This month, we speak with Sasha! Always fun, helpful and generous; he’s a very integral part of the community. As we celebrate his 5 years with us and his promotion to Senior Instructor – we delve deeper to speak more of his Pilates journey, favourite Singapore eats and hobbies outside of Pilates.

Hi Sash! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you lived in Singapore?

I’m from the Southern part of the Philippines, Davao City. The only city in the Philippines which has the award of being one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world. I’m very proud of my city in the Philippines. Most of the rules that we have there are similar to what you guys have here in Singapore and that’s why I feel at home.

I have been here for 10 years now. I love the convenience (transport), good food. I live by my means so I save BUT I do like to splurge – first on food, next shoes.

We know you’re pretty busy most days helping others lead healthier lives, how do you keep yourself fit and what do you do in your spare time?

I try to play badminton weekly with my friends. It helps release my stress and keeps me strong, motivated, enthusiastic and young! I am also part of an indoor volleyball team – we are called the Nomaddicts (I recently tore my ACL in the league 🙁 but I’m cheering on my team from the sidelines!)

I also work on my Pilates repertoire and you can find photos and videos of my progress at @sashalovespilates

In my spare time, I like to hang out with my friends and I enjoy my Netflix on a Saturday night (currently hooked on Money Heist). I also love to eat, I love Laksa, Chicken Rice, Chicken/Fish Noodle Soup. Any Filipino dishes. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants here in Singapore that offer sumptuous meals of different cuisines but my favourite would have to be Basilico at the Regent Hotel.

Shopping is another one of my favorite hobbies and who doesn’t love shopping anyway?!?! I usually go to Paragon and Ion to shop and look at brands that inspire and fascinate me. I also love the local designers at Cineleisure with their unique pieces.

What encouraged you to become a Pilates Instructor? What keeps you inspired?

It was all accidental. A friend from home has a studio and one teacher there was pregnant and she asked me to cover her to teach. I had no background in Pilates; not even a certification but I was asked to teach the elders and just get them moving. My background is dancing, jazz and ballet so I understand movement and used this to help my friend’s clients.

I realised my career path when I came to Singapore in 2006 to attend a Classical Pilates workshop (through my friend) and from then on, that was it. I pursued my education here in Singapore, I love the way it felt natural and it just flowed – I knew this was the path for me. I mean, the hours are back to back but at the end of the day I was more stronger and this is what helped me survive a new city.

I then started at Breathe 5 years ago and I’ve been married to my job ever since! Moving in general keeps me inspired and seeing the progression in my students.

Which exercise in the Pilates repertoire is your favourite?

My favourite exercise is also the most challenging one for me. It would have to be Control Balance; a mat exercise. I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love it because of the complexity of the exercise and how it opens up my tight lower back, hate it because it involves all the areas I’m weak at, which make it so hard for me to do. If you want to find out what this exercise is, you’ll have to come for my class!

There’s so much that comes with Pilates. Can you share your most meaningful milestone?

I have been here 9/10 years and I still have my clients since the very beginning. Hey Patricia, Michelle, Yoshie! I treasure them because not only has Pilates brought us together but we have a friendship and a bond; I’m very thankful for that.

What is your life motto?

Be true and live life to the fullest.

If you had one piece of advice to give to anyone wanting to become an Instructor out there, what would it be?

Stay determined, have grit and finish the whole course wholeheartedly because it’s a long rewarding journey. Also, PRACTISE PRACTISE PRACTISE.