The Power of Functional Movement: In Conversation With Kirsten King of Fluidform Pilates
Pilates has been our go-to form of movement for years. It requires a mind-body connection with concentration and focus, moving your body through precise ranges of motion while focusing on your breath.
Which is why we are so grateful to sit down and talk to one of Australia's most well-known pilates professionals, Kirsten King. She is a mother of 3 girls, has been a pilates instructor for more than two decades and the founder of Fluidform Pilates.
Here's an insight into Kirsten's day to day, how she overcomes the ever changing challenges of body image within the health and wellness space and how that drives her passion when raising her 3 daughters and working with so many women everyday.
First, we’d love to start this off with a gratitude practice. What’s something you’re grateful for today?
As I am writing this, I am grateful for my Loco Love 3 PM treat… It’s salty and sweet and full of superfoods.
What is a typical day in the life of Kirsten King?
Most days are usually anything but typical! But there are a few things I prioritise to maintain a level of routine, productivity and happiness. Today started early – getting the girls ready for school and morning activities. Between school drop offs I did a quick Reformer class at Fluidform Clovelly – moving is essential to kickstart my day. It gets the blood flowing which helps with my energy levels, creativity and stamina.
I then headed into the office for a few meetings and spent time with my team brainstorming and working on upcoming projects. I am often between tennis lessons and sport lessons in the afternoons, working when I can and just spending time with the girls. It’s important to me they make time for physical activity – it shows a level of commitment and develops a sense of body awareness I believe is essential for growing humans!
The evenings are kept as relaxed and commitment-free as possible. This is time we spend together as a family – usually over a nourishing and nutritious meal (both my husband and I share a passion for health and wellbeing). We usually switch off over a new Netflix series, tea and some dark chocolate. We like to keep things balanced and simple when we can, amidst the chaos life can throw you!
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the approach you're taking with your three young daughters around general wellness with food and movement given the body issues women have experienced in the past?
This is a topic I feel very strongly and passionate about. Having worked within the health industry for 20 years I can acknowledge the progress which has been made in unravelling the dangers and discomforts around body image. However, day to day I continue to witness struggles and pain, specifically in young women. When it comes to guidance and education in this ever-evolving space of exercise, body image and nutrition – modern resources and safe, considered conversations are scarce.
Social media continues to take a toll on body image for all ages. The exposure for young adults is beyond anything we know or have experienced ourselves. Young girls are following Youtube workout videos or taking up running in order to look a certain way. They are over-using joints and muscles without any concept of body awareness. Without this, imbalances can develop in their lower back, hips and pelvis which can lead to long-term injuries and pain. Not to mention the damage it does to their confidence and sense of self.
As a mother of three young girls and teacher to so many parents with young children, I hope to help navigate positive body awareness in young people, through discovering a mind-body connection, teaching the importance of core strength and the power of functional movement, specific to the growing, changing and developing teen bodies. I want to teach young people that exercise goes beyond any physical benefits – it has the ability to transform the way we breath, move and live with confidence.
We are currently working on a special project on Fluidform at Home, bringing attention to a space I connect with so deeply. The journey so far has been raw, eye-opening and powerful–I am excited to share it with the world!
For the woman that inspires so many women worldwide, who inspires you and why?
My mum has always been a huge inspiration to me–her ability to make anything possible! She taught me to reach for the stars.
I am inspired by Gwenyth Paltrow and Naomi Watts as leaders in female health–physical, mental and sexual–and bringing unspoken topics into the spotlight.
I am forever inspired by Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama for using their voice to speak for those who can’t. They epitomise selfless leaders.