It is true that currently there are more women practicing Pilates than men. However this should not deter men from picking up Pilates as it benefits everyone regardless of gender.

Due to the nature of my job, I have to sit for long hours in front of computers, Pilates has helped to correct my posture problems that have been causing neck and back strain. It has also strengthened my muscles and in a way taught me to sit and walk correctly, something that I have always taken for granted until the aches and pains started coming my way. I have chosen Pilates instead of other options because it is a safe and progressive exercise program that does not over-strain my body, the last thing I need is more injuries and pain.

I have been practicing Pilates at Bodyworks for a while now and I feel I have gained much from the Pilates method. I feel more energetic and flexible; the stretching has really helped to loosen up all my tight muscles. Better breathing techniques have also improved my stamina and energy levels and I feel I can concentrate better and stay focused for longer periods of time without feeling as tired.

The wonderful thing about Pilates is that the focus is always on the quality of the exercise and not on the quantity. We are always taught that few good repetitions are much better than a lot of badly executed ones. This in a way prevents over-exertion and hence injuries. The progressive nature of the exercise is also very good for correcting injuries.

Take my daughter Stephanie for example, she has some ankle injuries and she dances a lot. It would hurt when she executed some of her dance steps. I think Pilates has helped her to strengthen that ankle giving her less problems when she dances now. The Pilates exercises are also helpful in correcting her slightly curved spine. It has also given her a better feel of her body center and helped her with her dance.

To me it is important that I see results from the exercises. The reformer program that I am on now focuses a lot on the leg muscles, the pelvic and abdominal muscles as well as the strengthening of the back muscles. I can feel the difference after just about 10 sessions of Pilates. And because I can see results, I am encouraged to work harder at it. I can see myself progressing and challenging myself to a higher level of difficulty with each session. As the classes are small, I get a lot of help from the instructors who will correct me when I am not doing things right.

Many places and gyms are now offering Pilates classes, but I think the lessons are limited to only mat work. That is probably only about 15 to 20 percent of what Pilates really is. Bodyworks is probably one of the very few if not the only fully equipped Pilates studio to offer the complete Pilates program. The instructors are certified and qualified. A lot of the Pilates exercises involve the spine and I would not want to trust anyone who is not qualified.

I feel Pilates is beneficial to everyone, young or old. People with posture or back problems and people with injuries will certainly find it helpful in correcting these problems or relieving the pain. People who are just looking for a healthy form of exercise will certainly find themselves rewarded with better posture, stronger muscles, improved breathing techniques and increased stamina, a more flexible body and most certainly, a stronger spine.

I have gained much from the program and seeing the progress that Stephanie is making as the instructors guide her, I can only say that the benefits have far outweighed the efforts, time and money spent. Although Stephanie has only been practicing Pilates for a couple of months, her ankle and spine have improved. Her posture and balance are better and most importantly for her, she is dancing better.

Ms Stephanie Chen
My dad introduced me to Pilates and he was the one who got me started. He said that it would improve my ankle injuries and correct my spine curvature and help improve my posture and balance. I have been practicing Pilates at Bodyworks for the last few months and my ankle injuries have gotten better. It does not hurt when I dance now. My spine curvature is also improving. Pilates is helping me to become stronger and more energetic. As a dancer I feel that the Pilates’ emphasis on body centers is a great help to my sense of balance.

I enjoy my Pilates lessons very much because they are fun and the instructors are really helpful and friendly. It is not tiring at all and I feel rather refreshed after each session. I feel motivated to keep going back for more after what it has done for me. I am really glad I got started.