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.

Booking for courses starting after Easter now OPEN!

Current students - you get priority booking until Good Friday 3rd April - check your email for password & link!

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.

Reminder - unfortunately there are NO PILATES CLASSES this week w/c 29th Sept
- please see your email for further details

Apologies - All classes cancelled w/c Sept 29th - see email

Do you have Pilates experience?
No longer progressing?
Not getting any stronger?
Keen for more challenge?

Like to learn a truly flowing sequence that you can do by yourself anytime anywhere?

Joseph Pilates called his method ‘Contrology’ aka ‘Classical’- it’s very different from what you’ll learn in most contemporary classes.

Contact me via email for more info - a few spaces are free Monday 6p.m. Settle & Tuesday 7p.m Gargrave.

Reasonable fitness & minimum 1 year of Pilates experience are essential.

September Pilates courses are now available, as priority booking for current students has now finished.

All classes are ability based to allow you to learn at an appropriate pace & progress rather than ‘tred water’.

No password needed for level 1.

Please email me for password for level 2,3 & 4 classes that require experience, letting me know a little about yourself so I can decide if it will be suitable.

Beginner workshop planned for this Autumn, please comment BEGINNER to register interest.

Hi, I'm Cate.

I'm in my 50s & the strongest & most flexible I’ve ever been. I’m not bragging - it surprises me & I hope it inspires you too!

I’ve been teaching Pilates for 8 years (& practicing it for 14) because it absolutely revolutionised my life.

My students range in age from 15 to their 90s. Joseph Pilates definitely developed it for both men & women of any age. I would love to welcome a few more men into classes.

I discovered it as a lifeline in my early 40s for severe back pain & I've needed it ever since to keep my back supple & supported by my core. It enables me to lead the life I want to live.

I trained & worked originally as a doctor for years & it has been fascinating to see health & mobility issues from a whole new perspective.

Medical science is recognising more & more that EXERCISE is the most important factor in LONGEVITY, especially with an emphasis on quality of life - living well, actively & independently!

This strongly influences how I teach Pilates - encouraging you to practice Pilates in your daily activities & be more active. Movement can be Medicine! Both prevention & cure!

I love the simplicity of being able to do Pilates at home - just my own bodyweight & a mat or rug or even a chair. No-one watching, no specialised equipment to learn to use or maintain, just me tuned into my own body.

The Menopause & the decade before & after can be really challenging for many women & cause absolute havoc with mind & body. Exercise needs to reflect these changing needs with less cardio & more emphasis on STRENGTH.

I encourage my students to use Pilates in other forms of resistance training - whether it’s using heavier free weights & resistance bands at home or making the most of your time with better technique at the gym.

If you're looking for a workout that takes account of your health & mobility issues, is geared to your individual needs, taught by a highly trained & experienced teacher, that will help you look good & feel even better (mind & body) & that you will be encouraged to repeat in bite sized sessions (using my free videos) at home, then join me in Gargrave, Settle or on Zoom.

Pilates is a complex skill. You can try learning it from videos or books but a teacher will help you find better body awareness, deeper connections & avoid your body ‘cheating’!

Weekend beginner workshop coming this Autumn - let me know if you’re interested! Comment BEGINNER

For my timetable, bio & to book

Cate Davies Pilates - Booking by Bookwhen Cate Davies Pilates is based between Skipton & Settle, North Yorkshire. I provide highly individualised Classical Pilates exercise in group classes at the spacious, beautifully maintained Gargrave Village Hall & St.Mary & St.Michael Catholic Church Hall, Settle & online via Zoom. For my bio, click o...

Reminder - there was an Easter break halfway through current courses!

Reminder: classes resume w/c April 28th following the Easter 🐣break 🙏

🙏🙏🙏 for all your supportive messages & cards of condolence - they really touched my 💕
I feel blessed to have such caring students.
It makes a difference! Really!!

Classes resume w/c March 3rd. Yay!😊

Well done for using the videos to keep up your practice!?!🤣🤣

Courses are from March to May incl. (with some dates omitted for Easter🐣 hols etc).

Please check your email for booking password & refund discount code & other booking info.

Make movement 🤸‍♀️ your medicine this Spring 🌱🌿