Joanne Marie Martin is....

About Joanne Martin

Joanne has worked in the Hong Kong fitness industry for the past decade. She has served as an aerobic instructor at various Hong Kong recreation clubs and at California Fitness. Seven years ago, Joanne started to focus on mind body exercises and went on to instruct at the Isofit Studio. In 2003, Joanne founded the JM Pilates Studio.

"With its attention to body awareness, breath and movement, Pilates is one of the best muscle conditioning exercises I have found”

A note from Joanne

I can’t say when I became interested in fitness.  I became an aerobic instructor after attending classes regularly at a club close to my house. The instructor suggested that I get certified and find my own class to teach, and so my career started. 

I began to educate myself in the world of fitness and what it means to be fit by taking an American Council of Exercise course offered in Hong Kong.  I then continued to educate myself attending fitness conventions in the States eventually qualifying as a personal trainer.  I discovered mind/body fitness with a short introductory course of pilates by Michael King of the UK.  The following summer I began to study yoga and took a yoga instructor certificate course in Quebec.  At the same time I studied and learnt to teach Pilates. 4 years of consistent study and I completed my training as a Stott Pilates Instructor.  Since then I have also completed the Instructor Trainer Course with Stott Pilates.

Pilates with its attention to the body awareness, breath and movement pattern is one of the best muscle conditioning exercises that I have found.  Because the muscles move thru their whole range of motion and there is focus on both the concentric and eccentric movements, the body becomes strengthened as well as more flexible.  Every exercise comes from the abdominal, the shoulder girdle is stabilized and alignment of the body is encouraged.  With this kind of focus upon the body there is an improvement in concentration and an improvement in body awareness that is carried with you immediately after the session has ended and stays with you thru out the rest of the day. 

I created JM Pilates Studio because I strongly believe that this type of exercise is the best way to create a strong balanced body.  JM Pilates Studio is based out of the United Services Recreation Club in Jordon, Kowloon.   The Studio is equipped with a reformer, a rehab reformer with tower and 2 stability chairs, arc barrels, ladder barrel and spine corrector. Mat classes are offered. These classes are an hour long, small equipment may be used such as, arc barrels, elastic bands, foam rollers, bosu’s and fitness circles. Spaces are limited so it is advisable to call before attending class to ensure there is space for you.  Non-members are able to attend classes.  Parking is available to non-members, a fee of $50- is charged and persons wishing to park should call ahead for a smooth arrival.

Equipment based classes are offered as private classes and semi private classes.  For more information you may call at +852 2719 5888, +852 91945856 or email me jmpilates@yahoo.ca