Shu’s Transformation
Hi, my name is Shu.
I’m a former finance professional turned pilates instructor and this is a brief post describing my transition from a crazy paced lifestyle to my current more balanced and subdued one.
The crazy stories will be for another day, but I’ll start by saying the movie “Wolf of Wall Street” is not as farfetched as it may seem.
After years of neglecting health, diet and exercise I reached a point where my lifestyle was taking a toll on my body.
I needed a change, a break, something else. Having back issues from years of bad posture, sitting like a baboon in front of a screen and suffering from an old Pole Vault injury, I found myself feeling broken and in pain, simply from getting out of bed.
I could not move without pain & my health had suffered from years of bad dietary habits, overindulging on alcohol, sweets & fast food.
My doctor told me I would not make it to 50 if I didn’t make changes immediately.
In 2011 I decided to make those changes. I gave up alcohol, vowed to improve my diet and started exercising regularly. Needing to strengthen my core, I was advised to try Pilates as the first step back into my fitness regimen.
After a very humbling first experience doing a trial GRC class at Elixr, I was shocked to see how much stronger everyone around me was. It motivated me to improve and get stronger until I could out-plank everyone (Part of my OCD).
I then took up Pilates and joined Elixr in 2012.
Fast forward 10 years and here I am, grateful I can teach at the very place where my journey began. All the benefits from years of regular practice (improved posture, mobility, stability and core strength to name a few) have helped me rn to living a very active lifestyle. I can train and play sports regularly while keeping aches, pains and injuries to a minimum.
Although it took me until middle age to make these changes, I can confidently say I am in the best shape of my life. I only wish I knew in my youth what I know now… Better late than never I suppose.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to teach around such a great community of members, teachers and staff at Elixr.
It’s allowed me to find a great work/life/health balance and I’m truly enjoying the experience, learning much along the way. Hopefully, I can help others realize the same benefits I get from regular practice.
Build strength from the inside out, one plank at a time.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in class!
View our timetable to book in for one of Shu’s classes.
