Transformative Pilates in Pyeongtaek: Mind-Body Wellness with Mandy at Pure Balance
- Melissa Edwards-Whittington
- Mar 18
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Photography By: Anna Lonborg with Photos by Annie Lou
Pilates in Pyeongtaek: Mind-Body Wellness with Mandy at Pure Balance Korea
At Pure Balance Korea, Pilates with Mandy is more than just an exercise routine—it's a transformative experience that bridges the gap between physical strength and mental well-being. Mandy Seonghwa Park has a master's degree in Sports Science and a bachelor's degree in Counseling. Utilizing her seven years of experience teaching in Korea and Toronto, she uses her expertise in movement, physiotherapy, and awareness of mental well-being to design personalized programs for clients focusing on physical and mental health. Each session is tailored to the individual needs of her clients incorporating yoga, weightlifting, and CrossFit elements with Pilates. Mandy’s holistic methods for her sessions ensure that no matter if your goal is injury recovery, improving posture, or building strength, both mind and body are supported.
Meet Mandy: From Personal Discovery to Pilates Instructor
Mandy's journey with Pilates began with a simple goal—weight loss. However, she soon realized that Pilates has more intense benefits.
"As I kept going, I felt the connection between mind and body. I loved fully focusing on myself for 50 minutes, exchanging positive energy through exercise. It was such a meaningful experience that I wanted to share it with others."
Why Pilates Works: Physical and Mental Benefits Backed by Science
Practicing Pilates transformed both her body and mindset.
"Physically, it has improved my core strength, posture, and overall body awareness. I have increased flexibility and stability. And ultimately, it has enhanced my weightlifting, yoga, and running performances. Mentally, Pilates has taught me the value of mindfulness and being present. I have reduced stress and a sense of balance in my daily life. Over the years, Pilates has become more than just an exercise—it's a way of living that emphasizes harmony between the mind and body."
Inspired by the quote from the Dutch philosopher, Desiderius Erasmus, “Prevention is better than cure,” Mandy believes that focusing on preventing injuries and improving posture is key to long-term health and fitness.
Beginner-Friendly Pilates: Getting Started with Confidence
Many beginners to Pilates express anxiety over starting this workout, whether it be the machines resembling torture devices or the exercises being too difficult or requiring lots of flexibility. However, Mandy believes that it is an excellent workout for everyone and ensures that first-timers feel comfortable.
Her beginners’ sessions generally begin with stretching and simple core exercises. The goal is to start by focusing on correct movements before introducing the equipment. She gradually progresses with her clients, building their strength and confidence in each session.
For those hesitant to try Pilates, Mandy offers a simple perspective:
"Think of it as trying something new, like visiting a new café for coffee. It's an experience. Getting started is as easy as booking a trial session for a one-on-one or two-on-one class."
Tailored Pilates Sessions: A Personalized Approach to Wellness
When Mandy is teaching, her style includes patience, sincerity, and active listening. Each session, she adjusts the workout based on the client’s needs, taking into consideration their daily well-being and any issues or chronic pain sharing that she " always checks how my clients are feeling—both physically and emotionally. This information helps me decide which movements to avoid and what areas to focus on," she explains.
For example, if a client did weightlifting the day before and feels stiff, she'll focus on stretching. She may incorporate gentle movements with cardio elements if they're low on energy. Even with acute pain, she adapts sessions to provide safe, effective movement tailored to the client's needs.
Private vs. Partner Pilates: Choosing the Right Fit for You
Pure Balance Korea currently offers two class session options:
One-on-One Sessions: For one-on-one sessions, Mandy plans exercises and modifies the intensity based on the individual client, which creates a personalized session each time.
Two-on-One Sessions: In two-on-one sessions, two clients (friends or partners) share the class, which is at a reduced price compared to the one-on-one sessions. Mandy’s goal is to take into consideration both clients’ health and concerns, providing both clients with a rewarding class. In addition, if one client is stronger or more flexible than the other, she will offer modifications to exercises so that both clients can confidently participate.
Holistic Health at Pure Balance Korea: Pilates, Chiropractic, and Massage Combined
Pure Balance Korea also offers chiropractic care, massage therapy, and Pilates. They believe in a complete, holistic approach to health and wellness beyond just providing pain relief
Chiropractic care: While the focus of chiropractic care is on aligning the spine and ensuring proper nervous system functions, it also relieves pain, improves posture, and mobility
Massage therapy: Releasing muscle tensions, reducing stress, and improving circulation by massage therapy makes spinal adjustments more effective and long-lasting.
Pilates: Pilates reinforces the benefits of both spinal care and massage. In addition, clients see more body strength and improvements in their posture, flexibility, and core stability
These three therapies create a combined cycle of recovery and strength. While Pilates builds strength, helping to maintain balance, chiropractic care restores alignment, and massage relaxes the muscles. Pure Balance Korea’s holistic approach offers clients long-term health and well-being by helping them manage chronic pain, recover from injuries or simply move and feel better.
Finding Balance Through Movement: Mandy’s Philosophy on Pilates and Life
Mandy describes the post-Pilates feeling in one word: "Balance."
"I've always struggled to find balance in life, and I'm still working on it. Everything requires moderation, but that's the hardest part—whether it's work-life balance or relationships. Pilates helps me center myself, bringing both my body and mind back into alignment. After I have had a great session, I am so refreshed. And my genuine hope is that my clients find the balance that they've been looking for, too."
Ready to Start? Book a Pilates Session in Pyeongtaek Today
Book your session with Mandy at Pure Balance Korea to start your journey towards a strong and balanced body.
Pilates Success Stories: Client Testimonials from Pure Balance Korea
Monica Hoffman: More Than Exercise, It’s Therapeutic
I cannot recommend Mandy 송와 Park at Pure Balance highly enough! Her approach to Pilates is truly transformative. Each session feels like a personalized journey tailored to my specific needs that day. Whether I’ve been dealing with tension, soreness, or simply needing to refocus, she takes the time to understand my concerns and craft therapeutic exercises that address them directly. Mandy’s hands-on guidance ensures my form is always correct, which has been a game-changer for my progress and safety. It’s clear she genuinely cares about her clients and views Pilates as a form of therapeutic movement, not just exercise. Thanks to her expertise and attention to detail, I leave every session feeling stronger, more aligned, and more in tune with my body.
Natalie Nakamora: Building Core Strength and Balance
When I first moved to Pyeongtaek, I was looking for an option besides the regular gym. I wanted to work on my core strength and balance. I saw many recommendations for Pilates and decided to attend a trial session with Mandy. I immediately fell in love with Pilates. It is not only a physical exercise, but also very stimulating mentally. Mandy is such an amazing trainer, has vast knowledge, and is very patient. After two months, my posture is better, my core is stronger, and I am definitely more balanced.
Anna Lonborg: Pilates the Game Changer
I’ve been dealing with autoimmune and chronic pain for the past 12 years, and finding a form of exercise that works with my body has been challenging. However, working with Mandy at Pure Balance has been a game-changer. I see her twice a week, and she is incredibly considerate of my injuries while helping me progress. Mandy takes the time to listen to my needs and adjust each session to ensure I’m working within my limits while still building strength and improving my mobility. Her thoughtful approach and expertise have made such a positive difference in my physical and mental well-being, and I truly look forward to every session and will miss her when we PCS.
Melissa Edwards-Whittington: From Chronic Nerve Pain to Strength and Movements
Working with Mandy has been truly life-changing for me. When I first started Pilates, the machines felt intimidating—almost like stepping into a new kind of torture program. As someone living with multiple sclerosis and chronic nerve pain, and overweight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I started in August, I did two-on-one sessions with a friend and those sessions were personalized by Mandy to meet both of our needs, including modifications when necessary. Now, I am taking one-on-one sessions with Mandy, where she continues to push me past my preconceived limits. I have built strength, improved my posture, lost weight, and rehabbed injuries. Mandy challenges me, supports me, and celebrates every milestone with me. This journey with Mandy has helped me to deal with my chronic nerve pain and find strength and beauty in the movements of Pilates.
Frank Wright: From Chronic Pain to Relief, My Journey with Pilates and Seonghwa’s Expertise
As a Gulf Vet living with chronic pain, I’ve spent years searching for relief. For a long time, the pain felt like it was just a part of who I was—a constant companion that I couldn't escape. Despite seeing multiple doctors, undergoing deep sports massages, and trying acupuncture over the past four years, nothing seemed to provide lasting relief. But that all started to change when I found Seonghwa and her Pilates class.
Three months ago, I decided to try something new. I had heard about Pilates and how it could help with mobility, so I decided to give it a shot. From the very first class, I knew there was something different about her approach. She’s not just a Pilates instructor—she’s an intuitive healer who understands the body on a deeper level.
What stood out to me right away was how Seonghwa was able to assess my body and adapt each movement to meet my needs. She took the time to really understand my limitations, and instead of pushing me past what I could handle, she worked with me to find movements and stretches that worked. There was no one-size-fits-all approach. Seonghwa understood that each body is unique, and she adjusted on the fly to ensure I was doing what was best for me.
Why does pilates work for chronic pain? Pilates is not just a workout; it’s a method of moving your body that focuses on strengthening, lengthening, and improving flexibility. For someone with chronic pain, Pilates can be a game changer because it’s designed to be gentle on the body while also improving its function. Through controlled movements, Pilates can help realign the body, increase mobility, and strengthen muscles that may have been weakened or neglected.
For me, Pilates with Seonghwa was the missing piece. It’s not about pushing through pain; it’s about finding the right movements that help your body heal and function better. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from what we expect—it often comes from slowing down and listening to our bodies.
Reflecting on the last few months, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. I feel more mobile, stronger, and most importantly—pain-free. It’s hard to put into words just how much this transformation has meant to me. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to live life without being held back by pain.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain or just looking to improve your mobility, I encourage you to explore Pilates with Seonghwa. She is a teacher who listens to your body and understands your needs. Her approach can make all the difference, and you might just find that, like me, relief is possible.
Resources for Your Wellness Journey
Whether you're new to Pilates in Pyeongtaek or exploring holistic wellness options in South Korea, the following resources offer valuable insights into staying healthy, informed, and empowered—physically and mentally.
Discover the Benefits of Pilates, Chiropractic Care, and Massage Therapy
Busting Myths, Unlocking Wellness – The Truth About Chiropractic Care, Pilates, and Massage
Learn how chiropractic care and Pilates work together to reduce pain, improve posture, and restore balance—especially for expats and military families in Korea.
Pure Balance Korea Official Website
Book your session, meet the team, and explore the full range of holistic services offered at Pure Balance Korea, from Pilates sessions with Mandy to expert chiropractic care and massage therapy.
Health and Wellness Support for Expats in Korea
A Beginner’s Guide to Over-the-Counter Medication in South Korea
Essential for newcomers—learn how to navigate pharmacies and common medications to support your wellness routine while living abroad.
Expats Navigating Korean Health Screenings
Stay on top of your preventative care in Korea with this helpful guide to annual health screenings and what to expect.
Global Wellness Perspectives and Pilates Guidance
5 Things to Know Before You Take Pilates Classes – SELF Magazine
If you're nervous about starting Pilates, this article breaks down what to expect in your first class, helping you feel more confident and informed.
Pilates – Better Health Channel
A deep dive into the health benefits of Pilates, including improved flexibility, strength, and posture—ideal for those with chronic pain or injury recovery needs.
From core strength to stress reduction, learn why Pilates is a powerful tool for full-body wellness and how it can support long-term health.
Start Your Wellness Journey Today
Whether you’re exploring Pilates in Korea, managing chronic pain, or just looking for mind-body balance, these curated resources will help you take the next step toward holistic health. Combine expert guidance with personalized sessions at Pure Balance Korea for a truly transformational wellness experience.
Start Your Pilates Journey in Pyeongtaek Today
Whether you're recovering from injury, seeking stress relief, or simply looking to build strength and confidence, Pilates in Pyeongtaek with Mandy at Pure Balance Korea offers a transformative, personalized path to wellness. With a unique blend of movement therapy, mental focus, and holistic care, Mandy’s sessions are designed to meet you exactly where you are—no matter your age, fitness level, or background.
Don’t wait to prioritize your health. Book a one-on-one or two-on-one Pilates session today and experience the benefits of expert instruction in a supportive, healing environment.
Explore more at purebalance.co.kr or on Facebook and take your first step toward a more balanced, stronger, and pain-free you.
Ready to get started? Explore local resources like Pure Balance Korea, speak with a wellness provider, or try a beginner Pilates class. Empower yourself with knowledge, ask questions, and choose what aligns with your personal wellness goals.
Pure Balance Korea offers expert chiropractic care, Pilates, and deep tissue massage therapy. We take a holistic approach to help you achieve health and wellness. Visit us to learn more and take the first step toward a healthier you!
[NAVER Map] Pure Balance
364-5 Anjeong-ri Paengseong-eup Pyeongtaek-si Gyeonggi-do
Website: https://purebalance.co.kr/
Instagram: purebalancekorea
Facebook: purebalancekorea
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