About Me
Life's too short. If you don't look after yourself, then who will?
Hi! I am Hyacinth.
Describe yourself.
Philippine born, Aussie raised, I then moved to Europe and stayed for 20 something years. In 2022, I returned to Asia and getting reacquainted to the way of life that I once knew! I worked in the Private and non-profit sector, juggled family life in between to raise our children. I have three kids (and that's it).
I wear several hats throughout the day, constantly searching for that balance between work+family life! My Pilates experience has been an enriching one since obtaining my certification in 2020 with Balanced Body. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to set up pop up studios in Athens, Madrid, Singapore and now, Kuala Lumpur. As an atypical boutique studio, I exclusively taught on a one-to-one basis with a diverse set of incredible individuals. I am humbled by their respective pilates journeys and grateful for their continued trust.
What attracted you to Pilates?
Pilates entered at a later stage in my life. At a time when I was unaware of how little self care I was giving to myself. I wasn't taking time out for me, nor looking after my mind, nor my muscles as I should.
I badly needed a change.
So I decided that something had to give in order to give way to new things. Pilates did just that. It has literally been change through movement.
Why the Reformer?
I ran a bit for exercise, but it just couldn't keep me motivated. I also suffered from a lower back pain and asthma that restricted me from certain movements on a daily basis. This frustrated me a lot. I wanted something 'low intensive', yet challenging. I could not gravitate towards Yoga on one hand, and the gym was not quite what I was looking for, on the other. It is a personal choice, but the Reformer simply met my requirements. It is very personal, I know!
My first pilates reformer class was honestly quite 'ugly' - I had never felt so uncoordinated or inadequate.
However, I kept at it. I had challenges and continue to do so. But overcoming them, keeps me motivated.
I revived that mental state of being: If I can do that, then there are a many things I can do.
So I'd say, if your first session feels lost on you (as it did for me), I'd like to assure you that my experience was the same.
'Practice makes perfect' they often say, and I guess for this instance, they are pretty right. I have been in group classes and individual ones. I understand the cost difference and everyone needs to do what feels best.
Just like any training, one on one is focused and has a feedback process. This allows for proper execution of the exercises which in turn leads greater rehabilitation and advancement in Pilates.
Final thoughts...
I love the Reformer, so forgive me for being openly biased.
L'atelier pilates 18 is a result of how I would like to share my own experience and appreciation for further learning, for the challenge, for the appreciation of Pilates as it should be practised.
Ciao, and hope to see you at the Studio!
