Meet New Instructor, Bhakti

As a licensed physiotherapist, Bhakti practiced acute care in India for 7+ years. During this time, she was first introduced to Mat Rehab Pilates. After the birth of her son, Bhakti took a sabbatical to spend time with him. She took postnatal pilates classes and gained back her core strength and regained control of her body. Her personal journey led her to become a certified instructor in Mat and Reformer Pilates!

Now a Breathe Pilates Instructor, we get to know more about Bhakti this week as we find out more about her Pilates journey, mom life and what to expect from her sessions!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your Pilates journey?

I live here with my husband and naughty seven-year-old. I am originally from Mumbai, India and residing in Singapore for the past 8 years. I completed my Bachelors in Physiotherapy in India and worked in an acute care setting for 7+ years. My Pilates journey began in 2008 when I was first introduced to rehab pilates via AAPI. After my son was born I was again involved in Pilates here in Singapore where I initially started with Mat Pilates. Practicing Pilates intrigued me and made me more curious to learn more about it and the different equipment – so I finally took a plunge in the journey of becoming a certified instructor!

2. What were some of the challenges along the way?

The main challenge for me was coming out of a sabbatical and become completely involved in learning Pilates. It was hard and I kept doubting myself through every step wondering if I could really accomplish this. Also getting a job in a foreign country can be hard. But I was determined and I don’t regret my decision.

3. What is your wellness mantra?

Stay happy and content! Take care of your own body and mind first before others! (Although following this mantra with a naughty seven-year-old is hard!)

4. How long have you been a Pilates instructor?

I have been teaching Pilates close to 3 years now.

5. As a mother, how do you balance your time between work and spending time with your child?

This is a tough one. I won’t lie it is hard to balance work and home, especially with a kid. But now my son has grown enough that he doesn’t need my attention 24 /7. Also, he is quite mature to understand mummy needs to work. My husband chips in with housework whenever possible and is a very good cook which comes in handy! 

6. What’s your favourite thing to do on your day off?

Sleep, EAT and repeat! I wish I could do that mainly and also spend time with my family.

7. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Dark chocolate and spicy Indian food!

8. How has your training program like for you and what have you learn about our training program so far?

I’ve trained with Balanced Body which was good and quite detailed. But with the Breathe Pilates training program here I feel it’s more elaborate, especially from a biomechanical point of view. I am enjoying it a lot but it is giving me sleepless nights — I need to study hard before every exam and carefully craft out my exercise program. It’s challenging a lot of my perceived notions — helping me think and dive deeper into the subject! I am also learning a wealth of knowledge from my mentors and fellow trainees.

9. What can your client expect from your class?

I believe in breaking down the exercise to make it as simple as possible for my client before I challenge them. I feel every client can do even the most challenging move as long as it is broken down and modified to their individual level and needs.

10. What do you most look forward to after teaching?

Nowadays the one thing I look forward to after teaching is having a hot cup of tea with my husband (which he makes of course!)