Transcend Surviving was started in 2019 based on the notion that too many people are going from one day to the next, just surviving and just going through the motions, but not really living, and most definitely not being happy. We wanted to help people start to change that.
The first image that came to mind was the butterfly, and with that the butterfly effect. The concept that one small change can make an impact on a much larger and complex system. And this became our purpose: make small changes in our lives to positively impact our minds, our bodies, and ultimately our happiness.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some humour, and some style.”
Maya Angelou
“Each of us is like the butterfly in the Butterfly Effect. And each tiny move towards a more positive mindset can send ripples of positivity through our relationships, communities and organisations“
Shawn Acher
We started as a Pilates studio, providing in studio and online classes, for all ages and all experience levels. As Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness”.
We then took it a step further and introduced life and executive coaching. Through this coaching you can learn more about yourself, develop your strengths, and ultimately find happiness in who you are, your relationships, your career, and your life in general.
Let us help you enjoy the art of being happy!
Instructor and coach
Elsabe Oppermann
After years of doing CrossFit, boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I was introduced to Pilates in 2015 and it was a life changer. After spending years with back pain and regular visits to the physio, I suddenly had an exercise that I absolutely loved doing, and which resulted in no back pain and no physio.
Doing the Pilates instructor’s course made me realise again how much I love teaching and helping people become a better version of themselves.
Having spent most of my career in corporate, I understand the pressure and stress associated not only with work, but also with life in general. As a result, I decided to expand my expertise to incorporate life / executive coaching in addition to Pilates and became a certified Strengths Coach in 2023.
This allows me to help people with their physical and their mental needs, and I focus on creating an environment where everyone can develop a deep mind-body connection.