How did I become a Pilates Teacher?

Are you like me when it comes to finding your ideal job or career? Somehow I am a Pilates Teacher and I like it. It was not in my original plan!Someone once said – when you set goals, somehow or other you will find a way to achieve them.One of my goals is to be healthy and mobile even when I reach 60’s and beyond. Hence early on in my life I am very conscious of what I eat – e.g. I changed my habit of adding salt to my food or cooking since I was in my twenties. I have also exercised since – there was not a year I was not doing some form of exercise.Still it does not mean I don’t have physical problems, which I attribute more to poor posture in my other working life – mostly desk-bound with many hours spent at the computer. I realized I couldn’t carry on this kind of life – else I will be less mobile and in constant pain when I reach 60.I didn’t know anything about Pilates Training  – and its benefits in early 2000. By then, I had a chronic pain in my right shoulder – and consultations with all types of medical professionals gave it some relief but did not help in managing the pain on a longer tem basis. Partly, I was still in my old desk-bound job and tied to the computer!Lo and behold, one day I was introduced to Pilates Training and as they say, the rest is history!When I read the book “Return to Life” by Joseph Pilates, I found revelations that guided me into my current career as a Pilates Teacher. Here I want to share with you:

• Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.

Having experienced pain – this statement gave me pause about what I was doing or not doing enough for my body/health.

• Definition of Physical fitness – the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.
• Physical fitness is to develop a coordinated and balanced tri-part unity of body, mind and spirit.

It does not mean everyone has to become a Pilates Teacher to reap the benefits. It is the understanding of Pilates principles, regular Pilates Training, having qualified and good Pilates teachers – allows almost anyone to benefit from Pilates.I chose the Pilates Teacher path – as it enables me to help others and myself!Written by LayYong