Betty 78 yrs
- Have you ever been told to improve your posture?
- Do you often feel stiff?
- Is it challenging for you to balance your hobbies with staying active?
- Do you find it difficult to relax?
- Are you comfortable in social settings?
If any of these resonate with you, then Betty’s experience might inspire you to make a positive change in your lifestyle. It won’t take much time to watch this interview, so please click play!
At the time of the interview in late 2019, Betty was 78 and a half years old. She has continued to attend our Pilates classes regularly and is still an active participant today in 2025.
Bill 65 yrs
- Do you enjoy your yoga class?
- Have you ever injured yourself while practicing yoga?
- Do you find it difficult to practice yoga on your own?
Bill found that practicing yoga alone was challenging. Instead of trying to maintain his discipline by himself, he enjoys attending our yoga class each week. He says, “It is much easier for me to practice in an organized class with a group of friendly people.”
At the time of the interview in late 2019, Bill was 65 years old. He has continued attending both our yoga and Pilates classes and remains an active participant today in 2025.
Geraldine 70 yrs
- Are you looking for a class tailored to your age group?
- Does your current yoga or Pilates class match your ability and physical condition?
- Do you want to feel energetic, joyful, and at peace?
- Are you satisfied with your sleep quality?
Geraldine has been enhancing her awareness of breathing and body movements by attending her class each week. Her sleep quality has also improved. She says, “I have more energy and have learned how beneficial relaxation is for me.”
At the time of the interview in late 2019, Geraldine was 70 years old. She has been attending our Chair Yoga and Pilates classes and continues her exercise routine, even after a four-month break due to the national pandemic in 2020 and her subsequent move to another city.
Alannah 64 yrs (interviewed in 2019)
Before and After:
Q. Would you please state your age, general state of health, body limitations and length of time you have been in classes with Mihoko.
A. I am 64 and in reasonable health though I do have high blood pressure, lower back issues and limited movement in my right shoulder. I have been attending for almost 20 months.
Q. What are you learning from Mihoko’s classes?
A. To be more in tune with my body and learn to have more patience with myself. Be more aware of my breathing posture and balance.
Q. What has impressed you most with your classes?
A. The range of movements we perform. How I am prepared to stretch myself. Mihoko’s ability to encourage the class to participant in all exercises and her offering of options depending on the flexibility of each person.
Q. What were your expectations and what did you hope to learn from your classes?
A. I had no initial expectations. I wanted to exercise in a controlled environment.
Q. What noticeable benefits have you received from becoming a regular participant?
A. More flexibility, more energy and more awareness of my strengths and weaknesses.
Q. Has there been any changes in your lifestyle since becoming a regular participant and if so, why do you think this is?
A. Not really.
Your Opinion and Experience:
Q. Are the classes suitable for absolute newcomers to yoga?
A. Definitely. The yoga exercise are suited to all. Also, Mihoko explains the philosophy of yoga as a way of life not just exercise.
Q. Do you think there should be age limitations for class members?
A. No.
Q. Why did you choose to participate regularly in yoga classes?
A. I had never done yoga before and I have found the movements suit me. I like the structure of organized classes.
Q. Is it easy to commit yourself to the lifestyle?
A. I am not dedicated enough to practice the principles of yoga daily.
Q. In your opinion, what is the difference between Mihoko’s class and your experience of other classes, instructors, or types of exercise?
A. It is difficult to compare instructors as each has their own ideas and methods of teaching. Mihoko offers a wide range of exercises and explains which part of the body they benefit.
Q. Do you think the fee is fair?
A. More than fair.
Q. Do you think Mihoko’s class would be good for people who are already doing Yoga or Pilates?
A. Sure. Suitable for everyone’s level of fitness.
Looking Back:
Q. Was part of your decision to join this class is due to it being designed for ‘Over 50’s’?
A. I joined when I had recently retired and felt the need to do something and certainly the over 50’s was a reason.
Q. Were you referred to Mihoko’s classes or did you research other classes on the Gold Coast or near you?
A. No. I found the notice in the GCCC booklet on classes and activities available.
Q. How long did it take for you to actually join the class since you found us?
A. I joined immediately.
Q. What do you think you would be like today if you had not joined?
A. Very unfit and very lonely.
Q. When is the best time to act?
A. As soon as possible when the idea takes hold.
Message to people:
Q. What would you say to someone who is considering joining us?
A. Definitely come along you are giving options depending on your abilities. The atmosphere is very friendly and Mihoko exudes an aura of calm, gentleness and balance. There is no competition among participants. Everyone is very supportive and welcoming. We have a laugh at our failings and cheer when we finally get it right. Age color race or gender have no bearing in our classes.
Lol 71 yrs (interviewed in 2019)
Before and After:
Q. Would you please state your age, general state of health, body limitations and length of time you have been in classes with Mihoko.
A. 71, good, however, lower back problems, 2 years.
Q. What are you learning from Mihoko’s classes?
A. Breathing technics, balance and upper body strengthening exercises, flexibility and mindfulness.
Q. What has impressed you most with your classes?
A. Range of exercises, Mihoko’s gentle encouragement, allowed to perform at our own ability, and social interactions.
Q. What were your expectations and what did you hope to learn from your classes?
A. To stay as healthy and active well into old age.
Q. What noticeable benefits have you received from becoming a regular participant?
A. Fitter, more flexible, more alert in mind and body and enjoying lovely friendships!
Q. Has there been any changes in your lifestyle since becoming a regular participant and if so, why do you think this is?
A. Lots more social mornings!
Your Opinion and Experience:
Q. Are the classes suitable for absolute newcomers to yoga?
A. Yes, as you are encouraged to participate at your level.
Q. Do you think there should be age limitations for class members?
A. No.
Q. Why did you choose to participate regularly in yoga classes?
A. Because Mihoko’s regular classes encourage participation.
Q. Is it easy to commit yourself to the lifestyle?
A. Yes, definitely with the other participants.
Q. In your opinion, what is the difference between Mihoko’s class and your experience of other classes, instructors, or types of exercise?
A. Vey difficult to compare. I have found I’ve gained from each teachers, however, Mihoko’s range of exercises and benefits of these exercises with her gentle and encouraging teaching suits me fine.
Q. Do you think the fee is fair?
A. Yes, definitely.
Q. Do you think Mihoko’s class would be good for people who are already doing Yoga or Pilates?
A. Yes, Mihoko’s classes are suitable for all ages and ability!
Looking Back:
Q. Was part of your decision to join this class is due to it being designed for ‘Over 50’s’?
A. Yes.
Q. Were you referred to Mihoko’s classes or did you research other classes on the Gold Coast or near you?
A. I was referred by a friend.
Q. How long did it take for you to actually join the class since you found us?
A. I joined immediately.
Q. What do you think you would be like today if you had not joined?
A. I would be quite unfit and definitely socially isolated.
Q. When is the best time to act?
A. If it feels right, jump in and enjoy.
Message to people:
Q. What would you say to someone who is considering joining us?
A. We all love our lessons because of Mihoko’s caring disposition, the participants’ friendliness and support. All ages and gender get on so well together. Thank you Mihoko!
Kame 54 yrs (interviewed in 2019)
Before and After:
Q. Would you please state your age, general state of health, body limitations and length of time you have been in classes with Mihoko.
A. 54. Healthy. Lower back pain. 10 months.
Q. What are you learning from Mihoko’s classes?
A. The six principals of Pilates.
Q. What has impressed you most with your classes?
A. How important to move the body from core muscles.
Q. What were your expectations and what did you hope to learn from your classes?
A. Strengthen my core muscles to ease my back pain. I also expected to feel healthier and happier.
Q. What noticeable benefits have you received from becoming a regular participant?
A. My concentration and awareness of body movements have improved. I also found friendships and feeling I belong here.
Q. Has there been any changes in your lifestyle since becoming a regular participant and if so, why do you think this is?
A. It has changed me how I use my time, especially when I am day off. I join the class and start my day feeling good about myself.
Your Opinion and Experience:
Q. Are the classes suitable for absolute newcomers to yoga?
A. Yes. It’s perfect for the beginners.
Q. Do you think there should be age limitations for class members?
A. I think this class is suitable for people who like to maintain their body and well-beings. It might not suitable for people who are looking to gain huge muscles. Age does not matter.
Q. Why did you choose to participate regularly in yoga classes?
A. Because, I want to feel good about myself.
Q. Is it easy to commit yourself to the lifestyle?
A. Yes, it is to me.
Q. In your opinion, what is the difference between Mihoko’s class and your experience of other classes, instructors, or types of exercise?
A. I never been to other exercise classes or groups. I am very comfortable with our classes.
Q. Do you think the fee is fair?
A. Yes and I would like that forever, please.
Q. Do you think Mihoko’s class would be good for people who are already doing Yoga or Pilates?
A. Yes.
Looking Back:
Q. Was part of your decision to join this class is due to it being designed for ‘Over 50’s’?
A. Yes.
Q. Were you referred to Mihoko’s classes or did you research other classes on the Gold Coast or near you?
A. Yes, I was referred from my neighbor.
Q. How long did it take for you to actually join the class since you found us?
A. One week.
Q. What do you think you would be like today if you had not joined?
A. I would be feeling like 10 years older.
Q. When is the best time to act?
A. Now.
Message to people:
Q. What would you say to someone who is considering joining us?
A. Just join us then you can decide if you want to continue. It’s your life!
Russ from Pimpama Sports Hub
I will preface this testimonial regarding Mihoko with some contextual background.
I am a retired NSW Police Officer of 20 years experience. The majority of this service was in front line operational policing and the education and training of both new and experienced officers. I held the position of Education Development Officer at both the Fairfield and Camden Commands. I was an Operational Safety, Tactics and Weapons Instructor, completing my service while attached to the Operational Safety and Tactics Unit at the NSW Police Academy. I retired medically unfit in 2007 with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, profound deafness in one ear and an associated balance problem resulting from a severe fracture of the skull.
I have used swimming for many years to help cope with the mental and physical issues I now deal with. In this regard I joined the Pimpama Sports Hub when it opened January 2022. Membership gave me access to Yoga classes where I had the privilege to meet Mihoko as a first time student. I attended Mihoko’s classes twice a week for the duration of her six month contract. I found her to be very friendly, open an welcoming, particularly to new students. Her canvasing of experience levels, abilities and issues relevant to practice was thorough and reassuring. Her classes were inclusive, catering well for different levels of experience and ability. Mihoko’s friendly, peaceful demeanor set a relaxing tone to her classes from which I personally gained a lot. I have benefited greatly, both mentally and physically, from starting yoga and I am now a life long convert. I credit Mihoko a great deal for this, especially with regard to my PTSD related anxieties due to her friendly, welcoming and warm personality. I would unreservedly commend her to you and your patrons.