The Benefits of Pilates: Strength, Balance, and Recovery in Brentwood
Why Pilates is More Than Just Exercise — The Joayo Therapy Approach to Personalized Wellness
Pilates as a Path to Whole-Body Wellness
When people think of Pilates, they often picture toned cores, elegant movements, and a workout that feels equal parts graceful and challenging. While all of this is true, Pilates is so much more than just exercise. At Joayo Therapy in Brentwood, Burnaby, our Pilates programs are designed to restore balance, support recovery, and strengthen both body and mind.
Pilates isn’t just about looking strong; it’s about feeling strong. It’s about learning how your body moves, correcting imbalances, improving posture, and cultivating mindful control over every movement. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply striving for a healthier lifestyle, Pilates offers tools to help you move better and live better.
The Core Benefits of Pilates
1. Strengthening the Core
At the heart of Pilates lies the “powerhouse”—a focus on the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvic floor. Strengthening these areas provides stability for the entire body, reducing strain on the spine and improving balance.
2. Improving Posture and Alignment
Modern life often forces us into poor postural habits—slouched shoulders, tight hips, and strained necks. Pilates directly addresses these issues by retraining muscles to support natural alignment, leading to less pain and more efficient movement.
3. Enhancing Flexibility and Mobility
Unlike workouts that emphasize bulk or speed, Pilates focuses on lengthening and strengthening simultaneously. This builds flexibility while maintaining strength, allowing for greater range of motion and reduced risk of injury.
4. Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention
Because Pilates can be adapted to every level and condition, it is frequently recommended as part of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Movements are low-impact, controlled, and safe for joints, making it ideal for recovery.
5. Mind-Body Connection
Pilates is as much about mental awareness as it is about physical strength. Each session emphasizes controlled breathing, mindful engagement, and intentional movement—helping reduce stress and improve focus.
Why Pilates is More Than Just Exercise
For many, Pilates is transformative because it isn’t about calorie counting or competition. Instead, it’s about personal growth, recovery, and empowerment. At Joayo Therapy, our approach goes beyond fitness—we see Pilates as a tool for:
Supporting clients with chronic pain or postural issues
Helping pre- and post-natal mothers regain strength
Assisting athletes with performance and injury prevention
Providing a safe, balanced workout for all ages and abilities
This holistic focus means clients not only see improvements in their physical health, but also feel more confident, grounded, and resilient.
The Joayo Therapy Approach: Personalized Care for Every Body
At Joayo Therapy, Pilates isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. We design sessions around your specific goals, injuries, and abilities. Our instructors are trained not just in classical Pilates, but also in rehabilitation-focused methods that integrate with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and other therapies offered at our clinic.
What sets our Pilates apart:
Individualized Programming – Each client’s session is tailored to their needs.
Small Group Options – Semi-private sessions allow for personal attention in a supportive group setting.
Integration with Healthcare – Collaboration with RMTs, physiotherapists, and naturopaths ensures a holistic approach to wellness.
Welcoming Environment – Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, our space is designed to support your journey.
Meet Our Pilates Instructors at Joayo Therapy
Mimi (Mihwa) Kim
With a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and over nine years of Pilates instruction, Mimi Kim combines academic knowledge with hands-on expertise. Her career began with four years in a hospital-affiliated rehabilitation Pilates program, where she specialized in helping clients recover from injuries and manage pain. This experience gave her a deep understanding of biomechanics and the therapeutic role Pilates plays in healing.
Mimi’s background in rhythmic gymnastics further enhances her ability to analyze body movement and alignment. Her classes are characterized by patience, encouragement, and a supportive environment where clients can explore their limits safely. Whether the goal is rehabilitation, injury prevention, or overall fitness, Mimi ensures each session is personalized and transformative. Clients working with Mimi gain not only physical strength and mobility but also a deeper mind-body connection that supports long-term wellness.
Evelyn (Seyoung) Kim
Evelyn Kim brings a lifelong passion for health, movement, and active living to her Pilates practice. From her early years, she has explored swimming, running, fitness, and Pilates—always believing in the profound mind-body benefits of exercise. With extensive experience teaching both private and group classes in Korea, Evelyn emphasizes functional training that helps clients better understand their bodies and apply movement for overall health and balance.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in her own journey: fostering resilience, joy, and positivity through mindful movement. Evelyn’s mantra, “Smile Body & Smile Life,” captures her mission to guide each client toward a healthier lifestyle where both body and mind thrive in harmony.
Nami (Namhee) Lee
Nami Lee is both a licensed physical therapist and a certified Pilates instructor, with more than 10 years of clinical experience. Her dual expertise allows her to design sessions that merge rehabilitation principles with the classical foundations of Pilates. She specializes in improving strength, mobility, and balance for clients with diverse needs—from posture correction and scoliosis to recovery after injury.
Nami’s advanced training includes certifications in Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, and Props Pilates, as well as specialized programs in pregnancy Pilates, scoliosis management, and posture/motion evaluation. Her professional development extends to completing advanced rehabilitation courses such as Myocardial Pain Syndrome (MPS) and functional anatomy.
Clients describe Nami as thoughtful, attentive, and deeply invested in their progress. Her goal is not only to aid in recovery but also to empower individuals to thrive with improved confidence, strength, and mindful movement.
Your Guide to Pilates at Joayo Therapy
We offer flexible options so clients can choose the format that suits them best:
1:1 Private Pilates
A completely personalized session focusing on your goals, whether recovery, strength, or postural correction. Ideal for beginners or those with specific health needs.
2:1 Semi-Private Pilates
Train with a friend, partner, or family member in a session designed for two. You’ll still receive individualized attention but with the added motivation of a partner.
3:1 & 4:1 Small Group Sessions
Perfect for those who enjoy the energy of a group while still benefiting from professional guidance. These sessions are structured to ensure everyone progresses safely and effectively.
Specialized Programs
Rehab Pilates – Supporting injury recovery and chronic pain management
Pre/Post-Natal Pilates – Helping mothers maintain strength and mobility during and after pregnancy
Postural Correction – Addressing modern lifestyle issues such as tech neck and sedentary habits
Real-Life Applications of Pilates
For Desk Workers: Pilates strengthens weak postural muscles, reducing back, neck, and shoulder strain caused by hours at a computer.
For Athletes: It enhances performance by improving balance, stability, and core strength, while reducing injury risk.
For Seniors: Safe, low-impact movements improve balance and mobility, reducing the risk of falls.
For Rehabilitation Patients: Pilates integrates with physiotherapy to support recovery from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions.
Why Brentwood, Burnaby Chooses Joayo Therapy
Located conveniently in Brentwood, Joayo Therapy has become a hub for wellness in Burnaby. Clients come not only for results, but also for the personalized attention and supportive environment that sets us apart.
We understand that every client’s journey is unique. By blending evidence-based practice with compassionate care, we help clients achieve lasting results—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How to Get Started
✨ Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or looking to take your practice deeper, now is the perfect time to start.
📍 Joayo Therapy – Brentwood, Burnaby
📲 Book your first session at joayotherapy.ca or call 604-558-1347
