SPOTLIGHT
PILATES PROWORKS INSTRUCTOR Lisa Hou
Interview by Ned Kelly
Beats, burn and badass vibes – that’s the deal at Pilates ProWorks, the California craze that is conquering the world, offering highly effective workouts on its signature FitFormer machine. We caught up with instructor Lisa Hou to find out more. What makes the FitFormer machine different from other traditional Pilates reformers? The FitFormer is unique as it involves fullbody resistance training, which builds muscle strength, tones, lengthens and stretches the body. Aesthetically, the FitFormer not only has a back platform, which makes it different from a traditional reformer, but it also has hurdle handles that allow one to do more movements on the machine, keeping the class challenging and entertaining. PPW classes move quicker than traditional reformer classes, keeping the heart rate up and burning extra calories. How easy is it to get into Pilates ProWorks? What I like about Pilates Proworks is that there are a wide range of classes to choose from. We have the classes that are taught on the FitFormer machine, and each instructor brings their own style. There are also Barre, Yogalates, Tabata and boxing classes that are offered at the studio and classes that are broken down into levels, beginner and advance. With the different varieties of classes that are offered, one cannot get bored!
“Pilates is not just a fitness trend – it is a habit that fuels your everyday activity” What inspires you when teaching classes? My client’s progress. We have some clients who have individual goals and want to gain muscle strength, become more flexible, have the ability to do a full squat or to lose weight. It’s great to not only connect with the clients, but also to know that you are there to support and help guide them to their fitness goals. What is the toughest class you teach? My 8pm Monday night class. It is my 5th class of the day, and a late one for me as I sleep early. However, I have a lot of regulars in that class and have connected with them over the years. It’s great to see them get stronger, making the class very rewarding to teach. And the most social class? My Pre and Postnatal Class. I started to teach this class when I was pregnant with my second child, and have met some of my kids’ friend’s moms via this class. After class there is time for us moms to get in a chat about pregnancy and mommy life. I’ve had the pleasure to meet some of the moms’ newly born babies who did the class during pregnancy, which is an extra treat. I also enjoy teaching the advance class. It is a fun one as the clients are very strong. This class is one where I can not only push the clients to their full
potential, but it involves some creativity in the movements and sequencing of the class. How do you foster the PPW community? We like to build a community where people feel a sense of belonging from the moment they attend a class and find greater value in the workout, till it becomes a part of their lifestyle. This is a place where people from different backgrounds and fitness levels are welcomed and can receive proper training. Pilates is not just a fitness trend, it is a habit that fuels your everyday activity. We also provide access to fitness and health by collaborating with other brands to promote well-being, to bring people together, connect communities and create an environment where positive changes are celebrated. Meanwhile, to keep the community dynamic, positive and connected, we have organized plenty of challenges and gathering events, including a 21day health challenge, members’ days, anniversary celebrations and other types of workout sessions.
Pilates ProWorks (PPW), 1003 Wuding Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai Tel: 021 6225 3966; 182 1730 2303 Email: shanghai@pilatesproworks.com WeChat Official Account: PilatesProWorks WeChat Service: ppwcommunity
SEPTEMBER 2021 | 15
