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The newest addition to Studio En’s roster of classes this winter, Pilates has now come to Setsu Niseko in two types: Reformer and Mat. Introducing Pilates and telling about her wellness journey, we had the opportunity to get to know Natsumi Suzuki, Studio En’s Lead Pilates instructor.
Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Natsumi Suzuki and I have been doing Pilates for 20 years! I love studying anatomy and nutrition to build a healthy body!
How did you get into Pilates? Could you tell us more about your Pilates journey?
I wanted to be a dancer, so I went to Los Angeles to study dance. 20 years ago, when the name Pilates was not even known in Japan, the dancers around me in Los Angeles were already doing Pilates, and they taught me. Luckily, one of my dancer friends was a Pilates teacher, so I learned Pilates from her. After just one Pilates class, I was shocked. It became clear to me that what I needed was muscles that would allow me to use my body properly.
What is your favourite Pilates exercise?
Well, I want to keep improving and strengthening my body, so I often do prone exercises which I’m not good at.
Could you tell us more about the types of Pilates classes Studio En provides and what are their differences?
Reformer Pilates is performed using machines specifically designed for Pilates. The machines are equipped with springs and straps that make your movements easier or harder, making it suitable for people of all ages and genders. Mat Pilates can be challenging because you only use your own body weight, but it also strengthens your core. Pilates machines are broadly divided into classical and contemporary, and at Studio En, you can experience classical Pilates with different content for each person. There are also contemporary elements in that we incorporate a lot of post-ski stretching.
What are the benefits of doing Pilates?
You will become stronger, and gain confidence and a positive attitude that will make you feel like you can do anything. When you improve physically, any movement you do will improve. A slight change in the angle of your pelvis or spine will make a big difference, and the way you control your body will cover up your weaknesses.
It also reduces the risk of injury if you play a sport. In Pilates, we look at the body as a whole. For example, if you injure your knee, you don’t get injured because your knee is bad, but because your overall balance is out of sorts. So when you heal, you don’t just focus on the knee, you heal your body as a whole. This ultimately speeds up the recovery of your knee. You should continue this holistic approach to avoid reinjuries.
What advice would you give to people interested in doing Pilates or are beginners?
Pilates is something that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or gender. I’m often asked, “I’m stiff, can I still do it?” but that’s no problem at all. If you’re still worried, I recommend taking a private class. You can do Pilates at your own pace in a way that suits you. Once you get used to it, then you can start thinking about joining a group class!
Would you recommend Pilates as an exercise and why?
I think of Pilates as more of a warm-up before an exercise. Humans are creatures that constantly move around – whether standing, walking, cleaning, or shopping. Intensity doesn’t matter. Just incorporating Pilates into your workout before or after exercise will make your body feel lighter and easier to move, and you’ll feel it immediately after class.
Studio En describes itself as a “grounding space to explore the mind-body connection”, how does Pilates help a person in improving their connection with their mind and body?
One of the great things about Pilates is that you can keep moving without stopping your breath even when the movements get tough. This takes some practice, but it helps you become stronger both physically and mentally. Every day feels different, but I believe that exploring everyday leads to growth.
What makes Niseko a great place to practice Pilates?
That’s because I’m here. Just kidding! Niseko is a wonderful place all year round. You’ll feel happy with the gifts of nature, such as fresh air, water, and food. The smell of greenery, the fresh breeze, and the abundance of things will train you to take better care of yourself.
Lastly, what do you love about teaching Pilates?
I love watching everyone’s expressions and movements change during the lesson! At first they look anxious or nervous, but as they move they become more serious, and sometimes they even laugh because it’s too hard, but when they work hard until the end and the lesson finishes, their beaming expressions are my favorite moments!
Whether you’re seeking focused one-on-one attention or the energy of an intimate class, our new Pilates offerings bring strength, balance, and mindful movement to your practice.
