About Kate

Before I became a Pilates instructor I taught Geography for 14 years in secondary schools. After that I chose to stay at home with my 3 young children. During his time I suffered with non-specific lower back pain and, although I was exercising regularly, ultimately it was Pilates that cured my backache.

I researched the principles of Pilates and was impressed by the ideas of building upon core strength and stability, improving posture and the whole notion of intelligent exercise.

I did my extensive training with Modern Pilates based in Leeds and Glossop. Their modern approach to Pilates combines the basic Pilates principles with the expertise of physiotherapists. The programme of study is designed to develop balance throughout the body and to build strong, stable, flexible muscles that are correctly aligned.

In addition to my CYQ Level 3 Mat Work Pilates Instructor qualification I went on to complete more advanced courses. These course qualifications include: spinal conditions; hip and knee conditions; pelvic floor issues; using small pieces of equipment like the small ball, resistance bands and the Hog; and exercises for pre- and post-natal clients. There are further areas of study which I hope to complete in the future such as adapting exercises for the older adult and neuro-Pilates.

More recently I have studied the positive impact that Pilates can have on women experiencing the perimenopause and menopause. I have run several courses looking at the ways in which Pilates can help ease some of the more challenging menopausal symptoms. The weekly sessions involved tackling pelvic floor issues, weight gain, stress and anxiety and improving muscle mass and bone density. Through my study of the importance of increasing weight bearing exercises, I now run two classes a week that integrate small weights.