The owner of a Pilates studio shares their personal experience of how crucial "foot sole sensation" is for health, and the supportive power of five-toe socks.

This time, we interviewed Takeshi Funakoshi, representative and instructor of "Pilates Studio DEP," about how to enjoy Pilates, his commitment to foot health, and his thoughts on knitido's five-toe socks.

This article is packed with tips for those interested in lifestyle and sock choices, including his statement that "Pilates is enjoyable both when teaching and doing it myself," and the reasons why Funakoshi, who believes "barefoot is best for Pilates," still chooses to wear socks.

Mr. Funakoshi's Encounter with Pilates

Mr. Funakoshi, the representative of "Pilates Studio DEP," originally worked in rehabilitation for stroke treatment at a hospital, where he learned various rehabilitation methods such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, and robotic therapy. While pursuing more effective rehabilitation, he came across research suggesting that "strengthening the core leads to treatment." He then focused on Pilates, which can strengthen the inner muscles, and began practicing it himself. As he continued, he gradually started to feel the positive effects of Pilates on his body. He realized that improving the function of the body's core could also help treat the extremities like arms and legs, and proposed incorporating Pilates as part of treatment at the hospital. Although it was unfortunately not formally adopted within the hospital, he developed a desire to "convey the importance of the core and the potential of Pilates to more people." To fulfill this desire, he became independent and opened "Pilates Studio DEP."

His Passion for Pilates

Mr. Funakoshi has been practicing Pilates for over 10 years. He continues to provide instruction based on the knowledge and experience he has gained during this time. His passion in Pilates instruction is to sincerely address each client's physical concerns and their desire to "be like this," and to provide optimal programs tailored to each individual.

The Appeal of Pilates: Connecting Enjoyment and Health

Mr. Funakoshi says, "I enjoy Pilates both when I'm doing it myself and when I'm teaching it to clients." He constantly considers the best approach to "resolve clients' concerns" and provides guidance while communicating the most effective methods. For example, he not only teaches Pilates movements but also advises on how to improve daily life.

"I ask about the height of the PC they use regularly, advise them on ideal sitting posture and body usage, and even provide tips on what to be mindful of during desk work. First, I check their physical condition upon arrival and conduct a thorough interview. Based on that information, I determine the necessary lesson to improve their current body, and they spend a full 50 minutes moving their body diligently."

Mr. Funakoshi's teaching method involves approaching the client's physical condition from both lessons and daily life to fundamentally improve it. His meticulous approach stems from a strong desire to help clients improve their bodies. He expressed that "the moment clients are happy after a lesson is the most rewarding."

From a Necessity for Health to a Natural Desire

Mr. Funakoshi was originally not very active in exercise. He says he was the type who "wanted to move as little as possible" and wasn't particularly good at exercise. However, as his body became aligned through Pilates and a state of good health became the norm, he became sensitive to even minor discomforts.

"Before I started Pilates, I didn't feel it as much, but now I feel uncomfortable when my body isn't in good shape. Because I've learned what a good state feels like, I can recognize when something is off. You naturally want to take a bath after sweating, right? It's that same kind of sensation; I've naturally become able to perceive discomfort in my body, so I use Pilates for care."

Mr. Funakoshi explains that this process of heightened body awareness and the positive desire to maintain a comfortable state are also part of the appeal of Pilates.

Why Mr. Funakoshi, who believes "barefoot is best," advocates for socks

In Pilates, it's very important to pay attention to the sensations in the soles of your feet. Mr. Funakoshi also believes that "if the feet themselves are healthy and functionally sound, it's generally best to be barefoot." The reason for this is that it allows one to directly feel the pressure and balance changes on the ball of the foot (big toe side), the ball of the foot (pinky toe side), and the heel.

"The sensations in the soles of your feet are hard to discern without concentration, but the sensations coming from here are connected to your whole body. If your feet are healthy, I recommend moving barefoot."

However, when barefoot, cold feet can dull sensation. This can lead to poor posture and reduced performance. Mr. Funakoshi says that for those with fallen arches or less-than-optimal foot conditions, socks with support functions are often helpful.

Reasons for using knitido 5-toe socks for many years

Mr. Funakoshi incorporates knitido's five-toe socks because he feels that "it's hard to find anything else with such excellent arch support." He also values their high quality and durability, which are reasons why he can continue to wear them for a long time.

"I believe knitido's five-toe socks are an item to maintain the improved condition of your body. For those who feel that arch support is essential or who have foot problems, I rely on and trust this brand so much that I would unequivocally say it's 100% necessary."

knitido socks he particularly recommends

"Following up on what I just said, I value the sensation of my sole most of all. With knitido's five-toe socks, I feel particularly comfortable moving in the Support and Core Grip series."

The fact that there is no discomfort even when wearing socks, and that a sensation close to being barefoot can be achieved, may contribute to the ease of delicate movements in Pilates.