How Margaret first started Pilates and ever since it has a been a joy in her life.
During a family relocation to Australia, I found the weather too cold to swim and I couldn’t fit it in my day with a part-time job and two young kids. I ended up doing a mix of mat Pilates, HIIT and bodyweight exercises whenever I could squeeze in the time, and found that Pilates in particular added to my strength, flexibility and posture just after a few sessions. I stood taller and lighter on the feet, and felt leaner, ‘longer’, and stronger.
What do you like about Pilates?
There are so many things I love about it—the precision, fluidity, functionality, versatility, and the mind-body connection. I can be restless at times so practising Pilates requires me to be present, physically and mentally. The emphasis on proper breathing techniques makes it stress-relieving and meditative. Bring the exercise to the mat or change up the apparatus or spring resistance, and you would have upped the intensity or tweaked the focus.
Pilates has a strong rehabilitative element; even if you are not injured, it’s really a powerful and adaptive fitness modality to encourage healthy movements and stay injury-free.
What spurs you to become a Pilates Instructor?
I’ve benefited so much from Pilates that I wanted to share the joy of movement through teaching. I think it’s my ‘ikigai’, i.e. my reason for being. Especially after I’ve been injured, the joy that comes from healing with movement has never resonated even more so with me than now.
What’s your favourite Pilates move?
The Boomerang! It’s a Hundred, Rollover, Teaser and Rowing meld into one beautiful choreography. There’s this raw quality about mat work I love which isn’t as present in the other apparatus because the work is solely between you and gravity.
What are some challenges you faced while training to become an instructor? Any advice / tips to trainees?
Becoming an instructor was a career change. I started with a Mat Pilates course first to be sure it was a path I wanted to embark on. I had some experience in movement and choreography so that was easier to pick up, but understanding anatomy took effort.
Know that you are not alone in your journey as everyone struggles with some aspects of the training, be it your own physical challenges or textbook knowledge. The time and commitment to becoming an instructor is immense, so pace yourself and be consistent. Keep practising and experiencing the exercises in your own body helps you to teach them more effectively and compellingly.
What’s your goal / life motto?
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we left behind”, said C.S. Lewis. Case in point would be my kids, who in their own little ways surprise and inspire me. They have embraced our multiple overseas relocations and transitions over the years with great aplomb and resilience. Their curiosity and zest for life is laudable. They keep me on my toes – in a good way.
What can we expect in your group classes?
A bit of everything so that there’s something for everyone, but definitely to move in all directions because we generally lack mobility.
Tell me something else (unique) about yourself?
In a span of 18 years, I’ve stayed in 12 different apartments/houses, made 13 moves and lived in three countries. But Singapore is always home to my family and I.
What’s your favourite post-workout meal in Raffles Place?
Just an apple cider will do.
Margaret Lim, Instructor
Margaret teaches various onsite group classes from first time Reformer Trial to Prenatal to Multi-level/Intermediate levels. Find out more from our group class schedule.
Alternatively, contact us if you wish to book in for an onsite 1on1 private session with her!