getting into alignment with rachel lim

Interview with Rachel Lim, Pilates instructor at RL Align

I love the courage and grit it takes to make career and life changes, to bring as much of your passion to everyday life as possible.

Rachel made the most of the space in time that the pandemic created, to pursue her love of pilates and now teaches 2 days a week - increasing! - alongside her job as a senior HR manager for a large investment bank. She is one of the kindest people I’ve met, I feel this career change is in perfect alignment with who she is!

What did you want to be when you were a child? 

I was born in Malaysia. Although I swam competitively at a district level, I otherwise hated sport as a child.

I actually wanted to be a teacher like my mum! I used to pretend teach my toys and other children I was playing with.

What brought you to pilates, and ultimately, RL Align?

I went to university in Australia where I became very interested in yoga. When I moved to Hong Kong, I discovered pilates and for the last 6 years I’ve practised intensely. I love that yoga gave me flexibility, but fell in love with pilates for giving me body awareness and core strength.

During the first year of covid, the opportunity to do a pilates teaching course came up at my studio, Anhao Wellness, so I took it to deepen my practice. I then discovered, through all the homework and training sessions I had to give as part of the course, that I love teaching pilates and watching people improve their lives through it. I love teaching for the direct visible impact it has on my clients, it is so satisfying to see their strength unfold in front of you.

If it weren’t for covid forcing me to slow down, I probably wouldn’t have done the course and realised my dream, I’d be busy traveling instead!

I decided to give it everything and now I’m so fortunate to be teaching twice a week at Anhao.

What do you want from your clients?

I want my clients to feel good during and after my class! 

I want my clients to feel that they have challenged themselves to reach the edge of their movement range, feeling stretched out and strengthened. I want them to feel recharged and expanded to mindfully move through life to align with the universe.

I want them to feel happy and proud of themselves that they’ve worked hard and achieved something good for their body whilst being kind and considerate of their bodies too.  That they’ve challenged themselves and done no harm.

How have you found starting a business in Hong Kong?

Opening business in Hong Kong is great, there is lots of opportunity because people in Hong Kong are open, friendly, welcoming and encouraging for you to just try. 

I am still focused on perfecting my practice and helping others, I don’t think much on building my business which has naturally grown anyway.

How do you unwind?

Pilates is always on my mind because I’m constantly creating new classes and I’m constantly reflecting on what I can do better. I’m quite self critical.

To unwind, I like to share a great meal with great wine with great friends! I also love hiking in nature - I know every Hong Konger says that, but it’s true - our terrain is so beautiful and so accessible. We are so lucky we get to do that here in Home Kong!

What inspires you when you’re stuck?

I am inspired by the people I meet, who have left their day job to pursue their dreams. So many people have side hustles in HK - it is inspiring. I love meeting people from all walks of life and Hong Kong is the perfect city for that. 

What do you love about Hong Kong and is this home?

The vibe, the energy, the fluidity, the connections you can make so easily here!  This is definitely home.  I have a sense of belonging here - I love that most people are encouraging, open and embracing. Non judgemental, Hong Kongers just do their thing and don’t judge you for doing yours!  No such thing as tall poppy syndrome.

There is a weird perception by some people that Hong Kong is a cut throat city, but it’s the opposite - it’s the most embracing place I’ve ever lived (I’ve lived in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia).  And I also love that I can walk late at night without fear, it’s a very safe city.

How can Hong Kongers join your classes?

They can book for my class via Anhao Studio, or contact me directly. I run both group and private classes for all fitness levels.

My students tell me I make them laugh and feel relaxed so come along, it will be fun!