Affiliated with the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)
Certified School of Pilates Academy International® (PAI)

Taeko’s journey with Pilates began in 2003. At the time, she was struggling with lower back pain and sciatic pain, yet she was primarily focused on improving her physique through gym workouts, disregarding her pain. Her personal trainer at the time incorporated Pilates into her weight training routine, which not only improved her body shape but also significantly alleviated her back pain.

In 2006 and 2007, she gave birth to two children, and during this short period, she moved between countries multiple times. Eventually, her chronic condition worsened, and she was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, leaving her young child in the care of a friend while her husband was on a long business trip. This experience dramatically shifted her perspective on life, leading her to realize that in order to avoid burdening her family, she needed to become stronger both mentally and physically.

In 2008, a friend recommended Pilates, saying, “Pilates is mainly done on machines. You should try it! It’s exactly what you need right now!” That’s when she visited the PAI-accredited Southeast Asia satellite studio, Options Pilates, in Singapore. Her instructor, Koko, taught her in a logical and easy-to-understand way about what her body needed.

At that time, Taeko was uncertain whether she should return to her former job or continue staying at home as a mother. During her Pilates journey, she was also training with a body sculpting trainer, and was eventually offered a business partnership. This led her to the decision: “I want to become a Pilates instructor to help everyone—from those with pain to professional athletes. Continuing in my stressful old job while raising children is impossible!” So, she turned to Options Pilates, and that was the start of her Pilates instructor journey.

Recently, with Korean idols sparking a Pilates boom, it’s been exciting to see the rising recognition of Pilates in Japan. While many Pilates organizations have been producing outstanding instructors, some institutions have been quick to jump on the trend and offer instructor certifications without fully adhering to Joseph Pilates’ teachings.

So, how can one determine whether an education institution is good or not? The answer is simple: it’s in the quality of the manual you receive as your first step. For example, in PAI’s curriculum, there are 120 fundamental movements for Reformer Level 1-3 (Tier 1-3), where you initially apply the anatomy you learn. Modifications and props are also incorporated into the 50-hour course, expanding the range of exercises significantly.

The founders of PAI, Katherine & Kimberly Corp, as well as the instructors at Options Pilates (former colleagues and mentors), and Taeko herself, all share the same motto: to provide clients with a way to enjoy Pilates in the stressful modern world, achieving the best results (body) while maintaining mental well-being. Although Taeko never met Joseph Pilates in person, she believes he must have had the same vision as he dedicated his life to creating such a vast method.

Using our knowledge and wisdom, we aim to improve and enhance the physical and mental well-being of many people, from rehabilitation to athletes, and help them find greater happiness. This is the joy of being a Pilates instructor.

Thank you for reading through this long message. I appreciate you as a fellow colleague with the same purpose.

Taeko Farthing
Representative of Re-Juvenate Pilates
Pilates Academy International Master Trainer