THOUGHTS TO PONDER
You probably might ask yourself why then do you need to practice Pilates when there are other forms of exercises out there? That is a valid question. My honest answer would be that Pilates is not merely a series of exercises.
My zest in incorporating Pilates in my daily life is rooted in Joseph Pilates’ original philosophy which is Contrology. He said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” In this day and age we are all bombarded with endless information, rapid changes, huge expectations and great responsibilities. Day by day, week by week, year by year we subject ourselves in these stressful situations. There is truth to the statement that our civilization has been impairing our physical fitness. If we do not step back, slow down or reorganize, it will be difficult to reach that state of happiness.
Pilates is not merely a series of exercises because when done with pure intention and heightened awareness the mind is activated, the senses are engaged, the result gives a sensation of “uplift.” To an audience watching a person performing an exercise, visually the movements would simply appear to be up and down, left to right, bend and straighten, etc. However, to a Pilates practitioner, it is what is happening in the mind that allows the muscles to properly activate which then translates to the proper execution of the movement. It provides a holistic approach coordinating the mind, body and spirit. Hence, practicing mindful movement.
I hope you will experience what I experience practicing Pilates. Moving the body entails some form of thought process. How do you start moving? What do you do when you are in continuous motion? How do you stop gracefully? When the mind and body are aligned we are able to move forward and face our challenges ahead.
“To achieve the highest accomplishments within the scope of our capabilities in all walks of life we must constantly strive to acquire strong, healthy bodies and develop our minds to the limits of our ability.”
– by Joseph H. Pilates
Valerie Go-Pascasio
Valerie’s passion for Pilates started over a decade ago. Prior to her pursuit of a comprehensive certification through Body Arts and Science International, in Vienna Austria, she was a student of the Pilates method for several years. Her teaching philosophy is to impart the benefits of Pilates with a thoughtful explanation, assurance of proper form and a good dose of fun to help everyone achieve optimal benefits and goals. She is a native Filipino by way of Barcelona and Austria, which gives her an internationally infused teaching style. Valerie is a warm-hearted, talented teacher emanating the Pilates principles including body awareness, balance, control, efficiency, breathing, concentration, center, flow, and harmony.
Outside of Pilates, she enjoys hanging out with her husband, food trips, traveling, photography, movies, practicing guitar and playing squash.
Trained in the following:
Mat Pilates, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze, Chair, Ladder Barrel and Step Barrel
Specialist in Pilates Based Education for Neurological Conditions
Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Certified Pilates Teacher
Education:
De La Salle University, Philippines
Bachelor‘s Degree, BSC Business Administration
Bachelor‘s Degree, BA Psychology
V Pilates, LLC – Owner
