Pilates Instructor Ryō Fujioka on the Importance of Socks and Footwear: An Interview with the Representative of Pilates Studio DEP Wakayama, who says, "I want to teach from the client's perspective."

We interviewed Ryo Fujioka, representative of Pilates Studio DEP Wakayama, about his daily exercise habits, his passion for Pilates, and his efforts to care for his feet. Mr. Fujioka, who says he continues to guide clients as an instructor, what is his approach to his work? Also, how does he pursue the importance of foot stability and comfort during exercise? He told us how knitido's five-toe socks have brought changes to his Pilates practice and daily life.

Motivation for instruction stemming from injury experiences

Mr. Fujioka is the representative of Pilates Studio DEP Wakayama and provides daily instruction as a Pilates instructor. He has loved physical activity and sports since childhood. During his student days, he majored in physical education and particularly enjoyed the pleasure of moving his body and the fun of controlling the ball through tennis.

However, he fractured his big toe while playing tennis in junior high school. Although it was in a cast for about a month, he never had the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation. As a result, when the cast was removed, he couldn't walk at all. From this experience, Mr. Fujioka keenly felt the importance of rehabilitation firsthand. In high school, a knee injury led him to visit an osteopathic clinic, where he began searching for more fundamental treatment methods. There, he encountered the profession of physical therapist and decided to pursue that path himself.

After graduating from university, he achieved his dream and became a physical therapist. Through both practical experience in clinical settings and academic learning, Mr. Fujioka deeply understood the value of "moving the body." Furthermore, as he continued practicing Pilates, Mr. Fujioka himself experienced "practical learning" where he became able to perform movements he couldn't do before. He says that he now utilizes these experiences to guide clients from their perspective. Mr. Fujioka, who says he is happy that "his learning helps someone," told us that this job is his calling.

Mr. Fujioka's commitment to enriching his life and work

While thriving as a Pilates instructor, Mr. Fujioka also values time with his family. Even with a busy schedule, he makes an effort to balance both without overdoing it by pre-scheduling days to spend with his family. When he first opened the studio, he faced some opposition from those around him, but his family fully supported him, telling him, "Don't worry about the household" and giving him their encouragement.

Thanks to his family's support, he became even more enthusiastic about his work. For example, when engaging in activities including Pilates, he always keeps in mind "not to move carelessly," "to consider body movements," and "to find ways to continue without overexerting himself." He records himself moving on video to objectively check his form and compares instructors' advice with his own sensations to ensure consistency, never forgetting to refine his instruction. Also, when watching sports, he considers how the athletes are feeling as they move. We learned about Mr. Fujioka's unique commitment to continuously learning and growing, driven by his family's support and his stoic approach.

Pilates and foot care: Strategies to support an active daily life

In Pilates, which often requires balance and single-leg poses, the ability to firmly grip with the feet is crucial. This is because it affects not only maintaining stability but also safety. Mr. Fujioka also states, "If your feet slip, you lose concentration," and he feels that maintaining stable footing leads to improved performance and safety.

Five-toe socks are an "indispensable item"

Mr. Fujioka's reason for loving knitido's five-toe socks is that they allow his toes to spread naturally, reducing foot stress and enabling a barefoot-like feel. He told us that when wearing socks, he prioritizes a barefoot-like sensation and the ability to move his toes comfortably. He said, "I feel stressed when my toes are cramped, so I want them to be as spread out as possible," and he finds the ability to move freely while maintaining sensation in the soles of his feet appealing.

Furthermore, Mr. Fujioka, who says knitido's five-toe socks are indispensable for long walks, particularly favors the "Support" series. He not only feels less fatigued when wearing these socks but also says that once he experiences their comfort, he can't go back to regular socks.

Moreover, he spares no expense in investing in necessary knowledge and items. Regarding apparel, he specifically chooses items made from quick-drying materials. Among these, the most important factor he considers when selecting socks is "whether the effects are actually noticeable." He told us that he loves knitido's products because he can feel the arch support the moment he puts them on.

He feels that the secure fit provides a "sense of security that unconsciously protects his feet," and fully meets the support required for activities and Pilates. "I trust them so much that I'd be in trouble without them, and I can confidently recommend them to others," he says, showing his deep trust in knitido's five-toe socks. Having his own standards for each item around him likely contributes to maintaining his daily motivation and performance.

Pilates instructor's daily foot care practices

As part of his daily foot care routine, Mr. Fujioka recommends wearing knitido socks. He feels that they provide a sense of foot alignment without conscious effort, as they support the arch just by wearing them. He also practices self-care by consciously moving his toes in the bath, and by "shaking hands" with his feet by interlacing his fingers between his toes and then moving them up and down, and left and right. He told us that even just "shaking hands" with his feet provides a pleasant stimulation.

His meticulous daily foot care likely contributes to his high performance in Pilates and his overall comfort in everyday life.

Make every day more comfortable. Change begins from your feet.

Taking care of your body and feet can make every day more fulfilling. From Mr. Fujioka's words and lifestyle, it's clear that "comfortable foot care" is a crucial factor in supporting an active daily life.

knitido's five-toe socks strike a balance between a barefoot feel and toe comfort, supporting an active daily life. For those who want to live comfortably and enjoy Pilates even more, why not start with a new step from your feet?