How Xuewei first started Pilates and fell in love with it.
I’ve always been more of a cardio fiend – running and spinning are my staples. But I always knew I needed to complement my workout routine with strength and conditioning work. I started with mat Pilates and immediately loved how much it challenges your body in terms of strength and control. Exercises that looked simple were so much harder when you have to slow down to make sure you are not compensating with momentum and more dominant muscle groups.
I stumbled upon reformer Pilates 8 years ago at Focus Movement and immediately loved how the machine challenges you and supports you all at the same time. But what really got me hooked was the way the instructors helped me become more aware on how the body moves.
What do you like about Pilates?
I love that Pilates is so grounded in movement science, which makes exercises so beneficial no matter the level of fitness. The precision and control in Pilates gave me a whole new level of appreciation of the human body and the importance of moving well. How small things like making sure your knees and 2nd toes align affects how you engage your leg muscles and can affect your knees.
What spurs you to become a Pilates Instructor?
I love being able to share my love of movement with others, helping them feel better and stronger in their bodies.
What’s your favourite Pilates move?
Semi-circle on the reformer! Spine mobility, posterior chain strengthening and hip opening all in one delicious move! The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates was quoted saying “You are as young as your spine.” And the semi-circle perfectly embodies that for me. I always feel years younger after!
What are some challenges you faced while training to become an instructor? Any advice / tips to trainees?
The hardest part of the instructor training was having to understand that everyone feels their body differently. Cues that work for me may not necessarily work for everyone else. It made me understand the importance of communicating in such a way that each person understands so that they can engage the correct muscles to execute the movements safely.
Pace yourself, enjoy the journey of learning movement and never stop having fun.
What’s your goal / life motto?
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
Life is too short to be spent wondering what could have been – be brave and make changes!
What can we expect in your group classes?
Lots of movement! Most of us tend to be quite sedentary in our daily lives, spending hours seated and hunched over work desks and mobile phones. I always try to incorporate mobility work and strengthening because there’s no such thing as too much mobility and strength!
Any other hobby you enjoy doing during your free time?
Walking and getting lost! I have a poor sense of direction so that’s not too difficult to do. Getting lost gives me a chance to discover new places and things, you never know what’s round the corner so that’s always fun. Unless of course, it’s blazing hot, your pits are sweaty, and you are late for an appointment!
What’s your favourite post-workout meal in Raffles Place?
Omnivore from Change Alley! The sweet potatoes are SO GOOD, only second to Don Don Donki’s!
Quek Xue Wei, Instructor
We’d love to move with you! Check the appointment schedule and book a session here
