In 2022, after hernia surgery left me feeling disconnected from my body, I took what felt like a small step but turned out to be a life-altering one: I walked into a Pilates studio.

I had no idea then how much that first class would change me. What began as a way to heal physically soon became so much more. I found strength—not just in my muscles, but in my breath, my mindset, and my ability to feel again. And now, as a certified Pilates instructor, I want to take you along on this journey with me.

But before I get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “who.”

Who Was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was a German-born innovator who believed that physical and mental health were not separate—they were deeply connected. During World War I, while interned in a camp in England, he began developing a method of mindful movement he called Contrology.It emphasized breath, control, precision, flow, and concentration. What’s now known as Pilates was originally born out of necessity—using springs from hospital beds to help injured soldiers rebuild strength without strain.

To Joseph, movement wasn’t just physical therapy—it was life therapy. He believed that a strong core could be the foundation for both physical vitality and emotional stability. He saw the body as a whole system, where intentional movement could awaken not just muscles, but confidence, clarity, and purpose.

And that’s exactly what it did for me.

So What Is Pilates, Really?

Pilates is more than just a workout—it’s a conversation with your body. A quiet, powerful practice that invites you to slow down, tune in, and move with intention.

It’s breath. It’s control. It’s alignment and presence. It’s strength that comes from the inside out.

At its core, Pilates is about reconnecting—with your breath, your center, your purpose. It targets the deep muscles that support your spine and posture—the ones most of us ignore until something goes wrong. But it also wakes up your awareness. You begin to feel your body again—not just going through the motions, but fully present in each one.

It’s not about pushing harder or chasing intensity. It’s about building the kind of strength that lasts, the kind that supports your everyday life. It teaches you to move with purpose, not pressure. To find power in stillness. To create space—not just in your body, but in your mind.

What I love most is that Pilates meets you wherever you are—whether you’re in recovery, rebuilding, or rediscovering what it means to feel good in your own skin. And from there, it gently challenges you to grow, one breath at a time.

Finding Myself Again—But Stronger

My post-surgery recovery was anything but fast. I followed the guidelines, did everything I was “supposed to” do. I even started lifting light weights to rebuild strength but something was different. I was moving, but I wasn’t connecting with my body so my efforts were actually hurting me more than they were helping.

I felt unsteady in exercises that used to feel effortless. I had lost all connection to my core—and when your core isn’t engaged, nothing feels safe. Not in your spine. Not in your movement. Not even in your breath.

And that was the real wake-up call: I didn’t just need to get stronger. I needed to rebuild trust in my body.

That’s what led me to Pilates.

It was slow. It was precise. It was humbling. And it was exactly what I needed. Pilates taught me to move with purpose, not pressure. To use breath as a tool, not just an afterthought. To build strength from the inside out—through muscles I had never been taught to activate before.

Little by little, I felt grounded again. Taller. Lighter. More aware. And not just physically—emotionally too.

Pilates gave me more than my body back. It gave me ownership of my healing.

Why I Became a Pilates Instructor

It wasn’t enough to just experience this transformation. I felt called to share it. I knew I wanted to help other women—especially moms—feel this same reconnection. So I became a certified Pilates instructor, not because I had it all figured out, but because I had been where so many others are: trying to feel like themselves again.

And now, my mission is simple—use mindful movement to empower people to find strength, healing, and alignment in every part of their lives.

A New Chapter Begins

This is just the beginning of my Pilates journey, and I’m excited to share it with you. Whether you’re recovering, rediscovering, or just curious, there’s a space for you here.

Pilates isn’t just a workout. It’s a return. A grounding. A gentle reminder that strength doesn’t have to be loud and it all starts from the inside out.

Introducing Signature Wellness Center, Addis Ababa

As this journey continues, I’m beyond excited to announce the upcoming opening of Signature Wellness Center, right in the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Our space is built on the belief that movement heals and balance empowers. Under the Signature Wellness umbrella, you’ll find:

• Signature Fitness – for functional training and strength conditioning

• Signature Studios – offering Pilates, Yoga, and HIIT cardio

• Steam and Sauna amenities, and an outdoor rooftop pool  – for post-workout recovery and relaxation

This will be a space for you to feel seen, supported, and strong—no matter where you are in your journey. I can’t wait to welcome you in.

Yours,

Luwam T.