Hi, I’m Suhaila! I am the founder and principal instructor behind Balanced Movement. Unlike many Pilates and movement instructors in KL today, I began my career in the banking and financial market industry where I held various capacities for 15 years as a research analyst and ultimately a fixed income fund manager…intellectually intriguing, far from sexy and tremendously stressful. I was desk bound and developed my own experience with pain…a lot of it!!
I have personally known back pain, hip pain, neck pain, foot pain, forearm pain and even managed to acutely injure my right shoulder during my 15-year desk bound corporate career. You could say I have a special relationship with pain!!
I was also a Pilates client, on and off, during my corporate career. I wasn’t the most consistent nor the best client who was able to wax lyrical on the magical benefits of Pilates. In fact, I struggled with it. But from time to time, I would notice that my back didn’t hurt as much after Pilates, I would feel taller and less tight in the shoulders and neck. These glimmers into the benefits of Pilates made me realize there was something in this movement method.
Long story short, I left my corporate career after 15 years for what I thought would be a short break. I was badly burnt out and decided to take up the mat Pilates teacher training for fun! I had no plans to be a teacher, let alone open a studio one day. I did the training for me, to understand my own body. I have never been into mindless workouts and doing endless reps in crazy positions just because some peppy over caffeinated trainer says so. I wanted to understand the WHY behind Pilates, the WHY behind moving well and I found that in the ever-rigorous Polestar Pilates teacher training. During this process, I discovered the joy in teaching, in helping clients understand their bodies and getting them out of pain.
After completing my mat Pilates teacher training, I continued my training with Polestar Pilates for all the Pilates equipment. I have been teaching Pilates since 2018 and never returned to my corporate career. In 2023, I became a certified GYROTONIC® instructor.
This joy in teaching Pilates, GYROTONIC® and, ultimately, healthy sustainable movement continues to fuel my passion for educating clients on how their bodies work, how to move their bodies well and how to manage, reduce or eliminate their pain. This joy is the fundamental source of inspiration for creating Balanced Movement.
I am the fur momma to 6 cats: Cinnamon, Sugar, Nutmeg, Truffles, Monique & Lucy. I have an unhealthy habit of hoarding books and have only read half the books I ever bought! I enjoy trying out new recipes from various cultures. Desserts are my weakness. I can never say no to chocolate…ever!!
Qualifications
- Polestar Pilates Mat & Comprehensive Full Studio Equipment/Rehabilitation
- GYROTONIC® Instructor
- The Center for Women’s Fitness
- Pre and Post Natal Pilates Specialist
- Diastisis Recti Recovery
- Pilates Adaptations for Scoliosis Supporting the Teaching of the Scroth Method
- Oov level 1 trained, Oov Education
- Barefoot Training Specialist® Level I
Hi, I’m Jo-Anne! I began my Pilates journey in 2009 as a client. As an individual working in the corporate world, I had spent years struggling with poor posture, chronic lower back and shoulder pain. So I started Pilates in the hope that it would help alleviate my pain and discomfort. I was amazed at the difference Pilates started to make after just a few sessions. I found I was becoming pain free and more importantly, my body was gaining strength and flexibility. Needless to say, it didn’t take long before I became a total convert.
Hi, I’m Pavithra! Happy to be known as Pavee. I am a Certified STOTT® Pilates instructor with over 10 years of experience as a physical therapist. Like my younger self (still young though ;P), I’ve always been intrigued by the most complex & beautiful structure – the human body. My interest in sports and a more holistic way of working with the human body forged my career as a physical therapist. I TRULY LOVE healing people!
Hi, I’m Carol! I’m a Certified STOTT® Pilates instructor since 2020, with experience in women’s health – particularly in pre- and post-natal care, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and menopause wellness. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring over 80 instructors at the Korea International Pilates Academy, where I also wrote training manuals and developed specialized programs to help clients move and feel better.