Pilates becomes Plinky
The versatile artist finally finds the perfect workout. By Katherine Olaguera.
Plinky Recto has been searching for the right workout all her life. She started ballet at 4 and practiced the dance form for 14 years. By 12, she was a professional jazz dancer. After ending her dancing career at 18, she concentrated on her college studies. Next came about a dozen years of regular gym workouts. "But I felt [that the gym] wasn't for me," Plinky says. "I was really searching for the workout that's right for me."
When Plinky went to the US, her aunt, a fitness buff who loves to try new things, brought her to the Pilates Studio in Beverly Hills. "I took my first lesson and that was it. I was hooked," she says. Plinky belongs to the Physicalmind Institute and traces her lineage to Eve Gentry who was personally certified by Joseph Pilates. The following year, the aunt booked her niece for her first levels of Pilates. Plinky returned to the Philippines knowing that she wanted to study Pilates, although she still wasn't sure if she wanted to teach it.
Plinky has been teaching Pilates in the Philippines for 3 years. She is a Certified Fitness Analyst in the Method of Pilates. She specializes in osteoporosis, works with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists and conducts seminars/demonstrations for corporate executives, housewives, athletes and the physically impaired.
Plinky is accredited by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Senior Fitness Associations (SFA), American Kinesiotherapy Association (AKA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), International Sports Trainers Association (ISTA) and National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).
"Every Pilates instructor has his or her own style of teaching," says Plinky. "I'm not into teaching big classes." Plinky only allows a maximum of 7 people in her mat classes. "I'm not into mass-production, I talk to my clients and get to know them personally."
Pilates gives you strength, flexibility and aligns your body, says Plinky. "With Pilates, everything is adjusted to suit the client's body structure. Anyone can do it." Her clients include lupus sufferers and even post-cancer patients. "I have an 87-year-old client. In the States, I had a 91-year-old client. Last [July], I had an inquiry from a 101-year-old client. I still have to assess the client. Several doctors have to screen him first before he can enroll in my class."
Plinky is constantly improving her craft. "Every year, I have to go to the States for a month-long refresher course. That's daily, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week." Her studio has an in-house musculoskeletal expert who focuses solely on research. "I invest in [research]," says Plinky. She also works closely with Dr. Tyrone Reyes, the top rehab medicine practitioner in the country. "I work with him and his patients and I learn a lot from them."
Her message to people thinking of trying Pilates: "Don't think, just come to my studio," says Plinky, laughing. "And drink lots of water."
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