talk>>Shizuka Hoshi, Pilates Master Trainer
How to create a mind and body that unleash your full potential

I've been living with a vague, unexplainable feeling of unease. It's not quite right, but it's just how things are, I thought.
A woman's mind and body are greatly influenced by hormone levels, and the resulting discomfort is called "fluctuations." These are actually very important signs, but have you been ignoring them, thinking "this is just how it is"?

Seo, the representative of KNOW YOUR ORIGIN, was one such person. She ignored many signs from her body, suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome, and experienced a miscarriage. With the desire to reduce the number of people who go through similar experiences, she developed the inner booster "Beauty Charge -Femcare-".

There are many people who have overcome various difficulties, found their own way of living, and are now shining.
In this talk, Seo welcomes these truly "beautiful people" for a discussion.

Our first guest is Shizuka Hoshi, a Pilates Master Trainer and a user of "Beauty Charge -Femcare-". Her life perspective has greatly changed since she encountered Pilates. Through Shizuka's experience, why not cultivate the "power to believe in yourself"?

 My mind and body were in tatters during my modeling days

Seo
It was about 10 years ago when I first met Shizuka-san, right?

Shizuka-san
I think it was at a workshop at a Pilates studio. I attended as part of my morning routine, but what about you, Yurika-san?

Seo
I was interested in learning preventative medical Pilates, which was offered at the first orthopedic clinic in Japan to have an attached Pilates studio. In America, Pilates with a medical facility is common, so I wanted it to spread in Japan as well. What was your motivation for starting Pilates, Shizuka-san?

Shizuka-san
When I was in my 20s, I worked as a model, but by pursuing only superficial beauty, I put an unreasonable burden on my mind and body. I repeatedly suffered from lower back pain, my body ached everywhere, and my skin was a mess... which led to mental distress. Eventually, I became a walking instructor, teaching show walking, and I felt guilty about teaching walking methods that harmed the body. I wanted to be able to convey anatomically correct and beautiful methods, rather than just superficial fixes, so after trying various things, I discovered Pilates.

Seo
What aspect of Pilates resonated with you?

Shizuka-san
It was the realization that by moving my body correctly, my mind and body could change so much. Humans are born with many great functions, but because we don't know how to use them, we end up with pain and discomfort. When I learned about the Pilates method, I felt that since I was born as a human, I should properly use my body. In fact, when you understand how to use your body and walk, you don't feel pain, and you can walk with confidence and pride. To learn a different way of using your body than before, you need to re-evaluate your approach, which can be challenging, but if your mind doesn't change, your body won't move well either. By balancing mind and body in this way, you can utilize your innate functions and become beautiful. I was convinced that it was a wonderful method that could fundamentally solve discomfort.

Seo
Approaching things from the root is the same philosophy as KNOW YOUR ORIGIN. Even if the surface looks beautiful, if the inside isn't in order, it will eventually break down...
 
Shizuka-san
Everyone must have their own struggles. But once your core self is firm, a strength emerges that makes you think, "It'll probably be okay," even when faced with difficulties. So, if you change the root of "what is causing" that struggle, your life might change dramatically.

Untangling habits to achieve an easier way of life

Seo
What do you feel, Shizuka-san, after seeing so many people's bodies through Pilates?

Shizuka-san
Unfortunately, very few people use their bodies well. I often think, "If they re-evaluated, they could be so much happier!"
Many people who experience Pilates realize that their pain was caused by incorrect usage. Since no one teaches them proper body mechanics, when pain arises, they move their bodies as a temporary fix, which then becomes habitual and makes pain a part of their daily lives. The habits of mind and body that naturally arise from living have a negative impact. That's why I want to convey many things that will be beneficial five or ten years down the road to everyone I meet.

Seo
What do you prioritize when teaching Pilates, Shizuka-san?

Shizuka-san
Many people tend to think, "This happened because I used my body poorly." But that's not the case; habits of the mind and body arise naturally. I want people to effectively incorporate Pilates methods into their daily lives as a way to untangle a stiff or twisted mind and body. Pilates is not an exercise focused on mastering poses. It's about cultivating an awareness to reclaim a naturally comfortable way of life, including breathing methods, walking, and sleep. It's about revisiting what everyone could naturally do as a baby and creating a comfortable mind and body.

Seo
Some people give up on their aspirations due to low self-esteem. Are there any methods that can be incorporated into daily life?

Shizuka-san
My top recommendation, something I absolutely want everyone to incorporate, is "deep breathing." Check your breathing occasionally, and if you feel it's shallow, please try it.

In Pilates, we practice thoracic breathing, where we draw air into the lungs. Try deep breathing with the awareness of tightening your abdomen and expanding your chest. When your lungs move, you'll feel air circulating throughout your body, bringing your inner self to life. If your body is completely out of alignment, not only is deep breathing difficult, but it's also hard to recover, so check frequently and if you feel your breathing becoming shallow, immediately take a deep breath.

Following your heart and becoming someone who can have hope

Seo
In a society where women's empowerment is a social issue, I believe that managing one's physical condition is crucial for women to unleash their inherent potential. However, it's also true that for women constantly busy with work and childcare, it's difficult to find time to focus on their own mind and body. Shizuka-san, you're always busy, so how do you make time?

Shizuka-san
I'm naturally more energetic when I'm doing something, so not suppressing what I want to do is my whole motivation, and since facing my mind and body is also my job, I unconsciously take time to think. When you live according to your heart, you can accept things, thinking, "If it doesn't work out that way, then so be it." However, I do feel that being too busy is a challenge for myself, and I approach my work with gratitude to those who support me. Before I encountered Pilates, I had a body that didn't easily build muscle, and with no core in my mind and body, my mood swings were intense, and I didn't enjoy living much. As I learned about the integration of body, mind, and spirit through Pilates and how to balance them, I became able to acknowledge myself, and even when my heart wavers, I gained the strength to always find hope. I became able to believe in myself, no matter what anyone else thought.

Seo
I never knew you had such struggles, Shizuka-san. When I started Pilates, it went beyond a simple exercise; it changed my mindset, my outlook on life, and my lifestyle.
 
Shizuka-san
Many people were surprised when Yurika-san resumed Pilates just 10 days after childbirth, in addition to during her pregnancy. But Pilates builds the body from the ground up, so it can offer methods tailored to one's life stage and way of living. I think that's a great aspect, as it allows for a profound building of both mind and body.

Seo
The ability to offer the possibility of drawing out hidden potential that the person themselves hasn't yet realized is something "Beauty Charge -Femcare-" also shares. I am truly delighted when I hear feedback like, "My skin improved, which boosted my confidence, and I was able to start something new." Many people interested in KNOW YOUR ORIGIN value facing their mind and body, but could you give a final message, Shizuka-san?
 
Shizuka-san
I want to tell you that life isn't about suffering. You were born to live as you wish, so it would be a waste not to! Please try to keep "If you wanna be happy, be." in mind. If you truly wish to be happy, it will come true. You are the one who creates your life. Your life can become what you wish it to be. Even I, who had nothing to believe in, felt truly relieved in both mind and body just by changing my perspective. If you feel pain, try to face yourself. You will surely find support.

Seo
Thank you, Shizuka-san. At KNOW YOUR ORIGIN, in addition to instructions on how to use "Beauty Charge -Femcare-", we also offer an apothecary service to address questions and concerns related to women's mind and body. Please use it via our EC site, official LINE, or Instagram DM.

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 Shizuka Hoshi

While working as a model, she accumulated experience as a model trainer and show walking instructor from the late 2000s. To learn authentic Pilates, she obtained qualifications from multiple Pilates organizations in New York, the home of Pilates, and began working as a Pilates instructor and posture/walking instructor. In 2018, she became independent and established All Present Pilates Tokyo, where she works today. She also works as a Pilates instructor trainer.

Official Website: https://www.allpresentpilates.com
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allpresentpilates/