Candace Adachi is one of those people who can turn heads without even trying as she walks by. With a spring in her step and a dazzling smile to match, she radiates self-confidence and well-being, and it comes as no surprise to learn that she is a professional fitness instructor. She says, however, that this joie de vivre has not always been so apparent in the past.
Sports and fitness have always been an important part of this New Zealander's life. Originally from Wellington, she competed at the national level in both athletics and gymnastics as a child in the 1970s, and has participated in various marathons here in Japan. While she knew that keeping active played a vital part in overall health, it wasn't until she encountered the Pilates exercise regimen that she really understood the intricate relationship between physical and mental well-being that results in a total connection of the body and mind.
Developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the early decades of the last century, Pilates is a body-conditioning routine that promotes flexibility, muscle strength and endurance. Special emphasis is placed on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and developing a strong core, or center.