This month, we sit down with Mari Tang to find out more about her! Being one of the “newer” instructors (she joined us in May 2016!) she shares with us what made her decide to switch career paths and healthy wholesome recipes!

Hi Mari! First up, what made you start Pilates and how long have you been practicing it?

The long hours at work made it difficult to carve out time to exercise and this eventually became a vicious cycle of being tired and having little energy for anything else. In wanting to return to a healthier lifestyle, I’ve started swimming and tried yoga. Pilates was also what I had wanted to try many years back so my friend and I had a go at it. It’s been over 6 years and I still love it!

What’s your favourite part about teaching Pilates?
Being able to help my clients feel better and see them gain strength through consistent practice of Pilates. Also that light bulb moment when my clients start to ‘find’ & feel their muscles working while keeping in the right alignment.

You used to work a 9-5 office job. What made you change jobs?

Taking a break from work afforded me time to reevaluate. I’ve been working for close to 2 decades in both desk bound & non desk bound jobs. Having worked for so long, I thought it’s time to do something closer to heart, hence this where work doesn’t need to feel like a ‘job’ anymore.

Favourite Pilates Exercise?
Stomach message (Deceiving as it sounds!)

What other workouts do you do, and how does Pilates compliment these other workouts?
I swim occasionally but mostly Pilates-ing!

What do you like to do in your down time?
I like to read, especially thrillers or crime novels and I try to read when I can. Otherwise I’d catch up with friends and check out the latest cafe or restaurant in town.

Tell us one unknown/little known fact about yourself.
I’m a chocolate addict and must have it everyday; with the exception migraine day(s).

You are in great shape, do you follow any diets?
I mostly eat what I like when I like and I believe in moderation. But I do favor sandwiches, wraps, salads and soup as my meal choices.

Favourite healthy recipe
I don’t really have one as I don’t cook very much except to make soup. It’s probably more wholesome then healthy? Here’s my recipe for ABC soup:
Quarter chicken
2 large carrots
2 Potatoes
1 corn
1 large onion
1 clove of garlic
A bunch of spring onions
A couple of ginger slices
A dash of sea salt

Cats or Dogs?
Definitely cats! I’ve a 12yo fat cat at home named Cody 😺

Where is your dream destination?
There are still many places I’ve yet to visit so I’m naming my top 3 – Morocco, Machu Picchu & Bhutan

Next thing on your bucket list?
Try Hang gliding someday

Inspirational quote to live by?
“Tetris taught me that when you try to fit in you’ll disappear” — anonymous

Catch Mari in our studio! She teaches Off-Peak Pilates, Fat Blast, and Reformer and Tower 1 classes in Novena, Galaxis and Parkway Center!