Ms Sue Kaur

My first contact with Pilates was when I read about some articles in the Straits Times and Her World magazine. In these articles, Pilates was one form of exercise mentioned that could help to rehab individuals with back and spine injuries.

I had my first spine surgery in 1988. After the surgery, I was still having occasional endurable pain and had to rely on painkillers to manage the pain. It was from 1997 onwards that I started to suffer more frequent pain on my spine.

I used to work from 8.30am to 10.30pm or even till midnight in the years between 1996-1998. The stress of my work had made my spine condition deteriorate, especially 1998. It was so bad that occasionally I had to use a cane to help me walk. I could not walk more than five minutes without screaming about the spine pain I was suffering. It took me exactly five minutes to alight from my husband’s car, take a lift up to my office and reach the office door. Then I had to squat down or sit down to rest before I could walk to my desk. At that time, my colleagues had to help me buy lunch everyday, so that I did not need to walk too far out of the office. I would need company to go to the washroom in case I fell. This left me with no choice but to have a second surgery in October 1998.

After my second surgery, my condition was manageable until last year (2002). My son had severe colic when he was born, and I had to carry him a lot. This aggravated my spine conditions and I had to re-visit my chiropractor. As I already had two surgeries and could not undergo a third one, I had to take up therapy with my chiropractor. However these therapy sessions did not help ease my pain. To make things worse, I also suffered from arthritis. Coincidently, I read about an article on Pilates and so I came to know about Pilates Bodyworks.

I first called another studio to check, but was told that they did not treat people with spine problems. It was then when I called Pilates Bodyworks. They invited me to go to the studio and observe the classes. Pilates Bodyworks was exactly the type of studio I was looking for as they could tailor a program to treat my spine problems. They had the experience in treating many other patients with bone problems. While observing the class, I could see the professional skills the instructors had when performing Pilates and coaching the students. This gave me the confidence to sign up for a 36-session package with Pilates Bodyworks.

I was glad to meet Alvin who I can relate to and understand my pain and sufferings as he also injured his back and recovered with Pilates. After only one and half month sessions with Pilates Bodyworks, 3 times a week, I was able to totally put away all my painkillers!

I am currently physically stronger, walk straighter, and Pilates improved my body posture. It has awakened all my senses! While walking and sitting down, I am now more aware of my body posture. This helps in reducing the pains and aches I had.

Pilates also helps in enhancing my energy level. I do not feel tired so easily. My life has improved, and I do not feel as much pain that I used to at my spine and I am a happier woman now. The chronic pain had taken over my life few years ago. I cannot imagine going through that intolerable pains again but I have no fear now. I can be more optimistic towards life now without all the pain and suffering. Pilates has given me a better, healthier and happier life!

Classes in Pilates Bodyworks are small with not more than 6 students. Instructors thus can closely supervise the students and give the needed attention. I can thus learn more, compared to classes with many students.

Alvin has retained the purity of Pilates and is very strict when students perform the various Pilates methods. Being taught by a few instructors, I can see their consistent professional standard. The instructors at Pilates Bodyworks are very qualified and extremely well trained.

Pilates is not only for people with spine problems, Pilates is for everyone. It gives you a limber and flexible body. As quoted from Ron Fletcher, “in 10 sessions, you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions, you will see the difference, and in 30 sessions, you will have a new body.” And of course, I have felt and seen the difference in my body.