An interview with studio owners who have introduced ToeSox grip socks.
This time, we interviewed Aki Okazaki, owner of "Pilates Studio FREED BODY" with studios in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture and Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Studio Information
Pilates Studio FREED BODY Osaka Horie Store
Address: Honbara Building 201, 3-4-17 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Pilates Studio FREED BODY Kobe Okamoto Store
Address: Ogita Building 2F, 1-4-17 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
URL: https://www.pilatesfreedbody.com/
Interviewee
Aki Okazaki
Owner of "Pilates Studio FREED BODY" in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, and Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.
As a child, I absolutely hated exercise. I had bad posture and suffered from stiff shoulders and lower back pain. However, encountering Pilates freed me from numerous ailments.
I share this wonderful experience with my clients.
Obtained instructor certification in 2012. Resigned from an advertising production company where I had worked for many years in 2014.
Began working as a full-time instructor in April of the same year.
From 2016, for one year, participated as a first-generation student in the "Lolita's LegacyTM" teacher training program led by Lolita San Miguel, who was directly certified by founder Joseph Pilates.
In April 2017, opened a full-scale Pilates studio equipped with Pilates apparatus (machines). In November 2021, expanded the studio with the support of clients and colleagues despite the difficult situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, opened the second store, Pilates Studio FREED BODY Kobe Okamoto.
Studio Concept and Features
"A studio that can provide world-class Pilates"
History
I originally didn't like exercise much and continued going for massages.
I happened to go to a gym, and exercising made my body feel better, which prompted me to start strength training. Although I started primarily with training, my rounded back worsened, and despite exercising, my stomach still protruded. Feeling that something wasn't right, I researched various things and discovered Pilates.
My first Pilates experience was a trial class for a Pilates instructor training course. The instructor explained the mechanics of stiff shoulders and other body details, which sparked my interest in learning more. I felt that Pilates was logical, so I enrolled in that instructor training course and deepened my knowledge.
In 2016, I participated as a first-generation student in the "Lolita's LegacyTM" teacher training program.
After that, in April 2017, I opened a full-scale Pilates studio equipped with Pilates apparatus (machines) in Horie, Osaka, and in November 2021, despite the difficult situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the support of clients and colleagues, I expanded the Osaka Horie studio. In 2024, I opened the Kobe Okamoto store, and I am working hard every day to further spread world-class Pilates.
Studio Concept
With the concept of a studio that can provide world-class Pilates, and the desire to make high-quality Pilates a part of daily life, we operate the Osaka Horie and Kobe Okamoto stores.
A feature of our studios is that we are equipped with high-quality apparatus (machines). At the Osaka Horie store, we use GRARTZ reformers, towers, ladder barrels, high chairs, and ped-o-pul, which are said to be original to Joseph Pilates.
Furthermore, both the Osaka Horie store and the Kobe Okamoto store use machines from Balanced Body, a company with a long history, which have been repeatedly improved by Pilates master teachers for modern people.
Another feature is that we have many instructors who have obtained full certification (comprehensive) from various schools such as Lolita’s Legacy, Ron Fletcher Pilates, STOTT Pilates, and BASI Pilates.
Because we have Pilates instructors from various schools, clients appreciate the objective and multifaceted advice they receive.
Pilates Studio FREED BODY instructors transcend the boundaries of educational organizations, respecting and inspiring each other, and continuously learning every day to provide better Pilates for our clients. In an era where Pilates is gaining popularity, we aim to strengthen opportunities for instructors to improve their skills.
Reasons for choosing ToeSox and impressions
"Completely different design and grip strength compared to other brands"
My encounter with Toesox began when I decided to try them because they were available at the studio where I spent about a year and a half getting my certification.
What I felt when wearing Toesox was their excellent design and, above all, their outstanding grip. It's problematic if there's no non-slip when placing your feet on the bar, but since there's non-slip all over the sides, I can wear them with confidence.I really like their design and grip, which are completely different from other brands.
