only in Pilates but also in physiology. They will tell you the benefits and reasons for doing a particular exercise. I don’t think I can find a second studio in Singapore with as qualified instructors as Pilates Bodyworks.

When I tried out a Pilates session during a vacation in Bali, I felt I knew more about Pilates than their instructor. She (the instructor in Bali) was definitely not as qualified as the instructors in Pilates Bodyworks. She merely asked me to perform certain simple exercises and couldn’t explain the benefits and reasons for a particular exercise, unlike Pilates Bodyworks instructors.

I am going back to Washington next week. I will definitely continue to practice Pilates there, but only when I find a studio with as qualified instructors as Pilates Bodyworks.

I plan to use Pilates to help fight my ageing process, chronic illnesses, and disabilities for the rest of my life. Pilates is so beneficial that once started, you do not want to stop. So people out there, Run to Pilates Bodyworks now, quick Sign Up, Don’t Quit & you’ll see huge results just like me!