Over the past year, most of us have found ourselves working from home, with more personal time gained from not needing to commute. For some, this extra personal time is channelled to improving one's health and mental wellbeing. Particularly in a pandemic, we are constantly reminded of the importance of holistic wellbeing – encompassing physical, mental, and social health. Many people have explored new exercises to stay in shape physically and refresh our minds mentally, be it through fitness videos at home or experimenting with fitness classes at different studios, to develop the skills and attitudes to live healthily.

One fitness studio that has wholly embraced the concept of holistic wellbeing is Absolute You, a health and wellness brand based in Thailand. Absolute Group opened its first studio in Singapore in 2017, and pioneered the Pilates Reformer Group Experience. The studio also offers rhythm cycling classes and is currently Asia’s largest rhythm cycling studio. 

Over at The Centrepoint, Absolute You offers reformer pilates classes, a form of low impact body conditioning routine to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination. 

There has been plenty of research done on the benefits of reformer pilates on flexibility, trunk stability, injury prevention and athletic performance. Pilates-based exercises have also been shown to improve mental wellbeing by placing a focus on intentional movement. With Absolute You’s holistic approach to health and wellness, their reformer pilates classes offers individuals the opportunity to improve their posture, become less injury-prone, and emphasise concentration for both the mind and body. We had the pleasure of speaking with General Manager Theresa Shan, to talk about Absolute You’s mission to provide holistic health and its pilates reformer classes.

What are the benefits of reformer pilates on overall wellbeing?

Pilates is a total body conditioning routine that builds flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination - without adding muscle bulk. 

With emphasis on strengthening core muscles and focusing on proper form, regular practice will result in better posture and overall health. The focus on intentional muscle movement is also beneficial for mental health as it requires full concentration and patience. You will also be less prone to injury as pilates works the whole body, targeting on enhancing muscle control. The low impact nature of pilates is also ideal for overall rehabilitation.

How is reformer pilates different from regular pilates?

The main difference between reformer pilates and regular pilates is practicing with the use of the reformer, a type of pilates equipment/machine that resembles a bed (also known as the carriage), versus practicing on a mat.  The reformer comes with springs that are of different resistance levels to cater to the intensity of the workout session for each individual. The equipment and exercises will be modified and adjusted for specific targeted needs of individuals, ranging from toning and training for a particular hobby or sport, rehabilitation from an injury to just a low impact full body workout.

All clients will have to undergo a beginner’s introduction, with our instructors diving into detail as to how the reformer works and how to exercise with care. Throughout the class, our instructors will also ensure that everyone is guided through the exercises, giving different options and regressions to suit the different levels of fitness of each individual.

In line with providing quality instructors, what is the training process like for Absolute You reformer pilates instructors? Are they trained to look out for prior injuries? 

Every instructor at Absolute You would have undergone our Absolute Academy training, including being certified in Pilates Reformer training. We standardise the curriculum and practice in general, but we believe in letting our instructors bring their own flavour to the table to keep classes interesting and interactive for clients.

As with every fitness professional, instructors are trained to provide options for anyone who has any injury or chronic pain. Before every class, instructors are required to check in with every client as to whether they have an injury that the instructor has to take note of.

What can people expect at your studio at The Centrepoint? 

You can expect fun, dynamic, and challenging classes at Absolute. I have often heard people say, “Pilates is boring and very slow.” However, pilates can be quite a challenge as it uses body weight in combination with resistance (on the reformer) to intensify the exercise. 

Besides pilates reformer classes, Absolute You also provides rhythm cycling classes under the brand Absolute Cycle Singapore. Clients can enjoy amenities such as heated showers, hair dryers, complimentary towels and more in our studio.

After every class, members are required to wipe down their pilates reformers with disinfectants provided. Our team will then proceed with a thorough cleaning of all equipment and the room. Our studio’s common spaces are also cleaned throughout the day.

Can you share with us the membership options at Absolute You? 

Whether you are looking to try out reformer pilates for the first time or are looking to explore other forms of exercise, our class packs offer affordable rates to meet different needs. We have four types of class packs available for pilates. Find out more here. 

We also have Absolute Home Edition, where clients can enjoy workouts anytime, anywhere - in the comfort of their own home or wherever they are. For Home Edition, we offer spin bike and reformer rentals, or clients can also choose to purchase a spin bike of their own.

Taking care of one’s health has never been more important. Absolute You’s holistic approach to health and wellness, providing customers with both low and high impact workout classes to cater to different fitness levels aims to do just that. With a variety of classes, instructors, membership options and first-class amenities, Absolute You offers a health and wellness experience that goes above and beyond simply providing an exercise space. Rest assured that a team of experienced instructors, caring staff and a like-minded community will help you develop a stronger, healthier and more resilient self – both physically and mentally. 

Head down to Absolute You’s outlet at The Centrepoint (#04-101) and embark on your journey to holistic health and wellness today!