8 minute read
LISA HOU
PILATES PROWORKS INSTRUCTOR
Lisa Hou
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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!
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
OVERHEARD “The brand made false statements about working conditions in its factories and supply chain”
Reported Reuters, about Chinese fast-fashion brand, Shein. The brand has skyrocketed to success internationally due to their bargain basement prices.
However, the brand has recently come under fire for not obtaining proper quality and safety certifications. On Shein’s official website, it states the company has obtained the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification and complied with the strict labor standards set by international organisations such as SA8000. The relevant organizations have refuted this claim.
Dao Insights writes, “The brand also did not provide complete supply chain information disclosure on the official website, in accordance with the requirements of British and Australian laws.”
A Shein spokesperson has responded that an official statement will be released in the next few weeks and that it does abide by Australian laws.
COVET Gucci Diana Handbag
Nineties fashion has seen a huge resurgence in the past year, and so it was only fitting that Gucci would look to its archives for inspiration.
Princess Diana popularized the Gucci bamboo tote bag in the ’90s as she carried the bag around with her in her signature athleisure look.
The new Gucci Diana bag, reimagined by Creative Director Alessandro Michele, has a bamboo handle paired with a neon leather strap and comes in three sizes (medium, small and mini). The silhouette is timeless and the prints and patterns offered are maximalist. The leather strap on the original were more for function as they were used to keep the handles’ shape.
> Visit gucci.cn to shop.
CITY SNAPSHOT @ marlonhb
Marlon is a Brazilian who has been living in Dongguan, Guangdong province for the past 17 years. He tells us, “I love taking drone photos and filming around Guangdong and specially Dongguan, where I live. This photo is made from a combination of 26 images creating a panoramic 360-degree photo. It was taken on Dongguan’s Hongfu Lu intersection during a sunset.”
Dongguan has developed rapidly in recent years, becoming a hub for technology and other industries in the Greater Bay Area. The city once held the nickname of China’s ‘Capital of Sex’ or ‘the Eastern Amsterdam.’ As Dongguan’s manufacturing sector blossomed, so did its sex industry. Brothels, massage parlors, sauna houses and karaoke bars were common places where sex services were offered. In 2014, an anti-vice operation was launched to crack down on prostitution in Dongguan.
> For more of Marlon’s work follow @marlonhb on Instagram. Search ‘marlonhb’ on WeChat Channels to view videos.
ALLELIQUE SKINCARE FOUNDER MANE VELASCO
Former Nurse Using TCM to Unlock the Science of Beauty
Hailing from Chile, Mane Velasco started her career as an emergency room nurse, gaining firsthand medical experience, an understanding of skin injuries and the process of healing. It’s something she would use as the foundation for all that followed. From there, she jumped to Cosmetology and founded her first spa in 2001.
Fast forward 10 years, and Velasco had moved her base to Shanghai – a city she had fallen in love with on her very first visit. “In this city, you find people from all over China, from every province, and then foreigners from all over the world,” she explains. “The mix of cultures is very rich and gives you so much to learn.”
And learn she did. Velasco began her Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) studies, with a view to combine her science-based knowledge of skincare with unique and ancient Chinese wisdom. “In medical terms, in the Western world, we don’t put much emphasis as we should on the relationship between blood circulation and wellbeing,”
Velasco explains how her studies in China have informed her philosophy. “With simple techniques, we can keep blood circulation and detox running like a perfect machine for our skin.”
Always looking to advance her knowledge on all fronts, in 2018 Velasco traveled to Spain to complete her master’s degree in neuroscience. Bringing together all she had learned, one year later she founded her skincare brand Allelique.
Allelique will soon be found in hotels as well as in the form of a spa line. Velasco also offers Master Classes, with easy access on social media platforms in China and across the world, where she teaches how to manage the science of beauty from a medical point of view, combined with natural secrets.
“My passion is more than the beauty industry; skin condition and treatments are related to our wellbeing,” Velasco says. “Emotionally and psychologically, a woman has the social pressure for a perfect look, and this is a lot to carry if your skin, especially your facial skin, doesn’t look as perfect as it needs to validate your success.”
Not done with learning and always striving for perfection, Velasco is currently a biology PhD student, only furthering the passion she puts into developing the formulas of Allelique’s products. It is her belief that the right product, created through experience, can craft perfection of mind and skin.
> For more on Allelique visit www.allelique.com, or scan the QR code.
CUT Peekaboo, we see you. Embrace a little subtle sexiness. This 9 Daring Silhouettes for the Fall Compiled by Rakini Bergundy ‘naked’ trend is sticking around for another season, here are IT some pieces to inspire your wardrobe. SIR
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