Jul 16 / Theo Botha

We Are More Connected Than We Realize

An open letter to the Pilates community from Theo Botha

Dear friends, colleagues, and fellow Pilates professionals,


I’ve just returned from an unforgettable journey through Japan and China, and I want to share something that’s stayed with me every day since. It’s something that reminded me why I do this work — and why we’re all in this together, regardless of where we come from.


During my visit, I had the privilege of teaching a young woman who, when I first met her, was visibly insecure — hesitant in her movement, unsure of herself, and holding back. Insecure because of the negative unconstructive cues and uninspiring motivation and input she has been given as a Pilates student and prospective instructor, In short, a journey of being criticised for every movement she made. O my!! 


But as the days passed and we worked together, something shifted. Through encouragement, positive reinforcement, and small moments of constructive feedback, I watched her transform. Her posture lifted, her confidence grew, and most importantly, she began to trust herself and her movement around Pilates and her movement. 


In just a short time, she made remarkable progress. Not just physically — but in how she carried herself, how she moved through space, how she believed she could do it.


That experience reminded me of something crucial we sometimes forget:

 

As instructors, our words shape bodies — and lives.
While it’s our job to correct and guide, it’s just as important to celebrate what’s working


To highlight growth, effort, alignment, breath. To catch people doing something right and let them feel seen for it.


Because often, especially in this world, people hear far more about what’s wrong than what’s right.


This theme of openness and transformation continued to surprise me throughout the trip.


In Japan and China I presented a workshop on Women’s Health — a topic that can be incredibly sensitive, especially in more reserved cultures. Yet, to my amazement, the women in the room began to open up. What started as structured discussion turned into spontaneous, heartfelt conversation around sexual health, pelvic health, menopause, and personal experiences rarely shared so openly. It was a powerful reminder of how Pilates can create space not only for movement, but for deep and healing dialogue. These conversations matter — and they’re part of the future we’re all shaping together.


In addition to Women’s Health, in both China and Japan, I presented Swinging It Through with Pilates, a workshop on Pilates for racket sports. With professionals in the room — from tennis coaches to rehab specialists — the depth of learning expanded far beyond exercises. 


We explored injury prevention, biomechanics, and performance enhancement in golf and tennis, all while the Wimbledon tournament played in the background — a perfect, timely reminder of the real-world relevance of what we do. 


The synergy between Pilates and sport was undeniable, and the collaborative energy in the room made it all the more impactful.


Throughout my travels, I felt an overwhelming sense of unity. It didn’t matter where we trained, what school we came from, or how long we’ve been teaching. What mattered was the shared mission —
helping people move better, live better, feel better.


And that’s what connects us all. From Pretoria to Tokyo, from Shanghai to small-town studios across the globe — we’re doing the same work, driven by the same heart.


So today, I’m sending this letter out as both a thank you and an invitation.


Let’s remember why we started. Let’s stay connected — across disciplines, across continents. Let’s lift one another up, and let’s lift our clients even higher. Not just by correcting what’s off — but by celebrating what’s right.


Here’s to a future where Pilates continues to unite, inspire, and empower.


With deep gratitude,
Theo Botha
Body Intellect

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