Away from home in New Zealand and Thailand, I embarked on a mat Pilates teacher training course with Body Intellect in 2024 in South Africa. Body Intellect is a PMA ITTAP (International Pilates Training Accreditation Program) certified education institution. Without any real  Pilates experience and knowledge apart from a few Pilates classes that I joined with some friends a few months before the course, I found the course very challenging but suddenly Pilates became my new passion.

Without any knowledge of what a pelvis is and where it is..

Without any rolling over since high school..

Without any ability to roll up even with a small pillow underneath my lower back..

With a small spinal injury from performing a Seal Puppy exercise, that put my learning behind other peers even more..

With almost desperation to give up on roll ups in one quiet evening..

But with a glimpse of hope, ten months later my roll ups started to take shape. I felt a sense of joy when I managed to come up even just a little and when I was able to make improvements in my Pilates practice. It is not about perfect moves, perfect bodies or perfect outfits. It is about the practice of controlled movements with strength, balance and mind-body connection. My practice continues..

“Pilates gives me strength and peace. What is Pilates to you?”