By | Maria Nicole Vitasa
Trish Buhat, a dynamic woman in her early thirties, shares her compelling journey of self-discovery and empowerment that defies conventional career paths. From the corporate world to becoming a Pilates teacher and Animal Flow Regional Leader, her story is an ode to the transformative power of embracing diverse passions.
In this intricate lifetime, we often find ourselves wondering what advice we would give to our younger selves. Would we offer reassurance, guidance, or perhaps a glimpse into the unexpected turns that await us?
Fair Magazine interviewed Trish to take us into her fulfilling life guided by purpose.
When asked,
“How would you introduce yourself to your teen or 20s self?”
Trish’s professional journey began in the corporate realm, a trajectory familiar to many in their 20s. Today, as a banker and a Pilates coach, she wears multiple hats, each contributing to a life rich in fulfillment and purpose. “This is very special for me. It will come as a surprise to this person that she will end up wearing more hats than she could ever dream of,” Trish reflects on her personal growth through the years.
The unexpected twists in Trish’s narrative unfold as she delves into her role as a Pilates and mobility conditioning teacher. Her passion for movement transcends the physical; it’s about healing and empowering others to make better life decisions and live their best lives. Trish also proudly holds the title of Animal Flow Regional Leader in the Philippines, part of a collective called Unrestricted, dedicated to educating people on health and wellness. In answering this question, Trish acknowledges the confusion her younger self might feel, looking at the stark contrast between her present and past. Yet, she extends a promise: “It will all work out for her.” The wisdom she imparts is to savor her young self’s situation, advising her to “Have faith that you can overcome any difficulty.”
What inspired you to shape your life the way you’re living right now?
Trish truthfully responded, “I think the first thing is really having to fend for myself. That came first. After college, I moved out of my family’s house mainly to live near where I work because of the heavy traffic these days. Although I still received support from my family, I took it upon myself to be as independent as possible. So, it’s about looking for something that I can do apart from my work, that I can also earn from. Honestly, I think I’m just lucky to find something that is also aligned with my beliefs and values. I’m very lucky to be able to find some use of that to earn on the side as well.”
As she discusses her three-pronged approach to life—earning from a profession, cultivating a hobby, and pursuing a passion—Trish underlines the importance of aligning one’s pursuits with personal values. “I’ve fought hard to do something out of what I truly value, and that keeps me happy,” she asserts.
What are your go-to self-care rituals that help you unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day?
In a world where burnout is prevalent, Trish emphasizes the significance of me-time. Referencing a poignant tweet about burnout, she shared, “Burnout is tricky because you don’t realize you’re borrowing from tomorrow to push through today. That really struck me. I couldn’t agree more with her statement, and even though I don’t get a full day of rest nowadays because I’m juggling multiple jobs, I still make it a point to squeeze in some me-time, even just for a few hours.”
She advocates for taking breaks to avoid borrowing from tomorrow to push through today. She added, “Number one would, of course, be movement and just simply breathing. For example, after teaching a Pilates class for 45 minutes to an hour, I would usually squeeze in five to ten minutes of my own self-practice. So I do my training, even just for five to ten minutes, for my own conditioning, and that keeps me going. For other people, it might look like it’s still work, like I’m still exerting effort and still training, but I’d say it doesn’t need to be intense. That’s the common misconception about training. It doesn’t need to be intense. I believe everyone must experience how movement can feel so good and so freeing both physically and mentally, that it doesn’t feel like a chore, unlike how most exercises make us feel these days.”
She continued, ”Another one for me would simply be spending time around nature. I love plants and animals. I like being in the sun, by the sea, or in the forest. I am a big animal-lover. I like pets, though sadly I don’t have one yet. But during the pandemic, I also started to take care of some plants. So I became a plant-tita. I like how they transform and introduce life to a space. I like to read because it allows me to gain knowledge and perspective without having to leave a place or go somewhere far. I read mostly inspirational books, but sometimes I like to read fiction also. So right now, I’m reading this book called ‘Love for Imperfect Things’, how to accept yourself in a world striving for perfection.”
Could you highlight a moment in your career that made you realize the power of movement as a tool for empowerment?
Trish’s journey as a Pilates coach unfolds with anecdotes of empowerment. The story of a client in her 50s overcoming self-doubt through consistent practice underscores the transformative potential of movement. “Nothing is more empowering than knowing we can do something about it,” Trish affirms.
As a co-founder of Be Unrestricted, Trish has witnessed remarkable milestones, especially in women’s empowerment. The story of her client’s breakthrough stands out as a testament to the healing power of movement.
Transitioning to the personal aspect, Trish Buhat’s life is a reminder that life’s transformative journey is, in fact, limitless and full of surprises but at the same time, dedication to discipline while following your passion. Trish shared, “It’s the realization that it’s not magic, really. It’s hard work. To put it simply, death could mean no movement, no breath, no heartbeat, and the best thing that we can do to really keep the vitality of life is to keep moving always in many ways. And that is all within our control.”
Trish’s dedication to holistic well-being extends beyond the physical. In a reflective exploration, she discusses the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being. Movement, in the form of Pilates and fitness mobility, becomes a tool for mental and emotional healing.
How do you maintain equilibrium in your life, and what advice would you give to women seeking balance in their multifaceted lives?
She answered, “I believe balance is something we should always strive for…But I also believe that if you’re really passionate about something, it kind of always puts you off-balance as well, like an obsession.” Trish highlighted, “If you remain true to what you are meant to do and not force anything beyond it, then you will find the balance in there despite all the hard work, and you will manage to go with the flow doing it even if it’s the very thing that also seems to put you off balance.”
Healing through movement is a powerful concept. We asked Trish on
How Pilates, or Fitness Mobility in general, contributes to physical well-being, emotional and mental healing?
In her answer, Trish emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being, highlighting a study on how body posture affects energy levels. The research reveals that slouched posture correlates with feelings of depression and low energy, while an upright position improves outlook and increases energy. The conclusion underscores the reciprocal relationship between physical and mental health, suggesting that improving one positively impacts the other. She advocates for a holistic approach, asserting that practices like Pilates and fitness contribute not only to physical well-being but also to emotional health, emphasizing the importance of addressing both aspects for overall wellness.
In a message to aspiring women, Trish advocates for setting boundaries and prioritizing personal happiness. “Spend some time determining what truly makes you happy, and go after those things,” she advises.
The interview concludes with Trish sharing her perspective on beauty, regardless of the beauty standards globally she said, “I think beauty is really just about having good values and good habits. Literally, these good values and habits bring us health and wellness, physically and emotionally, which reflects in our faces, in our eyes, our skin, so we’re more glowing and youthful. If we’re happier and we get more sleep, it will show.”
As Trish continues to impact lives through her diverse roles, her legacy is rooted in inspiring self-care and empowerment. “The best way for them to go on with their lives is to be in top shape all the time,” she asserts. Trish’s journey is a testament to the profound impact of embracing one’s passions, nurturing holistic well-being, and leaving a legacy of empowerment for generations to come.
