What is OptionsPilates?

Sharon Brendia

Instructor Trainer / Pilates Instructor

Sharon is a former contemporary dancer/choreographer who is currently a Pilates Academy International (PAI) Master Instructor Trainer, certified in Gyrotonics® and former Instructor Trainer in STOTT PILATES®. While dancing professionally, she decided to further her qualifications by taking the teacher’s course for STOTT PILATES® in Canada, for which she was certified in 2005.  In 2007, she retired from dancing and moved to Hong Kong to work full-time as a senior Pilates instructor.  She joined Options Pilates Studio in 2009 where she continued her education by taking the instructor training course in Canada and Spain. In September 2013, Sharon presented the Core Barre on a Wedge Workshop at the AsiaFit Convention in Bangkok, Thailand and at the IFEX, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Creating positive results is Sharon’s aim, and she strives to help clients feel better and stronger after sessions, assisting them towards a healthy and positive lifestyle. Sharon is also a teacher trainer who inspires and challenges her students to reach their fullest potential. As of today, she has certified countless excellent instructors who have gone on to make a difference in the lives of others.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pilates education
• Pre/Post-natal Pilates and diastasis recti recovery
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Gyrotonics® and Gyrokinesis®
• Post-rehabilitation
• Level 2 Pilates (Advanced)

Education and Training:

• The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) – Teacher Certification ID: 15027 (2016)
• Pilates Academy International (PAI) Master Instructor Trainer (2012)
• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1 & 2: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels) (2012)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2014)
• Former STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer (2011)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Fully Certified); Injuries and Special Populations (2005)
• Jungle Sports: Physio Educative 1 Instructor (2017)
• The Center Method for Diastasis Recti Recovery by The Center for Women’s Fitness (2016)
• Master Trainer for SilkSuspension™ (2017) and CARDIOLATES® (2013)
• Certified GYROTONICS® Instructor (2013)
• Certified Redcord Neurac Trainer (2010)
• DCPMA (Major in Dance) with University of Philippines (2000)

Roderick Mendoza

Instructor Trainer / Pilates Instructor

Erick is a Physical Education graduate from the College of Human Kinetics, University of the Philippines majoring in sports. As a varsity player, he trained, competed and won a few medals in the sport of Judo.

His fitness experience ranges from aerobics and gym training from the 1990s where he started as a trainer and eventually managed a club at Fitness First Philippines. He soon became a Master Trainer, training new instructors who wanted to become personal trainers and thereafter managed the fitness department as a National Fitness Manager overlooking 13 clubs. He has previously worked in Saudi Arabia and Dubai and is now teaching Pilates at Options Studios Singapore and sharing his experience and expertise through instructor courses.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pilates for fitness
• Posture improvement
• Post-rehabilitation
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Athletic conditioning

Education and Training:

• The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) – Teacher Certification ID: 15025 (2016)
• Pilates Academy International (PAI) Master Instructor Trainer (2015)
• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1 & 2: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels) (2014)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2014)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Fully Certified); Injuries and Special Populations (2012)
• Jungle Sports: Physio Educative 1 Instructor (2017)
• Co-creator of CORE SUSPEND™ Suspension Training (2013)
• Kettlebell Level 1 Coach (2013)
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer (2012)
• Functional Trainer Specialist NESTEA (2011)
• Fitness Nutrition Coach NESTEA (2011)
• Redcord Neurac Trainer (2011)
• Judo Black Belt (1998)
• College of Human Kinetics – Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Major in Sports (1991)

Angie Seow

Instructor Trainer / Pilates Instructor

Angie began her career as a coral restoration researcher before making a switch to the Pilates industry. This mid-career change was motivated by a love for movement, biology and the desire to work with people. Pilates offered these facets rolled into one. Angie has since worked with a wide range of clientele at Options Pilates Studio – from pregnant and post-natal mothers to seniors, homemakers, working professionals as well as teenagers looking for strength training and correction of muscular imbalances.

Coming from a background of restorative ecology, she now finds fulfilment in helping others restore their health. Her interest lies in working with the elderly and clients with musculoskeletal issues. She often engages in post-rehabilitative work – assisting clients to find freedom from chronic pains and restricted movement through specially-designed exercise programs. Empowering people with a deeper understanding and awareness of their own bodies is key in the way she teaches. She is presently pursuing her Certification in Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and sharing her knowledge and experiences through teaching Pilates instructor courses.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Post-rehabilitation (spinal issues, knee injuries, scoliosis, osteoporosis)
• Pre/post-natal Pilates & diastasis recti recovery
• Pilates for dancers
• Suspension training

Education and Training:

• The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) – Teacher Certification ID: 15011 (2016)
• Pilates Academy International (PAI) Master Instructor Trainer (2015)
• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1 & 2: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels) (2014)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (PAI) (2014)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Fully Certified); Injuries and Special Populations (2013)
• BASI Pilates® Pilates Anatomy Course (2017)
• Jungle Sports: Physio Educative 1 Instructor (2017)
• The Center Method for Diastasis Recti Recovery by The Center for Women’s Fitness (2016)
• The Centre for Women’s Fitness: Pre/Post-natal Pilates Specialist™ (2016), Pilates Applications for the Pelvic Floor Program™ (2014), Pilates for Menopause Program™ (2014), Myofascial Release Techniques for Fitness Professionals™ (2014)
• RockTape Kinesiology and Power Taping Seminar (2016)
• CARDIOLATES® Trainer – Pilates on Fifth (2014)
• Trigger Point Therapy – Myofascial Compression Technique (2013)
• BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences (Biology) (2005)

Annie Agoncillo

Pilates Instructor

Annie’s interest in Pilates started in 2001, and eventually led to her expanding her knowledge through workshops and short courses. A year after, she started teaching freestyle Pilates Mat. In 2004, she took the STOTT PILATES® training (Mat and Equipment) and become a certified Level 1 instructor in 2005. She received her full certification (Level 1 & 2) in 2010.

Annie believes that continued learning is essential for herself as a teacher, because it provides a chance for her to grow, discover and develop her skills. She is happy to say that she is fulfilling it now as a Certified Pilates Instructor with Pilates Academy International.

As a teacher, Annie is focused and loves motivating her students – challenging and teaching them that Pilates is not just another form of exercise, but a unique exercise system that will allow their bodies to move and respond differently and hence reap amazing benefits.

Areas of Expertise:

• Post-rehabilitation (knee, back and shoulder conditions)
• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Athletic conditioning
• Pilates for golfers, tennis players and runners
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Pilates for men
• Pilates for teens

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1 & 2: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels) (2013)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2014)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Fully Certified) (2010); Injuries and Special Populations (2009)
• Fascial Fitness Intro and Trainer Course (2015)
• Yoga Instructor (200 hours) (2008, 2015)
• Smart Movement Trainer – CORE SUSPEND™, CORE REFORM™, CORE BARRE™ (2013)
• Redcord Neurac Trainer (2010)
• Group Fitness instructor at Fitness First Philippines (2003-2009)
• Les Mills Instructor (RPM, Body Combat, Body Balance, Body Attack) (2003-2009)

Koko Minami

Pilates Instructor

Koko has been learning Flamenco for a long time and she started Pilates to get more stability and flexibility. After a short period of time, she realized the physical and mental benefits of Pilates was unbelievable. Koko decided to get her teaching certification so that she could help others discover the many perks of a consistent Pilates practice.

As a practitioner and trainer, Koko is continuously inspired by how Pilates re-educates and heals the body. She enjoys working with people of all fitness levels, as well as teaching Pilates for pre- and post-natal clients.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Athletic conditioning
• Japanese /English Pilates
• Pilates for teens
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Post-rehabilitation

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, Level 2: Mat and Reformer) (2013-2017)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2014)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor; Injuries and Special Populations (2009)
• CARDIOLATES® Trainer – Pilates on Fifth (2014)
• Redcord Neurac Trainer (2011)
• Bachelor in English Linguistics (secret!)

King Patrick Marcelo

Pilates Instructor

Patrick is a licensed nurse by profession. Having the experience of working in a hospital and clinic set-up, he is adept at caring for different types of patients from newborns to geriatrics, men to women. His desire to help others grow in wellness, combined with his love for exercise, prompted him to start his fitness career soon after.

He began as a licensed lifeguard in a fitness center back in the Philippines where he was eventually introduced to the world of Pilates by one of the instructors. Initially he was hesitant, believing that Pilates was only for ladies. He has now realized that the benefits of Pilates extend to everyone, even men!

In 2011, Patrick completed his official training in Pilates in Singapore. He went on to teach in Options Studio (Manila) and was often invited to be the guest instructor at Absolute Pilates, Bangkok. Currently with six years of teaching experience, he is still constantly seeking to expand and develop his teaching skills and knowledge.

Areas of Expertise:

• Suspension training
• Athletic conditioning
• Pilates for Men
• Post-rehabilitation (herniated discs, scoliosis, knee injuries)
• Pilates for teens
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels; Level 2: Mat, Reformer) (2015-2017)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2016)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (2012)
• Jungle Sports: Physio Educative 1 Instructor (2017)
• CARDIOLATES® – Pilates on Fifth (2014)
• Fitness Innovations Manila – Special Conditions Workshop (Lower & Upper Body Injuries, Spine Conditions) (2013)
• Redcord Neurac Trainer (2011)
• BS in Nursing (2006)

Katrina Santos-Mercado

Pilates Instructor

From her humble beginnings in the Philippines, Katrina has grown to be one of the most respectable artists in the field of dance. She has been singled out by critics for her innate musicality, unforced line, delicate neck and beautiful face, and she has continued to charm the Philippine dance scene since she became a member of the Dance Theater Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater and Ballet Philippines.

From being a professional ballet dancer, she also taught dance in reputable dance schools in Manila implementing the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Syllabus. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree major in Dance, she has been department chair and lecturer of the DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts-Bachelor of Performing Arts in dance.

Her passion in teaching found its way to Pilates. As a former ballet dancer, it was interesting for her to find the connection and application of Pilates to dance. Having understood Pilates in a deeper sense, she became more amazed with how Pilates can make a client move with ease and grace after making it part of their regimen. She is now a certified PAI (Pilates Academy International) instructor for Options Pilates Studio, Singapore.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Group reformer Pilates
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1: Mat and Reformer) (2016)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2016)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Level 1: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels; Level 2: Mat); Injuries and Special Populations (2011-2015)
• Professional Ballet Dancer (former)
• Certified Australian Conservatoire of Ballet teacher (2013-2014)
• Merrithew Mindful Movement World Tour 2013, Osaka Japan
• Merrithew Health and Fitness: Total Barre Qualified Instructor, Zenga Qualified Instructor (Mat Level 1)­ (2013)
• Redcord Education Program (Active Introduction, Active Corrective Exercises, Active Multi-Suspension Exercises) (2011)

Katherin Saoud

Pilates Instructor

Katherin has been a sports enthusiast since she started walking. 16 years back, she signed up for a Pilates training session and she became addicted (in her husband’s words) to the exercise system almost instantaneously. After several years of practicing, she decided to take her passion with Pilates a step further. In 2009, she enrolled in the STOTT PILATES® Academy in Sao Paulo-Brazil, which seemed only like yesterday. Today, she is a proud fully-certified Pilates Instructor for Pilates Academy International with Option Pilates Studio in Singapore.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Pilates for fitness
• Training new clients

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1 & 2: Mat and Reformer; Level 1: Cadillac, Chair, Barrels) (2016)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2016)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor; Injuries and Special Populations (2010)
• Smart Movement Trainer – CORE REFORM™ (2016)
• The Centre for Women’s Fitness: Pre/Post-natal Pilates Specialist™ (2015)
• The Center Method for Diastasis Recti Recovery by The Center for Women’s Fitness (2015)
• Bachelor in Computer Science (System Analyst) (1994)

Jenny O’ Malley

Pilates Instructor

Jenny started doing Pilates 10 years ago, but it was pregnancy that led her on her journey of becoming a Pilates Instructor. She has been trained by Options Pilates Studio, Singapore. She is trained under New York-based Pilates Academy International (PAI) in Mat, Reformer, Chair, Cadillac and Barrel and Post Rehab. She also earned her certification in Pre-and Postnatal Pilates and Pilates for Menopause by the Center for Women’s Fitness.

She is very enthusiastic, positive and has a good rapport with her clients. With her background, she is always ready to help all her clients on their fitness journeys, whether it is through post-rehabilitative Pilates, functional Pilates, or just having an all-around feel-good workout.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Busy mums who want their core back
• Pilates for posture, core strength, flexibility and overall wellbeing

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1: Mat and Reformer) (2014-2015)
• Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2015)
• The Centre for Women’s Fitness: Pre/Post-natal Pilates Specialist™, Pilates for Menopause™ Trainer (2015-2016)
• Bachelor in Retailing/ Fashion Merchandising (2002)

Melissa Pascual

Pilates Instructor

The demands of Melissa’s previous career in corporate management took its toll on her body and mind. This eventually led to a strong conviction that health and body awareness should be some of the foremost priorities in life.

Melissa was active in sports such as swimming, taekwondo, running, badminton and Ultimate Frisbee. She even kept up with a gym routine in the hopes that it would increase her endurance and performance in these activities. She realized, however that the gym work did not suffice to fully condition her body to perform competitively. These strenuous sports weakened and strained her knees and she eventually required rehabilitation.

In her search to find another avenue to work out safely, Melissa found Pilates – an intelligent exercise that enhanced her overall performance in sports. It not only helped her strengthen her core but gave her deeper understanding of her body – a stronger sense of awareness to perform and move optimally.

Having obtained her Pilates training and certification at Options Pilates Singapore, Melissa now wants to share her joy in helping fellow athletes, sports lovers and anyone who simply wants to strengthen their body for overall fitness.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Myofascial release
• Post-rehabilitation (foot, knee and shoulder)
• Pilates for athletic conditioning (golf, racket sports, running, swimming)

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels (2014-2017); Level 2: Mat (2016)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2016)
• Major in Communication Arts and Major in Advertising Management (2002)

Taeko Farthing

Pilates Instructor

Taeko was born in Japan and has been living in Singapore since 2005 with her English husband and four children. She started learning Pilates at Options Pilates Studio in 2009 after the birth of her second child. As she coped with the demands of motherhood, Taeko noticed the gradual change in her posture over time. Realizing the need to maintain her body postural alignment and strength, she decided to do Pilates seriously – and found that it helped her body recover very fast after child birth!

She started to understand that Pilates is a mind and body program that can build strong foundations for all types of people and lifestyles. In Taeko’s own words, “If you visit this website, you already know what you need. It’s time to get started for your future!!!”

Areas of Expertise:

• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Japanese /English Pilates
• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Athletic conditioning

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac) (2015-2017)
• JP Morgan Chace – Receptionist (2003-2004)
• Donna Karan Japan Pte Ltd – Sales and Press Assistant (2001-2003)

Jackie Pau

Pilates Instructor

With a passion for Pilates since she first tried it in 2000, Jackie has pursued certification in different methods of Pilates to widen her repertoire and depth of knowledge so that she can help clients achieve their goals better.

Apart from Pilates, she also looks at combining different modalities such as Core Balance, TRX, CORE BARRE™, Body Rolling and reflexology when she teaches, enabling clients to receive a holistic approach to exercise and walk out of a class feeling better. Her curiosity in understanding how the body works has led her to take up different courses to constantly improve her skills. Jackie is also a freelance writer.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Athletic conditioning
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Assessment and treatment of movement/joint dysfunction
• Hip, knee and shoulder rehabilitation

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1 & 2: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels) (2015)
• Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2015)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Fully Certified) (2013); Injuries and Special Populations (2009)
• Polestar Pilates Instructor (2001)
• The Center Method for Diastasis Recti Recovery by The Center for Women’s Fitness (2016)
• Inside Out Training (2015)
• Certified TRX Trainer (2012)
• Certified Reflexologist with the Reflexology Association of Canada (1997)
• BBA in Marketing (1986)

Chisa Tusjimura

Pilates Instructor

Chisa encountered Pilates as a client after delivering her twin daughters. When she started taking up Pilates classes, she felt herself becoming not only stronger physically, but mentally too. Despite the demands of motherhood, she felt healthier and more energetic as she incorporated Pilates into her daily exercise regime.

As Chisa’s passion for Pilates increased, she grew in her desire to share her experience with people so that they can likewise benefit from this exercise system. She decided to take up an instructor course to gain more knowledge. Today, Chisa is living out her vision in Options Pilates Studio. She believes in empowering her clients to integrate the Pilates method into other daily activities and sports. She enjoys helping clients achieve fitness goals and assisting them in working towards increased body awareness, strength and stability.

As a nature lover herself, Chisa enjoys mountain trekking (especially in the Himalayan region) in her personal time.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Japanese /English Pilates

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels) (2013)
• Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2013)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor; Injuries and Special Populations (2014)

Eugena Bey

Pilates Instructor

Eugena is a dance graduate from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), and has performed for several major events such as the Esplanade’s Da:ns Festival, NAFA’s annual diploma showcase – Crossings, and competed in Hong Kong back in 2013 and was awarded Gold. Prior to beginning her career as a Pilates instructor, she was also dancing for a local contemporary dance company, Re:Dance Theatre, while teaching Ballet and Creative Movement to kids aged 3-12 years old under the CSTD Syllabus.

On the side, Eugena is also a locally-known Content Creator. She was scouted, and currently being managed exclusively by Faces Talent Management. Some of her works include web campaigns, print ads and/or commercials for brands such as Calvin Klein, Adidas, Sephora, G2000, Kenzo, and many more. Eugena has also been featured on CLEO magazine, Her World Singapore, and Teenage Magazine.

Eugena first encountered Pilates as part of a module in her school curriculum, but eventually fell in love with it as it helped her to become a stronger and more confident dancer. She chose to embark on a journey to become a Pilates instructor so that she will be able to pass on the knowledge to more dancers, assisting them to achieve longevity in their dance careers.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Pilates for dancers
• Pilates for young children and teens

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1: Mat, Reformer) (2015)
• Smart Movement Trainer – CORE REFORM™, CORE BARRE™ (2015, 2016)
• Diploma in Dance (Performance) Major: Contemporary (2014)

Flora Yee

Pilates Instructor

Flora is first a secondary school choir instructor and then a Pilates instructor. She has been teaching school choirs since 1996 and participating in regular national and international choir competitions and events with them. Due to a stressful work practice, she used to fall sick frequently. When she started taking up body-mind-soul classes like stretching, Pilates and yoga in 2009, she felt herself becoming healthier and more able to cope with work-related stress. Subsequently, her lifestyle became more balanced.

Flora began to find Pilates very interesting and challenging as there were many modifications and possibilities available for different clientele. There was also more to Pilates than just mat exercises – she realized that the principles of Pilates were also applicable to help her choir students sing better.

Eventually, Flora decided to take up an instructor course to deepen her own knowledge of the subject. With the certification, opportunities to teach and cover Pilates classes became available. Such opportunities exposed her to different types of clients and their needs, helping to better her knowledge of Pilates and at the same time, increasing her desire to learn more.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Matwork (non-equipment based workouts)
• Pilates for mobility and flexibility
• Working with singers, teenage choristers, musicians (core control, posture and alignment and joint mobility)

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Level 1: Mat and Reformer) (2016)
• STOTT PILATES® Instructor (Mat) (2012); Injuries and Special Populations (2016)
• Bodytree Academy Pilates (Matwork, Reformer, Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Spine Corrector), Strength and Mobility (2016)
• Fletcher Pilates Intensive (Floorwork, Barrework, Towelwork) (2014)
• Barefoot Training Specialist Level 1 with Dr Emily Splichal (2017)
• Dual Zone Myofascial Release (Functional Training Institute) (2016)
• MA in Educational Psychology (2003)

Alethea Chor

Pilates Instructor

Alethea has worked in both the private and public sectors for more than 15 years. During those years, Pilates helped her through difficult times, grounding her with an understanding of “mind-body connection” and giving her a sense of inner peace. Alethea was a Pilates practitioner for over 9 years prior to teaching Pilates professionally in 2015.

Pilates has restored Alethea’s sense of well-being and transformed her life. She is now set on supporting others on their journey to restoring balance to the mind and body, which she believes will dramatically improve their quality of life. Alethea teaches Pilates full-time now and practices energy healing. She is passionate about helping people restore their state of well-being through physical fitness and healing of the mind.

Alethea is constantly learning and improving herself so that she can provide the best for her clients. During her free time, she is an avid photographer and traveler who loves to explore new cultures and places. It allows her to open her mind to new things and to experience life in many different exciting ways.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Pre/post-natal Pilates & diastasis recti recovery
• Post-rehabilitation (ankles, knees, lower back, shoulders, stroke patients, pain management due to fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome)
• Marathoners and rock climbers

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1: Mat, Reformer) (2016)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2017)
• The Center for Women’s Fitness: Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates (2017), Pilates for Menopause (2017)
• The Center Method for Diastasis Recti Recovery by The Center for Women’s Fitness (2017)
• Myofascial Release Techniques by Penny Elliot, Physio Posture Fitness Australia (2016)
• Bachelor of Counselling (2013)

Akane Gushiken

Pilates Instructor

Akane or Ane, as her clients like to call her, is proficient in both Portuguese and English. She holds a Pharmacist degree from Brazil, where she worked for over 10 years in hospitals in São Paulo. In 1998, she moved to Australia and since 2001 has treated Singapore as home where she pursued her passion as a Fitness & Health Professional. She has helped and guided many of her clients on their journey to change and improve their health, lifestyle, fitness level, weight management, body image issues and eating habits.

In 2010 and 2011, with the intention of understanding further how much a body can transform through hard work and a proper diet, she decided to put herself into a bodybuilding competition. She won the Singapore National championship – Gold Medal Model Physique 2010 and won the Asia championship – Gold Medal Model Physique 2011 and placed 4th on the World category in the same year at age 45 against contestants averaging half of her age.

Akane has a very enthusiastic personality and her passion and love for her clients’ well-being made her pursue different areas of knowledge – which contributed to make her a very versatile and competent trainer today.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pre/post-natal Pilates
• Post-rehabilitation
• Pilates for active older adults & senior population
• Weight management
• One to one training
• Pilates for fitness

Education and Training:

• Pilates Academy International Instructor (Anatomy, Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, Level 1: Mat, Reformer) (2016-2017)
• Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates by Pilates Academy International (2017)
• Eating Psychology Coach, IPE (2015)
• ACE RehabTrainer Module 1-4, RehabTrainer (2011)
• Assessment Corrective Exercise Level 1, LavandaElite (2011)
• Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) (2010)
• Certified Fitness Leader and Personal Trainer – FISAF (2009)
• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (1991)