Cate Davies Pilates

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/apr/04/reformer-pilates-boom-injuries?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Behind the explosion of reformer studios and the glossy marketing of “Pilates’” workouts lies an unconsciously, uninformed qualification system being quietly bent to fit commercial needs. The professional development body,
CIMSPA, along with industry collaboration, developed a professional standard for Pilates based matwork. Many courses now flooding the market fall short of this standard and may yet still carry qualification endorsements intended to reassure consumers. Some qualifications can be completed in a matter of weeks or entirely online, and the word “reformer” has been bolted onto these qualifications without sector collaboration. The resulting landscape masks a reality in which training hours, assessment quality and technical depth are routinely diluted to meet quick-fix market demand.
Reformer fitness blurs the boundaries further, presenting high risk movements as “Pilates” despite bearing little resemblance to the method practised by Comprehensive Pilates teachers in fully equipped studios. This not only exposes the public to avoidable risk but also damages the reputation of those who have trained extensively in the traditional method. The consequences are already visible: expert witnesses describe injury cases collapsing because there is no agreed definition of what Pilates entails or what training is required to teach it. For a public that assumes Pilates implies safety, structure and rehabilitative credibility, the fitness industry’s ability to game the qualification system is more than a technical loophole - it is a growing public protection problem. The PTA’s mission statement, “Protect the Public, Protect the Method,” remains as urgent today as when the organisation was founded, and its work with trading standards, advertising standards and the sector’s professional body continues to push for clarity in occupational roles, education content and ethical practice”.
Thank you to
The Guardian for raising this issue and picture. Links in bio for the article and to join PTA.

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I haven’t posted in months, so here’s a bit about me & my ethos.

This is my 10th year of teaching Classical Pilates & I’m still as passionate about it, if not more so.

Pilates is a complex skill. It takes years of practice to learn it but it will make a difference to your life right from the very first lesson. You will use it throughout your day to day activities - it really is that valuable!

I pride myself on building confidence & enjoyment of movement & exercise.

I offer free socials from time to time & it’s lovely to see students getting to know each other & socialising & exercising together outside of class. Community is key!

For those looking for a badass, groan worthy hour of torture, I can do that too (once you’ve learned the basics). Check out my level 3/4 classes!!!)

As a former GP, I have a wealth of knowledge of the body that I can translate into adapting Pilates for health & mobility issues. I understand being frightened to move after injury - I’ve been there too! I’ve experienced the effects of childbirth, perimenopause & menopause on my body & the need to adapt exercise to meet these changing needs.

All of my classes are in LARGE halls that allow you to move without risk of colliding with other participants! Less distraction, more enjoyment!

Take a look at my webpage on Bookwhen (pinned post) & then get in touch. Email preferred.