Pilates has long been a trusted companion for mothers-to-be, offering strength, stability, and support during one of life’s most transformative journeys. To mark FLEX 20th anniversary milestone, this month, we’re highlighting the inspiring stories of two women who turned to FLEX Studio during their pregnancies and haven’t looked back.
Jacklyn Hui, Hong Kong
The Beginning: What brought you to FLEX, and why did it feel like the right place for you?
After my first child in 2005, I joined Pilates to get back in shape. Between feeding, pumping, and sleepless nights, I struggled to focus—raising the wrong leg and fumbling with breathing. My Pilates journey was short-lived as I became pregnant again four months later and thought I’d never return.
In 2009, after my third child, I gave Pilates another shot. Despite being naturally athletic, Pilates felt completely foreign, and mastering the moves was frustrating. Many times, I wanted to quit, but I was inspired by Heather and Anna—young mothers in incredible shape, embodying what I call “athletic elegance.” I’m athletic but still striving for the elegance!
Challenges and Growth: What’s one challenge Pilates has helped you overcome, and how has it transformed you?
Pilates pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to confront my impatience and weaknesses. The first year was tough, but embracing the challenges has made me stronger mentally and physically. I still find Pilates hard, but now I love that challenge.
Elevating Your Life: How has committing to Pilates at FLEX impacted not just your physical strength, but also your overall well-being?
Pilates is my weekly reset—a chance to disconnect, refresh, and reenergize. My instructors push me, and my classmates inspire me. It’s not just a workout; it’s therapy for both body and soul (with a good laugh thrown in!)
Memorable Milestones: What’s a milestone in your Pilates practice that you’re most proud of?
Finally mastering the teaser and getting a resounding, “Beautiful” from Heather.
Surprising Lessons: What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through Pilates?
That I stuck with it, despite struggling and feeling inadequate at first. As a perfectionist with no patience, it’s surprising I committed for years before finding confidence.
If FLEX were a person, how would you describe its personality?
Classy.
Samantha Threlkeld, Hong Kong
The Beginning: What brought you to FLEX initially, and why did it feel like the right place for you?
When Heather worked at a studio in LKF, I was pregnant with my first child and focusing on fitness and health. I thought Heather was fantastic and when she started FLEX, I followed her to her new studio I really enjoyed being around like-minded people, seeing familiar faces, and discovering how to connect with deeper muscles in my body through Pilates.
Challenges and Growth: What’s one challenge Pilates has helped you overcome, and how has it transformed you physically or emotionally?
It was amazing while I was pregnant to prepare my body, and then afterwards to help it recover quickly. I used to have neck and lower back pain from carrying the kids, but strengthening my core through Pilates helped a lot, if I take a break, the aches come back, so it makes a huge difference!
Commitment to the Core Defined: What does “commitment to the core” mean to you, both in Pilates and in life?
It’s about carrying yourself better every day and being mindful of how you move, even when you’re not in the studio. I often think about how I carry myself outside of class—it helps me recenter and be more aware of my body.
Memorable Milestones: What’s a milestone in your Pilates practice that you’re most proud of?
I’m forever working on my roll-up. After years of effort and overcoming neck issues and vertigo, I finally managed it—it was a tearful moment. Anna and Nicole were incredibly supportive, tailoring exercises to help me. FLEX instructors truly care and make the experience personal.
Surprising Lessons: What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through Pilates?
Even though I’ve been doing Pilates for a long time, I still continue to get stronger and stronger! It has helped me carry lessons from class into daily life, improving my body awareness and overall well-being.
Birthday Wish: As FLEX celebrates 20 years, what’s your birthday wish for the studio?
More classes! I also wish more men would take Pilates, I’ve seen how much it has benefited my husband in his posture, flexibility and has helped his performance in other sports.
If FLEX were a person, how would you describe its personality?
Warm, nurturing, kind, but also intense!
Want to find out more about our Pre/Post Natal Pilates Class?
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