#instructorfeature

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Instructor Feature | Liana Wee

Her own injuries brought her to discover the wonders of Pilates. Now, Liana aspires to help prevent or minimize injuries in her clients by teaching at Upside Motion! Learn more about her inspiring story of how she uses Pilates to help others.

UM: What were you doing before becoming a Pilates Instructor? I was with a consulting firm that focuses on human performance improvement, and prior to that, as Shops Manager with Raffles Hotel, Singapore.

UM: How did you discover Pilates, and have you always wanted to teach Pilates? It was through my injuries that I discovered Pilates; and thanks to my Private Pilates Instructor, Jose (who still instructs today), I was guided onto this path. It is because of the benefits that I experienced that I decided to teach. I too want to help others prevent or minimise injuries.

UM: What do you do in your free time? 1. Read: I will have a book wherever I go, be it a novel, poetry, or books on injuries. 2. Courses: I try to sign up for courses and workshops, which can benefit others and also improve my own teaching. 3. Dance: I enjoy music and let my soul fly free.

UM: What’s the best advice you can give to someone trying out Pilates for the first time? Do not feel intimidated; we all have our first times! The journey of progress and benefits are definitely worth it.  

UM: Can you share with us an interesting story of one of your clients? She is a mother of an active 2-year old and was suffering from multiple issues: from cervical pains to lower back issues. She wore a neck & lower back brace when we first met. Playing with her daughter was painful and carrying her daughter was unthinkable. With much patience and perseverance on her end, she finally is able to carry her daughter today!

UM: What motivates you? To be able to help someone achieve their goals; and experience their progress together with them motivates me.

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Instructor Feature | Sophia Sng

Behold our athletic fiery-haired instructor Sophia, who specializes in all things aerial at Upside Motion! If you’ve taken her classes and seen her in action, you’ll agree with us that she is one impressive lady. With a solid background in dance, she takes aerial classes to a new level with a keen eye for technique. Let’s see what advice she has in store for the earthbound that yearn to fly like she does.

UM: What were you doing before becoming an AntiGravity instructor? S: I was taking time off from a full time career in research and strategy to spend more time with my son, and chanced upon AntiGravity as an interesting fitness method.

I have always been interested in movement and expression, and have been dancing since I was 5 years old. Though I started with ballet, I also explored other genres like jazz, hip hop, contemp and Chinese dance. However, due to a back injury in 2011 that impedes jumping, I managed to find an alternative in aerial dance such as silks, Lyra and trapeze.

UM: How has your dance background shaped your perception of fitness? S: It probably makes me more obsessed with the quality of movement, form and expression. This means that I'm usually eagle eyed on watching those lines, pointed toes and looking out for expression in body and movement. And this applies to transitions between moves - I demand those to be properly executed too. Having suffered from injuries before, I also believe in respecting the body and its limits. Moving with deliberation is the key, rather than just “anyhow whack”.

UM: What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching AG? S: Seeing clients overcome their initial fears, improve, grow in confidence and achieve their personal milestones. Ideally done with pointed toes and a developed consciousness of form and movement quality!

UM: What’s the most important thing that you’ve learnt after mastering AG? S: I won't claim mastery yet, as it’s a continuous learning process. Aerial arts are still a relatively new fitness and performance form. However, my biggest takeaway is that it's perfectly normal to find aerial challenging at the start. Most of us lack upper body strength initially. Directional confusion when inverted, a fear of heights and vertigo etcetera is all normal. But with regular practice and passion, you can grow in strength and endurance.

UM: How do you find the time to stay fit? S: I think it's about having the self discipline to make time for exercising, and having a supportive family helps. I try to put aside at least 3-4 hours a week to take classes which could be a mixture of aerial, yoga and calisthenics. I'm working on handstands and gymnastic strength recently and it really requires a regular commitment to yield results.

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Instructor Feature | Mirna Liguori

For most of us, Mirna is no stranger, and it’s always a joy to join in her very motivational workouts! Whether doing an Xtend Barre, Pilates or AntiGravity class, Mirna always makes sure her clients have a smashing good time. Let’s get to know our favourite Italian instructor!

UM: How did you find Upside Motion?

M: When I first arrived in Singapore, I was expecting and was looking for some prenatal activities that I could do. That’s how I found Upside Motion! AntiGravity sounded so cool to me, and I thought I’d give it a try after the delivery. Who knew I would get to hooked?

UM: Have you always wanted to be a fitness instructor?

M: Well, my original plan was to follow my mom’s advice. She used to tell me to find a rich man, but I guess she forgot to tell me what to do after that. Luckily, I found something I love doing along the way!

UM: Why do you enjoy teaching?

M: I like how it's so fun, but the most amazing part of teaching is when you see your clients’ progress. Many see transformations in their body: their upper bodies are stronger, and they’re so confident with weights. Some say the best teachers are your own students, and I totally agree. They keep me so inspired! Go guys, you rock!!

UM: Do you have a preference between Pilates, Xtend Barre and AG?

M: Not on the teaching side! But when it's my turn to practice, they kill me all the same. The instructors have me begging for mercy!

UM: What do you do in your spare time?

M: Nowadays my favorite activity is riding my bicycle by the river with my son in the baby seat. He loves it, and always pushes me to go faster and faster... So if you see us, give us a shout so we can stop and give me a break!

UM: What’s your secret talent?

M: I wish I had one! For me, all my goals have been reached with effort and consistent hard work. So I just find my passion, and keep on learning!

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Instructor Feature | Valerie Ho

Valerie is one of our Pilates instructors here at Upside Motion, and like the rest of the team here, she lives and breathes fitness. Her passion for the multi-faceted world of fitness led her to attain multiple teaching qualifications in many disciplines.

UM: How did you start doing Pilates? V: I heard about the benefits of Pilates, tried it, and fell in love with it. I haven't looked back since. The more I learn about Pilates through courses and workshops, the more fascinated I get.

UM: What’s your favourite Pilates exercise? V: Spinal Articulation! It’s a great way to stretch our back and hamstrings. Restores flexibility, releases aches, tension and stimulates production of synovial fluid within the moving joints.

UM: How would you describe your classes in less than 5 words? V: Fun, biomechanics and body awareness!

UM: Do you do any other exercises outside of teaching to stay in shape? V: I do spinning and Zumba classes in the gym. I also do Yoga and lots of walking on a daily basis.

UM: If you weren’t a Pilates instructor, what would you be doing instead? V: I would be a physiotherapist, rehabilitating people from their injuries. Many times, I get to do that as a Pilates instructor too, which is great. 

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Instructor Feature | Michelle Pearson

Michelle is yet another one of our client-turned-instructor wonders, and with good reason! Her Xtend Barre classes are a hit with the regulars here. Let’s get to know our toned New Zealand beauty and find out how she gets her amazing figure.

UM: How did you discover Xtend Barre?

M: After my second baby girl I won a raffle, and the prize was 3 classes at Upside Motion. I tried Xtend Barre and from that day forward, I knew I wanted to teach. It’s my ultimate workout routine.

UM: Xtend Barre is…

M: A fusion of Pilates and ballet mixed to fantastic tunes!

UM: What’s the best advice you can give to someone before their first Barre class?

M: Go with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised and impressed!

UM: Tell us about your proudest moment as an instructor.

M: I don’t have any one particular moment; I am so proud and inspired when I see my regular Xtend Barre babes getting fitter, stronger, leaner and execute the moves with more precision.

UM: What do you do to keep fit?

M: I teach 3-4 classes of Xtend Barre each week and in between that, I’m running around after my two little girls (age 2 and 4). I also do some strength and conditioning workouts with weights.

UM: Any health/fitness practices that you swear by? (E.g. juice cleanse, superfoods, foam rolling etc)

M: Yes! I eat a very clean and green diet with lots of protein. Nutrition is the key.

UM: What do you do to unwind?

M: Drink wine! Sometimes far too many though!

UM: Who inspires you the most?

M: My father. He is the most positive person I have ever met and I am so proud that he is my father. He sees the world through children’s eyes and is always in awe of the world around him. I am so happy whenever I am with him.

UM: What’s your secret talent?

M: I also tap dance!

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Instructor Feature | Jabi Li

Being a part of the Upside Motion family means meeting many big-hearted people from all walks of life. Introducing our multi-talented Xtend Barre instructor Jabi, a chirpy ball of energy who dedicates her skills and time to doing good for others, while staying in the pink of health herself.

UM: How did you discover Xtend Barre? J: I used to do circuit training and TRX until my hip 'popped' after an accident one day, and I lost strength in my right hip. It was just then I was introduced to Beatriz through a mutual friend and signed up for a one-week trial at Upside Motion.

I had only planned to do Pilates mat classes, but ended up trying Xtend Barre too. I remember walking out with wobbly legs and still feeling at the top of the world. I haven't found another workout I love more since.

UM: Teaching Xtend Barre is... J: Something I never expected when I quit being an engineer and left for South America a year ago. From barely making it out of my first class to being an instructor now, I have come a long way. And I just hope to become a testament and encouragement to others who think they can't do it.

UM: Tell us about your fitness routine. J: I get quite enough of a workout from Xtend Barre, but working with lululemon athletica also allows me to try out something different every week, so I don't have a fixed routine.

UM: In my free time... J: I do voluntary work with an NGO, where I still contribute my experience and expertise in engineering. When I still have down time after that, I love to get in touch with my artistic side. Calligraphy and poetry is an outlet for my feelings.

UM: We see that you love to #XtendAnywhere. What's your next destination? J: My next destination would be wherever opportunities (or the NGO I'm working with) will take me. If you don't see me around for over a month, you can expect me to be Xtend-ing somewhere! ;)

UM: My dream career is... J: One dedicated to global community development and empowering others, whether it is through education, human rights, building infrastructure or a healthy lifestyle.

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Instructor Feature | Libby Scofield

Our Pilates specialist Libby Scofield is a glowing vision of good health and form, thanks to her dedication to the practice. On top of that, she’s also a certified Yoga and Personal Trainer, with a background in the medical field too. This week, we find out why this fit and fab lady swears by the reformer.

UM: How did you first discover Pilates?

L: My sister-in-law brought me to one of the mat classes she attended in Seattle. After a few sessions I noticed my back pain and shoulder pain were much better. I promised myself that when I had the right opportunity I would take the training so that I could share such great experiences with others.

UM: What inspired you to begin teaching Pilates?

L: Feeling so great! Before I started Pilates I was a very consistent gym goer, doing weight training and cardio classes, I also had young children at the time and was a dedicated gardener, so I used my body a lot and it was hurting pretty often. Pilates made me feel healed and just really strong in a new way. I felt compelled to share that with others.

UM: What's the biggest reason why someone should try a reformer class?

L: Reformer classes are really fun! You get the energy of a group class, the resistance training, the focus on small stabilising muscles and well as challenging larger muscle groups and you use your core muscles throughout the class.

UM: Have you heard of any myths about the reformer that need to be busted? (e.g. that it's difficult to use, or that it gives a certain result when it actually doesn't)

L: I’ve heard people say that reformers make the exercises too easy and that mat work is harder. While it’s true that the reformer makes some movements more supported, it provides resistance with every exercise, so you are building that lovely, lean muscle with each movement.

UM: What were you doing before becoming a Pilates teacher?

L: I worked in administration in the medical field, first in private practice, then in a hospital setting and finally in Biotech monitoring Serious Adverse Events on an Oncology trial. I think my previous experiences give me a unique perspective on wellness and health.

UM: Do you do any other exercises to keep fit?

L: I do Yoga, weight training and walk between 3-8 miles a day. I’m also trained as a Yoga instructor and a Personal trainer, so those activities come naturally to me and they are easy to do most places.

UM: What's one thing you'd really like to try next?

L: AntiGravity! It looks like so much fun! Who doesn’t love being suspended in the air?

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Instructor Feature | Joanna Chak

Our cheerful and fun-loving instructor Joanna breaks the ice with us this week. Read on to find out how she started teaching, and what she loves about AntiGravity.

UM: How long have you been teaching at Upside Motion?

J: I've been here since February! While I am new to teaching here, I am quite familiar with this place and its friendly faces, since I used to work front desk. This is how I got to know the other instructors and experience our classes.

UM: What’s your first experience with AntiGravity Aerial?

J: I took my first AntiGravity class in New York and thought - wow, what IS this?! I felt so relaxed and calm, and was having so much fun. I never thought I could master inversions, let alone flips or drops but I was always very excited and passionate about it. I have always wanted to work in a field that is about developing a positive relationship between your body and mind, while remaining lighthearted and fun. And AntiGravity fits the bill.

UM: What’s the best part about teaching at Upside Motion?

J: Meeting new people and introducing them to AntiGravity! When I introduce someone new to the wonders of AntiGravity, they feel they're able to stretch deeper, feel less pain and fewer aches from their everyday life. It really helps them achieve great mobility, and seeing its effects on my clients is very satisfying.

The instructors are fabulous, and so open and fun - we all share our knowledge and practice with one another, so I think that's a big plus.

UM: What’s the biggest misconception about AntiGravity Aerial that you know of?

J: A lot of people think they might fall out! They don't know just how strong our hammocks are. They can actually hold the weight of a baby elephant. Also, when you are securely inside the hammock, you're like a little pendulum; the pull of gravity is actually keeping you very secure. The rest of it is just feeling comfortable and developing the strength to find the pendulum within the hammock, no matter what position you're in.

UM: How has doing Pilates and AntiGravity improved your life?

J: I have abs now! Okay, that and I also enjoy greater mobility and far less lower back pain from sitting around during work, I find myself much stronger and able to lift more everyday objects without suffering from strain afterwards.

UM: In an alternate universe, what career would you see yourself in?

J: I also happen to be a children's educator - I would like to teach in a way that specializes in integrating different art forms like movement, music, crafts and logical/spatial reasoning because I feel like learning through fun is very much possible as a child all the way up to adulthood. But if not that - I see myself as a therapist or counsellor. I like helping people and promoting healthy relationships and accepting worldviews.

Catch Joanna in action in one of her AntiGravity Introduction sessions. Look out for her slot in our schedule!