The moments that cut the deepest for Michelle Chen were always during the festive or special occasions. “The hardest times were always weddings, Chinese New Year, or formal occasions when I couldn’t find clothes that fit. It was a constant reminder that something had to change,” the 40-year-old shared.
By 2019, the scale was tipping close to 100kg. “I knew something had to change. I told myself I had to do more than just watch what I ate. This wasn’t just about looking better. It was about taking back control of my life.”
I knew something had to change. I told myself I had to do more than just watch what I ate. This wasn’t just about looking better. It was about taking back control of my life.
What started as a quiet resolve turned into a transformation spanning several years, one that would eventually lead her to shed nearly 30kg, discover the power of Pilates, and, most recently, launch her own studio: The Pilates Lab Singapore.
A Turning Point in the Pandemic
The shift began during the COVID-19 pandemic years. Working from home gave Chen the chance to cook for herself simple, home-prepared meals with more protein, fewer carbs, and far less overeating. Within eight months, she lost about 10kg.
In August 2020, moving into her own place in Serangoon Gardens further empowered her. Free from the habits of her family home, she continued cooking and even brought her lunches to work. But nutrition alone wasn’t enough.
Falling in Love With Pilates
Scrolling social media, she felt discouraged by “how intimidating the fitness scene looked in Singapore” until her elder sister introduced her to a nearby Reformer Pilates studio one random day. Going in with an open mind, Chen was hooked after two classes in a week.
She credits her teacher Joy for making the experience life-changing. “She was no-frills, non-judgmental, and made me feel at ease.”
Her sister was a constant support too. “Even though I lived so close, she’d offer to drive me on weeknights. It made it easier to show up. Soon it became routine of two classes a week, sometimes four. On especially stressful weeks, Pilates was my reset button. It cleared my mind and gave me space to breathe.”
It wasn’t just about the weight coming off. “The little wins kept me going. When clothes fit better, when I could squat with ease, or when I climbed stairs without feeling out of breath. Those small things mattered so much.”
Shifting the Mindset
Through the ups and downs, Chen learned to stop obsessing over numbers.
“To be honest, I don’t think BMI is the best way to go. I still use it loosely as a guideline, but it’s not my end goal. What matters to me now is how I feel when I move. Stronger, more focused, more confident; that’s what really counts.”
She added, “I used to feel so guilty on so-called cheat days. Looking back, that guilt was unnecessary and unhealthy. What really matters is building a sustainable relationship with food, movement, and self-care. It’s not about perfection, it’s about consistency.”
What really matters is building a sustainable relationship with food, movement, and self-care. It’s not about perfection, it’s about consistency.
From Corporate Director to Pilates Instructor
For years, Chen built a career in education. “I was the Director of Planning, Enrolment and Customer Experience at The Learning Lab, leading a team of 90. It was fulfilling and taught me so much about leadership.”
But in 2023, her body and heart told her something had to change. At a Pilates retreat in July that year, she broke down. “Through healing sessions, I shed so many tears. My body was telling me: you can’t keep pushing at this pace. I’d always lived by the mantra ‘mind over body’ but I realised I was on the edge of burnout.”
Later that year, a major corporate restructure shook her further. “My values no longer aligned. I needed something that could reignite my passion. For me, that was Pilates.”
Encouraged by her teacher, she enrolled in a training programme in Bali. “I found an incredible community of women from all walks of life. At the same time, I started teaching free Sunday sessions for friends whilst still juggling the responsibilities of my corporate career. What began as five people grew into 20 in just months. I rented a studio every week. It was a big investment, but I wanted to be sure I was truly ready before calling myself an instructor.”
In the background, Chen was also searching for a space near home. It took six months of persistence (and some wooing!) before she finally secured the studio space that would become The Pilates Lab.
Finally, in May this year, she made the leap. “It wasn’t easy to walk away from the stability of corporate life, but I knew this was the right decision. Pilates had been quietly transforming my life for years. It was time to give it everything.”
However, all the juggling this took a toll on her. Right before stepping into Pilates full time, her chronically aching knee turned out to be a 2.5cm tear in her meniscus, requiring an implant.
Thankfully, with diligent physio and patience, after two months of forced rest following the surgery, she made made a full — and surprisingly speedy — recovery and is fully back on the reformer, moving with strength and confidence.
Building The Pilates Lab
Investing nearly S$175,000 into her dream, Chen revealed that she spent S$150,000 on rental, equipment, renovation, insurance, licences and another S$25,000 on training costs. “It was a huge commitment, but I believed in what I was building.”
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful. The ‘Lab’ in ‘The Pilates Lab’ stands for Loving All Bodies.
“When I say that, I truly mean it. I want The Pilates Lab to be a space where anyone of any shape, size, or background can move, breathe, and feel how incredible these movements can be. It’s not just for people who want to lose weight. It’s for every life stage, for anyone who wants to feel strong, confident, and supported.”
She intentionally designed the studio to be intimate, with only eight reformers instead of 12. “Quality over quantity. I want to guide, correct, and encourage every single student in every single class.”
Her teaching style reflects her journey. “I’m clear, direct, and intentional. I believe in tough love. I’ll encourage you, but I’ll also hold you accountable. If your form slips, I’ll correct you. If I see you holding back, I’ll push you. Not to be harsh, but because I know you’re capable of more.”
Looking Beyond Weight Loss
Her journey is no longer about being smaller. “True health is about strength, mobility, and aging gracefully. I want to build a lifestyle where we stay independent and never become a burden to our loved ones.”
That’s the heartbeat of The Pilates Lab. “Every session is more than movement. It’s about finding strength, building confidence, and learning how mindful focus can transform not just your body, but how you feel in your own skin.”
The Pilates Lab
12A Maju Avenue, Serangoon Gardens
Singapore 556690
Business WhatsApp: +65 8752 5597
