We have some incredibly talented members at Inna Essence! Min Jin, our Member of the Month for February, is a professional cellist and she has found Reformer Pilates a way to significantly reduce her back pain when she performs.
Min Jin has studied at the Queensland Conservatorium, as well as in London; is a music educator, and regular performer with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. If you came to our studio’s 5th Birthday Party, you would have seen Min Jin on the stage with her trio ‘Chromatica’. This talented trio often perform at the Candlelight Concert series in the City.
Whilst balancing afternoon tutoring, rehearsals and performances, Min Jin loves our challenging Jumpboard Reformer classes and aims to come as often as possible to improve her posture and to strengthen her shoulders and spine.
What challenges or goals first brought you to Inna Essence?
“Firstly, it was mainly my posture which I hoped to improve. I have a really hunched back and shoulders from playing the cello, and I also suffer from lower back pain from sitting all the time.”
Min Jin shared with us that it was over lunch with a friend when she discovered Inna Essence. “My friend Sunny (also a member of the studio) and I both play instruments and often catch up for lunch. We used to complain about our aches and pains, and how much we would love to be able to perform without discomfort. Then one day we were having lunch at SunShine Kebabs and I saw the Inna Essence sign!”
Min Jin says that many of her musician friends do Pilates to help strengthen and maintain their core strength and to improve their overall wellbeing. This dedication to Pilates and their body’s strength means their professional musical careers will be even longer!
Our member of the month shares, “Posture wise, I still need to remind myself to sit taller, and be mindful of the chair I use when I play. But pain wise, within three months of coming to classes at Inna Essence, I felt a reduction in my back and shoulder pain.”
“I recently had a huge performance schedule during the opera season, and I was quite worried about getting injured, but I got through without too much pain.”
What is it about Pilates & Yoga that motivates you?
Reformer is Min Jin’s favourite class; she loves how you start the class lying down, and get a chance to ground and relax into the session. The gentle start is always great, but then it’s always followed by challenging exercises like lunges and scooters. “As soon as we stand up, I know the class is about to get serious! I have done Personal Training before, but the Reformer is so unique. I spent quite some time learning how to use the machine, and because it’s so different, it always seems to make each class really engaging.”
Min Jin was reflecting on how Pilates with the studio has affected her life, and she was so thrilled to discover an improvement in the strength of her ankles. “I never realised how much Reformer has strengthened my ankles! I used to roll my ankles ALL THE TIME, and then the other day I realised it hasn’t happened lately!”
What do you love most about the studio?
Min Jin’s first comment was our friendly staff, the wonderful instructors; and how Inna Essence is a studio where there is no judgement and lots of encouragement. “When I first started at the studio, even the Intro Reformer classes were really welcoming and safe, and my first lesson wasn’t too scary.”
When asked what is Min Jin’s favourite class, “I enjoy Jumpboard; I love the cardio and endurance aspect, all while laying down!”
“I get to the studio twice per week, and really try for three sessions each week; I choose my classes around full-time hours of after-school music tutoring, rehearsals and performances throughout the week.”
What would you say to a friend who is keen to try a class at Inna Essence?
“I definitely recommend Inna Essence, and I really want my husband to join too! I found the 10 Pack was a great way to get started – the flexibility was great; then I found a membership worked well as I started to attend more often and more regularly.”
