Pilates Teacher
My Pilates journey began more than 20 years ago at Pilates BodyWorks under the guidance of Pilates Master Teacher Alvin Giam (1955–2015), who pioneered Singapore’s first Pilates studio in 1998.
I was introduced to Pilates on the advice of my neurosurgeon following a series of lower back injuries, including a fractured L3 vertebra and disc bulges at L4 and L5.
I must confess that during the first few years of learning Pilates, I often experienced significant discomfort and pain. Looking back, I am grateful that I persevered. Those challenging moments gave me valuable insights into how and why our bodies respond the way they do.
Through this experience, I developed a more holistic perspective on movement and gained a deeper appreciation for how different movement modalities can complement one another, allowing us to function optimally—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
There have been many turning points throughout my Pilates journey, but one that stands out was a brief stint at Dianne Miller’s studio in Vancouver, Canada.
Dianne Miller (1942 – 2025) was trained and mentored by first-generation Pilates teachers Eve Gentry, Ron Fletcher, Mary Bowen, and Kathy Grant, all of whom studied directly under Joseph and Clara Pilates.
That experience expanded my understanding of movement in profound ways.
One of the key lessons was learning “how to see.”
The same movement performed by two different bodies may not produce the same outcome. Results are influenced by each individual’s posture, movement patterns, and physical history. It depends greatly on what the teacher observes when the person moves.
Alvin often reminded us, “Don’t look for the right movement for your client. Everyone is different.”
Over the years, I have learned—and continue to learn—that sometimes we must look beyond the external shape of movement. When a person moves, what is their body communicating? What story is it telling?
Our bodies are remarkable vessels that carry far more than what can be seen on the surface. When the time is right, and with the permission and trust of my clients, we work together through these deeper layers.
As I reflect on my own journey, many seemingly disconnected experiences have begun to make sense. The dots have connected in ways that have deepened my understanding of both movement and life itself. I believe this resonates with anyone who has taken a leap of faith and embarked on their own personal journey of growth and discovery.
Pilates has certainly helped me rehabilitate my back injuries and address muscular imbalances. More importantly, it has enriched every aspect of my life in ways I could never have imagined.
For that, I am deeply grateful.
Blessings 🙏🏼
