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Pilates is more than just a physical training method—it's a lifestyle that nurtures self-awareness, and unlocks the potential for a pain-free and confident life.
– Leno, Joenn, and Qiong - founders of and isle®, Shanghai, China.
In today's fast-paced world, the demands of work and life often take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. For the founders of and isle® the high-intensity nature of their professions left them dealing with stress, anxiety, and various physical ailments. Before they opened their own studio, they were employed in ad strategy planning and IT consulting.
However, their journey toward relief and self-discovery led them to discover Pilates’s transformative power. Inspired by their own experiences, they founded their own Pilates studio- and isle® in China. Their aim was to build a haven where individuals can find solace, professional guidance, and meaningful movement practices.
Today, they invite you to join their movement and be part of a community that values professional guidance, meaningful experiences, and mental well-being. What follows is an inspiring journey of and isle®— born out of their common love for Pilates.
Discovering the power of Pilates
For the founders, the demanding nature of their careers resulted in long-term mental stress, and anxiety. This manifested as cervical pain, round back, herniated disks and a few other physical discomforts.
These conditions would often recur. It was upon the advice of doctors and recommendations from friends that they turned their attention to Pilates, hoping to find relief through proactive muscle movement practices that were controlled and scientifically grounded.
To their delight, Pilates proved to be the right choice. Over the years of dedicated practice, they witnessed remarkable changes in their bodies.
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More than just physical improvements, we found ourselves leading a life without pain and reduced mental stress, which is the only thing that matters.
This newfound appreciation also brought forth an enhanced sense of self-awareness. Through each session, they learned to see, hear, and feel the subtle differences in their bodies, fostering a deep connection between mind and physique. The process of improvement became an enjoyable journey, rekindling their enthusiasm and igniting a desire to reassess their lives and careers.
A journey of self-discovery
As the founders continued their Pilates practice, they embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery. Pilates exercises allowed them to truly appreciate the imperfections of their bodies, recognizing that these imperfections were an inherent part of being human. Instead of fixating on unattainable ideals, they learned to celebrate their unique attributes and accept themselves wholeheartedly.
Through the process of embracing imperfections, they discovered the transformative power of self-awareness. Pilates became a medium through which they could feel their posture and make adjustments independently.
This newfound love for Pilates extended beyond the studio walls and spilled into their daily lives. They became their own instructors, empowered to take charge of their physical well-being and make conscious choices that supported their overall health.
Finding trustworthy solutions for mindful movement
The founders chose Merrithew® for its exceptional education programs and industry-leading equipment.
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We highly value Merrithew's commitment to integrity and their systematic approach in designing both programs and equipment. Their brand management further instills confidence in their products and services
What truly resonates with the founders is Merrithew's mission to inspire individuals of all ages and life stages to adopt healthier lifestyles. Merrithew aligns perfectly with the philosophy and values at and isle®, as both brands firmly believe in the importance of mindful movement and want to share it with the world.
The founders of and isle® are enthusiastic about sharing Merrithew's approach with a wider audience, as they believe it can greatly benefit more people in their pursuit of a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Partnering with Merrithew
At and isle®, the founders and their team are passionate about sharing the systematic movement approach of Merrithew education with a broader audience. They believe everyone should have access to the transformative power of this practice.
The studio offers private as well as group classes from STOTT PILATES® modalities such as Essential and Intermediate Reformer repertoire. They also combine Reformer exercises with various props such as Stability Ball™, Foam Roller™, Fitness Circle®, Cardio-Tramp® Rebounder, Jumpboard, Rotational Disks and more.
“We are currently dedicated to the STOTT PILATES modality. However, we would love to explore more Merrithew modalities through continuing education.”
The studio is outfitted with Merrithew equipment such as the V2 Max™ Reformers, Cadillac, Stability Chair™, Ladder Barrel, Arc Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Stability Barrel™.
Their programming is tailor-made as per individual client needs. It is continually tracked, optimized, and adapted to the client’s progress and goals. Guided by certified STOTT PILATES instructors and using state-of-the-art Merrithew equipment, they prioritize the individual needs of their clients.
The core essence of and isle®
Through Pilates exercises, the founders aim to help their clients develop a profound sense of body awareness.
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By forming good habits, and improving mobility, endurance, and strength, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their physical capabilities.
The founders have embarked on a mission to create a haven from the chaos of everyday life. Their studio provides a space for Pilates and fitness enthusiasts to relax and rediscover their natural, peaceful state of being.
Guided by certified instructors, clients experience the core of movement intertwined with a comfortable social atmosphere. The studio's thoughtful space partition design, with dynamic and static elements, embodies the narrative and interactive nature of the practice while evoking a sense of tranquility.
Pursuing their vision, the founders have carefully crafted every aspect of the studio, from its elegant appearance design to its warm color scheme and lighting. The earthy tones and mid-century modern style create a secure and calm visual atmosphere. Everything about their studio reflects their commitment to efficiency, healing, calm, and sharing—the core values of and isle®
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Read this blog in Chinese >