Jakarta, IO – In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body- Joseph Pilates.
The quote by Joseph Pilates above is well known among fans of this exercise. Joseph Pilates is a practitioner of gymnastics who introduced this method in the 1920s. Back then, he used this technique to rehabilitate soldiers injured during World War I. Pilates movements train body flexibility through stretching and strengthening certain body parts.
Pilates, in a nutshell, is a physical fitness system that promotes efficient movement through muscular control, balance, endurance and strength. Usually, beginners will be asked to perform one pose of Pilates movements for a few seconds, to get a sense of the more strenuous exercise than aerobics.
One of the favorite Pilates centers in Jakarta is Pilates@Kemang located on Kemang Raya Street, South Jakarta. Independent Observer was given the unique opportunity to meet Mega Mulya and Kiki Bayu, owner of Pilates@Kemang at Colony Kemang, Jakarta, on August 1.
Mega Mulya founded Pilates@Kemang in 2013. According to its origin story, when Mega was injured while playing sports, the doctor advised her that she should only do swimming or Pilates. Mega chose the latter. Starting from only once a week, the frequency later increased to four times a week. After witnessing the massive benefits, Mega decided to study Pilates intensively, not only in Jakarta but also in Australia.
Armed with this knowledge, Mega became not only a Pilates instructor but also opened her own Pilates studio. “With Pilates, our posture will be corrected, and the bonus will be a healthy and slim body,” Mega explained with a smile.
Mega is grateful, this year Pilates@Kemang celebrates its 10th anniversary. A special achievement indeed. Moreover, she was able to survive during the pandemic. So what’s the reason for her success? “I prioritize the value of family. So if the owner builds familial values with the instructor, then the instructor will do the same. Eventually, a family-style relationship is created,” said Mega.
Mega admits that competition is mushrooming. Nevertheless, she believes that her business will survive. “I believe one’s fortune has been arranged, so we just need to think positively in life,” she said with an upbeat tone.
In 2023, Mega is grateful to have met her business partner Kiki Bayu. “Miss Kiki is my client and friend, so we have the same frequency. Pilates is the passion we both share,” she said.
How did Kiki Bayu become interested in wellness business like Pilates? “Because I have been a client here, for about one year. I grew to love the environment and atmosphere. When I visited Pilates@Kemang, it felt like home. The instructors, fellow clients, and the employees; they are like family.
Thank God I was given the rare opportunity to be one of Pilates@Kemang’s owners. I am very grateful to be part of the big family. This is a new world for me. Over time, togetherness, comfort and kinship are the strength that bonds us. My hope is that all clients, instructors and employees who are involved in it will feel at home and be happier doing Pilates,” explained Kiki.
As far as Kiki is concerned, the instructors are Pilates@Kemang’s pillar of strength and excellence. “Our instructors have loyal clients. They can provide a sense of comfort for clients so as to create a family-like relationship. This solid sense of togetherness must be nurtured and maintained,” said Kiki, who promotes Pilates@Kemang via Instagram handle @Pilateskemang and flyers.
Kiki and Mega said clients at Pilates@Kemang come from various backgrounds, from students, employees, artists, public figures to state officials. “But sorry, we cannot mention their names, due to privacy,” quipped Kiki.
During its 10th anniversary, Pilates@Kemang offers interesting promotion not to be missed. “For one session, the price is Rp 700,000, but if you want to take 10 sessions at once, you only need to pay Rp6 million. If you want to pay for 30 sessions, the price is even cheaper, you only need to pay Rp16.5 million,” explained Kiki.
So what are Kiki and Mega’s hopes to achieve through their business? “More and more healthy people. Build a family-like relationship between client and instructor. For us, the Pilates world does not only prioritize the material side, but also the emotional side that must be planted as a foundation in a business. If we do good and prioritize sincerity in everything we do, God will give His grace and we can enjoy many good things. So we hope everyone who is part of Pilates@Kemang can receive a lot of grace and blessings, apart from health and comfort,” said Kiki.
Mega hopes her business can continue to develop in the future and be able to open more branches. “Please support me with prayer so I can make it come true,” she said.
The same hope was also expressed by Pilates@Kemang instructors. One of them is Kishore Felix Malonda. Better known as Kiko, he said he has seen the studio gone through ups and downs. However, what makes him stay is the true sense of togetherness and kinship atmosphere that makes him feel at home. “The owners continue to innovate. Also, with regard to business development, the infrastructure is well heeded, which matters for instructors,” he said.
Dini, another instructor of Pilates@Kemang echoed the sentiment. “It doesn’t feel like a workplace, but more like home. The family ties are very strong. Moreover, the owners, Ms. Kiki and Ms. Mega, are able to create a comfortable environment for everyone who works here,” said Dini.
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Muhamad Fikri Bajri said he joined Pilates@Kemang in 2017. He noted that it has been able to survive because of the closeness between the instructors and customers. Fikri is also grateful that the owners continue to bring new enthusiasm that has enabled Pilates@Kemang to keep growing.
In the eyes of Lea, who has been an instructor since 2015, Pilates@Kemang is able to create a feel like home for clients, employees and instructors. “Our owner is able to create a closer sense of togetherness with one another,” said Lea.
I would like to end this article with this quote ‘the best time is Pilates time’. So, are you also interested in doing Pilates? (des)
