Shirley Tong

Practice Manager &
Pilates Instructor

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Matwork Pilates, Advanced Matwork Pilates

• Reformer Pilates

• Bachelor of Laws & Economics, Queensland University of Technology

• Master of Laws, Australian National University

Hi I'm Shirley. You'll usually see me at Breathe teaching Pilates or at the front desk.

I've had a whole career in the public service. One day, I watched a series of YouTube videos on tending gardens and growing beautiful vegetables and flowers. And I realised that for me, life is much more than just working in an office 9-5, so I decided to quit and fully devote my time to building Breathe.

I've never looked back. 

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Working on the business is fulfilling, rewarding and eye-opening. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we started from an empty concrete-floored 111m2 space, to the inviting and bright clinic you see today.

I'm really proud that we won the 2022 Australian Small Business Champion Awards. And I can't wait to see what we could achieve in the future.

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I teach classical Pilates, and I really enjoy guiding clients to practice Pilates with the correct form and technique, activating the right muscles. This is the reason why Pilates was created in the first place. I adapt exercises to your fitness goals and any injuries you may have. 

I believe that Pilates is for everyone, and those who stick to a regular Pilates routine have better posture, become more confident, and lead a healthier lifestyle. I also love strength/resistance training and have seen the benefits firsthand in relieving my neck pain from years of office work.

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When we're not running the business, I like to travel. Travel broadens our minds and gives us unparalleled experience we can't see in movies or read about in books. I've been on spectacular hikes such as Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and the Tongariro track in New Zealand.

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I welcome you to Breathe and sincerely hope you enjoy your experience here.  

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