About catalyst Pilates
Catalyst Pilates is a space where you can breathe, move and reconnect with your body.
A space where you’re supported, not judged.
A space where movement feels calm, intentional and empowering.
A space where strength comes from within, and grows steadily, week by week.
Welcome - I'm Amy
Hi I am Amy, a mum of two, a full-time in the civil servant working in strategy and policy, and a Pilates instructor with a lifelong love of movement. You might wonder how all that fits together, but for me it’s a story of coming full circle.
As a young girl, I studied and obtained BSc Sports Science (Equine and Human). I loved everything about sport, biomechanics and how the body works. But serious health challenges took me down a different path, away from the world of movement I cared so deeply about.
Even so, exercise has always been part of my life. I’ve ridden horses, played hockey, and run for many years. As I’ve got older, my long‑term health condition has become more prominent, and recovering from high‑impact exercise became harder and slower. Pilates became the constant — the one form of movement that allowed me to exercise mindfully, feel stronger, and stay connected to my body without pushing beyond what felt supportive.
It’s no exaggeration to say my life has done a full 180. Completing the comprehensive matwork training with the renowned APPI reignited my passion for biomechanics and movement. I’ve learned how the body works, heals and adapts — and how to build strength in an empowering, sustainable way that reconnects you to your body, calms your mind, and reminds you that strength comes from within.
It’s this understanding, and this lived experience, that inspires me to teach Pilates. I know what it feels like to rebuild strength slowly, to navigate fluctuating energy, and to find movement that supports rather than depletes. And I want Catalyst Pilates to be that same supportive space for you.
My Approach
Pilates should feel supportive, not intimidating. My teaching is calm, clear and grounded in the belief that every body deserves to move in a way that feels good, sustainable and empowering.
I use the evidence‑based APPI method, which focuses on safe alignment, mindful movement and functional strength. This means you’ll never be rushed, overloaded or left behind, instead, you’ll be guided through simple cues, steady progressions and options that meet you exactly where you are.
Classes are intentionally small so I can offer personal attention, gentle corrections and tailored variations. Whether you’re managing a long‑term condition, returning to exercise, navigating motherhood, or simply wanting to feel stronger and more connected to your body, you’ll always have space to move at your own pace.
My approach blends biomechanics, women’s‑health awareness and lived experience. I understand what it feels like to rebuild strength slowly, to adapt movement around fluctuating energy, and to choose exercise that supports rather than depletes. Every session is designed to help you feel steadier, more confident and more at home in your body — one mindful movement at a time.
What I believe
- Movement should feel supportive, not punishing
- Strength grows through consistency, not perfection.
- Every body is capable of change.
- Small shifts create big results.
- Calm, welcoming spaces help people thrive.
- Mindful movement is powerful — physically, mentally and emotionally.
These beliefs shape every class I teach and every experience I create at Catalyst Pilates.
Who I teach
Catalyst Pilates welcomes:
- Complete beginners
- Returners to exercise
- Busy mums
- Older adults
- People managing long‑term conditions
- Anyone wanting to feel stronger, steadier and more connected to their body
Every class includes options and modifications, so you can choose the level that feels right for you.
Join us
Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, you’re warmly invited to join us in Downham or Sabden.