LISTEN TO YOUR BODY & BE INSPIRED @Pilatez Studio
Perfecting her HANGING PULL-UP on the CADILLAC / Tower machine
When asked if she has an English name, Hwee Zee reacted with a scowl-like expression on her face (one that says, why must I ?) then coolly replied, 'NOPE; clients just call me ZEE but they also nicknamed me HITLER'... I put 2 and 2 together (that the inventor of this exercise form is of German origin too), but wouldn't 3 be too many mere coincidences that her surname starts with 'H' (Ho) too? After observing one of her studio sessions recently, I understand very much why (the hoo haa with Hail Hwee hHitler!), but humour aside, her focus, dedication and strength would make Pilates inventor ( Joseph Pilates) very proud.
Hwee Zee and client, Charn Cy, demonstrating a couple of basic pieces on the Reformer (apparatus)
Born in Kuala Lumpur, raised in Shah Alam and schooled in Convent (historically, Holy Infant Jesus) Klang, Zee was a Science student who later pursued a career in the area of advertising. An exciting field many would agree with no doubt, but she eventually threw in the towel having had enough of 'bending backwards for clients and bosses'. Then, fate delivered new adventures when she chanced upon an article that showed her an opportunity to earn from her clients' pain, so to speak. What could be better than that! As a Certified MAT Pilates Instructor, Hwee Zee now takes pleasure in whipping clients into shape as they willingly bend, stretch, curl beyond their physical limits without so much as a hamster squeal! Talk about a 'reversal of roles' or some might say its Karma?!
Since embarking on this new path and passion, she is happier, calmer and healthier, but every journey comes with sprinkles of joy and disappointment. Sitting comfy and relaxed in her WUNDA Chair (which by the way, does wonders to sculpt, strengthen & define body), she was kind to share this piece of her life with us in this blog interview today.
1) How long have you been practicing?
I've been practicing since 2003 and only teach Pilates
2) Why did you decide on Pilates instead of Yoga which seemingly has a bigger following and possibly a higher earning capacity even?
Back in the early 2000s when I made up my mind to leave the corporate world, I chanced upon an article about Pilates and liked what read ('really liked'). I like that there was a systematic approach to the Method, and proper training and certification was required before one can begin teaching. It was a venture into the unknown as no one knew what Pilates was and neither did I as it wasn't available in Malaysia then. While there seems to be more Yoga enthusiasts, Pilates has its own appeal too so I have no regrets with my decision. (read the benefits of Pilates and Yoga COMBO here)
3) HOW much did you invest in the course and certification?
PLENTY! Not just financially but the time, effort and mental preparation throughout the journey till today are unquantifiable. Still, it is worthwhile!
4) How much did your studio (PilateZ Studio) investment cost?
Close to rm60,000 on the apparatus alone; not including other expenses on fittings, renovation and leasing of space.
5) Do you enjoy your work / sessions with clients?
I LOVE what I do very much! Even more so when I see clients reaping the benefits of their hard work, and over time we develop a sense of trust and bond. But there are days of tension when I noticed clients being inconsistent in their practice and not committed to continuity to fully realize the advantages of Pilates. It is also sad, scary even, for me to see this health form/exercise being bandied (rolled in) as any other sporting fad; especially when untrained people performing risky moves without the proper foundation work and practise.
6) For the majority, exercise and sport is a way of destressing but for you, it is regarded as 'work'. How do you then take a breather?
While I do enjoy my 'work', I'd like to take a break by catching up with friends, hanging out over lunch or a cuppa with my clients; meditation is good too.
7) What is the biggest challenge for you throughout your journey with Pilates?
The physical strain from travelling (350+KM EVERY WEEKEND FOR A YEAR) and learning the course itself was one but the mental preparation was unimaginable beyond exhaustion having to cope with family, finances plus other uncertainties related to the decisions of trying something so new. For the initial certification, my 2 kids were aged 3years and 1year; I had to leave them every weekend taking the 1st bus on Friday morning to Singapore and return on the 6pm bus on Sunday to arrive home KL at midnight.
Thankfully I have a supportive hubby! (shout out to KC!). Subsequent certification and training programs were also done in SG but over the years with a less hectic schedule.
8) Since day one of starting out i.e. learning the course, training, teaching to-date, have you come across any accidents?
None under my watch, thankfully! There's always client safety as well as own safety protocol to follow. Which brings me back again to why I decided on Pilates given its structured methodology of practice and training.
9) Has this sport/hobby changed you in any way?
Physically, it has taught me that for the body to function well, it has to be worked/trained as a whole and not in parts. I also learnt that there is more to strength than just pure brute power. It has helped me to recover in remarkable time from 2 laparotomy surgeries in March 2018. Mentally, I've learnt the ability to focus on my body and also to 'listen' to it better.
10) What is your end aim with this chosen sport?
To impart the beauty of the Pilates Method and help as many clients as I possibly can to achieve their highest potential of inner strength.
11) Would you encourage anyone of your child to step into your shoes to carry on the legacy of PilateZ?
I would if they're keen but there has not been any indication from neither so far... haha!
12) Last but not least, do you have a nickname in this field or something given by clients?
There is one but it might be inappropriate to be published - Hitler ...see what I mean ;-)
Professional Information:
*Studio name & address - PilateZ Studio, A12-03, Tower A, Atria SoFo Suites, Jalan 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 PJ
* Certifications
i) Mat Certification from Pilates Bodyworks
ii) Mat Certification from BASI (Body Arts and Science International)
iii) Comprehensive teacher training with Art of Control
iv) Certified in pre/post natal Pilates with Center for Women's Fitness
* SESSIONS
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