My Pilates Journey
My journey with Pilates started when I was a dancer in my teens, as it was used as a form of exercise to strengthen and condition our bodies. My passion for mindful movement deepened at a Melbourne studio called Core Plus, where I fell in love with yoga and Pilates. While studying osteopathy at university, I wanted to train in a mindful practice to complement my skill set, so I completed a mat Pilates teaching course with Barre Body in 2020. To expand my expertise, I pursued further training and became a reformer Pilates instructor through Positive Actions. Over time, I taught mat and reformer Pilates at multiple Core Plus studios in Melbourne and also led sessions in corporate, sporting trainings, and clinical settings, as well as at events like the Australian Open. Recently, I transitioned from teaching up to 25 classes a week to working full-time as an osteopath. I also became the Head Anatomy Facilitator at the School of Movement in Melbourne, where I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with future Pilates teachers.
Reasons why I love Pilates
What I really appreciate about Pilates is its versatility—it’s suitable for everyone, whether you're rehabilitating an injury, an athlete, pre- or post-natal, or simply seeking general fitness. The classes offer a variety of modifications and challenges to meet an individual's needs. Additionally, Pilates emphasises a strong mind-body connection, focusing on breath and movement, which promotes mindfulness and mental clarity.
Personally, I love how Pilates feels familiar to dancing growing up. The rhythm of moving to music, the mind-body connection, and the sequence of exercises all feel similar to a choreographed routine.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of mindful movement involving a series of low-impact exercises with concentration on breath and control. Pilates has a strong focus on abdominal engagement while also improving posture and flexibility. In the early 20th century, Pilates was first invented by Joseph Pilates and was originally known as “Contrology”. Joseph invented an apparatus known as the reformer machine for a rehabilitation tool for injured soldiers in World War I, then as a form of exercise for dancers in New York. Pilates is practiced based on 6 principles known as the “Pilates Principles,” which are:
Concentration
Control
Centre
Breath
Precision
Flow
The Benefits of Pilates
Research suggests many benefits of participating in Pilates for a wide range of ages, health conditions and physical capabilities.
Benefits of Pilates include:
Reducing body mass index and body fat percentage
Relieves pain and disability
Improves sleep quality
Improves dynamic balance
Improves strength and flexibility
Reduces risk of falls
Improves lower back pain, neck pain and arthritis
From my early days as a dancer to my current work as an osteopath and facilitator, I’ve seamlessly integrated Pilates into various aspects of your life and career. Pilates has transformed my life, and I can’t wait to share this mindful practice with the community. Pilates is a practice that can benefit anyone, no matter their age, fitness level, or background. Stay tuned for Pilates classes coming to Prom Health. We are excited to see you in our studio soon!
