Instructor Spotlight: Cheryl Chee
Cheryl is a Pilates instructor at Lincoln Loft
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your Pilates background
My name is Cheryl Chee. I’ve lived in Christchurch for the past two years, and it’s where I discovered Pilates, something I fell in love with so quickly that I decided to fully dive into training. I completed my Balanced Body Mat and Reformer training last December and stepped straight into teaching.
Over the past year, I’ve taught 400+ classes across various studios, and I’m now permanently teaching at Lincoln Loft and Flex Wigram in Christchurch in New Zealand. I’m also passionate about making Pilates accessible, which led me to introduce Mandarin Pilates classes in Christchurch, the first of its kind here.
My friends would describe me as warm, driven, a bit cheeky, and someone who always brings encouragement and a smile into the room.
2. How did you discover Pilates?
I decided I wanted to do a pilates class. To be honest I didn't like it the first class that I went to, but I need to finish my 6 class credit. By the third class I was already falling in love and would go as far to say I was addicted to it.
3. How do you keep learning?
I keep learning because every person who comes into my class teaches me something new.
Every body moves differently, and the more I observe and work with my members, the more I realise how much there is to understand. Their progress, challenges, and unique movement patterns constantly push me to grow as an instructor.
That curiosity keeps me signing up for workshops, courses, and trainings. I genuinely enjoy digging deeper so I can support people better.
I’m also inspired by the real humans in front of me. I love seeing what Pilates can do for them, and enjoy working with teachers who share their knowledge generously.
4. The best advice you were ever given as a teacher…
Listen to your body more and feel that movement can make changes in your body.
5. Is there something you try and instil in each of your clients?
I try to help them understand that pilates is a system rather than just a movement or just a workout.
6. The best Pilates course you ever did was…
I don’t have a single “best” course, because every one I’ve taken has given me something unique. Each educator brought their own style and wisdom, and I’ve picked up different gems from all of them. All those learnings together have shaped the way I teach today.
7. What’s your favourite piece of equipment to use with clients in studio and why?
It’s the Pilates ball. The addition of a pilates ball can help improve alignment, help activate or target group of muscle sand sometimes can be very fun!
8. How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by giving myself space to rest when I need it, and by taking classes with more experienced teachers. Watching how they cue, connect, and hold the room always reignites my curiosity.
I also stay motivated through my clients. Seeing their progress, hearing their stories, and watching them enjoy movement reminds me why I love what I do. It keeps me showing up better for them each time.
9. What makes you laugh the most?
I laugh the most at small, simple things that catch me off guard, a quirky comment, a funny mishap, or just life being unexpectedly silly.
10. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
Take my coffee and go for a walk in nature, smell the trees and listen to birds chirping.
11. How many pairs of grip socks do you own? Do you love or hate a stretch band?
I can't even count ! But for sure it is never enough. And yes, I love stretch band!
12. Does your family ‘really know’ what’s involved in your job?
Not really. The hardest person for me to inspire to go to a pilates class was my husband!