Read this blog in Japanese (日本語版はこちら) >
In honor of Rehab Month, we’re thrilled to highlight the inspiring story of Venus Ng Carriles, a STOTT PILATES Trained Student who used Pilates to transform her recovery journey after a life-altering battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Venus’s story is one of perseverance, healing and rediscovery of strength through movement. Now, as a Pilates instructor-in-training, she shares how Pilates played a pivotal role in her rehabilitation process and how it continues to shape her teaching philosophy, guiding others on their personal wellness journeys.
From triathlete to Pilates advocate: Venus’s story
Venus, a 41-year-old Singaporean Chinese woman who currently resides in Abu Dhabi, has always been an active person. In her mid-twenties, she took part in marathons and triathlons, and even made a trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. However, her life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that rapidly weakens the muscles due to damage to the peripheral nervous system. Within hours, Venus went from playing with her one-year-old daughter to losing basic functions like lifting her head or going to the bathroom.
Despite the severity of her condition, Venus recovered quickly after treatment. However, the aftermath left her with reduced muscle mass, chronic fatigue and pain. She tried various forms of exercise, but nothing seemed to stick — until she discovered Pilates in 2023.
“My best friend, Serene Su, asked me to give Reformer Pilates a try. I went to a studio close to home and had my session, coincidentally, on a Merrithew Reformer! I was sold after my first session — I left the class rejuvenated. I felt like I had worked every part of my body and while the class was difficult, the breathing had helped me to push through.”
From that point forward, Pilates became an essential part of Venus’s routine, and she gradually built her strength, stamina and overall well-being.
The power of Pilates in recovery
Pilates proved to be a turning point in Venus’s recovery. While she doesn’t pinpoint a single “aha” moment, she realized over time that her body was transforming — she no longer felt exhausted and she could move pain-free. Pilates, with its focus on controlled and mindful movement, allowed her to regain her physical strength without straining her body.
Breathing, a fundamental principle of STOTT PILATES, was especially beneficial during her early sessions. "Breathing was crucial in helping me get through those first few classes. It kept me calm and supported deep muscle activation," Venus explains.
A support system of encouragement
Throughout her recovery, Venus had a strong support system and was encouraged to enroll in the STOTT PILATES Intensive Reformer Course. This community was a vital part of Venus’s journey, giving her the motivation she needed to push through and pursue instructor training.
Venus took her Pilates training at Real Pilates (JLT) in Dubai. She speaks highly of the STOTT PILATES training program, which provided her with the tools and confidence needed to teach Pilates effectively to others. Though she hasn’t yet taken her final certification exam, her experience as a STOTT PILATES Trained Student has been transformative. "I was blessed with an amazing Instructor Trainer, Leonieke Albreghs. Her extensive knowledge, the tools provided by Merrithew, and a supportive core group of fellow trainees made all the difference. I honestly think that the course, while extremely intensive and information heavy, was crucial in preparing me for teaching. With a good foundation and understanding of the key principles, I was able to confidently develop creative programs for my classes," Venus says.
Teaching through empathy and understanding
As Venus prepares to become a Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor through practice teaching, her personal recovery experience profoundly shapes her approach. She emphasizes empathy and creating a warm, supportive environment in her sessions, particularly for clients who are undergoing their own rehabilitation. “I try not to limit their potential,” she explains, “assessing their strengths and adding achievable challenges, like holding a plank longer than they thought possible. That feeling of accomplishment is incredible.”
Beyond the physical aspect, Venus believes in the emotional and social benefits of Pilates. She creates a space where her clients can feel connected and supported. Whether in group classes or private sessions, Venus strives to foster a sense of community, helping her clients find joy and laughter in their movement practice, which is essential for long-term success in recovery.
Advice for those hesitant to begin
For anyone unsure about using Pilates as part of their recovery, Venus offers simple but powerful advice: "Find a qualified Pilates instructor and take one private class. Tailoring the session to your health concerns will give you peace of mind and make the experience much more enjoyable." She encourages individuals to join group classes when they feel ready, highlighting the warmth and support of the Pilates community as a driving factor in staying motivated.
A journey of resilience and rediscovery
Venus’s journey from a devastating diagnosis of GBS to becoming a dedicated Pilates practitioner is a testament to the resilience of the human body and spirit. Her story shows how Pilates, with its focus on mindful movement, can be a powerful tool in recovery — helping individuals rebuild not only their strength but also their sense of self. As Venus continues her journey, both as a practitioner and teacher, she inspires others to find their own path to healing through Pilates.