Meet The Team

Catherine’s journey into Pilates began after 20 years working in the marketing industry. Spending long hours in front of a computer and travelling extensively by car had taken its toll on her body, and she discovered Pilates as a way to help manage and alleviate the pain associated with a sedentary working lifestyle and long drives.

What began as a personal journey quickly developed into a passion for movement and a complete career change. Catherine initially trained as a BASI Pilates Matwork Instructor, qualifying in 2016. As her Pilates teaching became increasingly busy, she took the next step and opened a small equipment-based studio in Penwortham in 2018.

The studio grew organically, reflecting Catherine’s own commitment to the full Pilates method. What began as a small studio evolved into a comprehensive Pilates facility, and in 2020 The Pilates Room relocated to its current premises in Hutton, Preston.

Catherine went on to complete the BASI Pilates Global Comprehensive Programme, becoming a BASI Comprehensive Instructor and developing an in-depth understanding of the full Pilates repertoire across the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chair, Barrels, Matwork and small equipment.

Her commitment to education did not stop with her initial qualification. Catherine has continued her development through the BASI Legacy Programme, completing BASI Mentor, Master 1, Master 2 and BASI Honors training. In 2024, The Pilates Room became a host studio for BASI teacher training, allowing Catherine to support the development of the next generation of Pilates instructors and bring high-quality comprehensive Pilates education to the Preston area.

Catherine has experience working with a diverse range of clients and movement needs, including clients living with Parkinson's, MS and ME/CFS, as well as those returning to movement following hip and knee replacements. She has also worked with professional and elite sportspeople, including members of the England Women's Cricket Team.

Alongside her Pilates qualifications, Catherine is a 300-hour qualified Yoga Teacher and has undertaken extensive continuing professional development across areas including ageing, injuries and pathologies, Parkinson's, osteoporosis, hypermobility, pregnancy, rehabilitation, children's Pilates, triathlon and working with different body types.

Professional Training

• BASI Pilates Global Comprehensive Programme

• BASI Mentor – BASI Legacy Programme

• BASI Master 1 – BASI Legacy Programme

• BASI Master 2 – BASI Legacy Programme

• BASI Honors – BASI Legacy Programme

• BASI Matwork

• MBodies Equipment Teacher Training

• 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Continuing Professional Development

• BASI – The Power of Ageing with Rael Isacowitz

• BASI – Pilates for Pathologies & Injuries with Sam Wood

• BASI – Pilates for Triathletes

• BASI – Pilates for Parkinson's

• BASI – Pilates for Abundant Bodies

• APPI – Pilates for Kids & Teens

• APPI – Pilates & Osteoporosis

• APPI – Pilates & Shoulder Rehabilitation

• APPI – Pilates for Hypermobility

• APPI – Stretch Therapy for Pilates

• MBodies – DFUZZ

• Manchester Pilates – Pilates for Pregnancy

Catherine's ongoing commitment to education, professional development and understanding human movement has led to her current studies towards a Diploma in Biomechanics. Her interest in biomechanics reflects her belief that effective Pilates teaching is about far more than simply teaching exercises — it is about understanding how people move, recognising individual differences and helping each client move with greater strength, control, confidence and awareness.

For Catherine, Pilates remains a lifelong journey of learning, and that ethos is at the heart of The Pilates Room.

Victoria has been practising Pilates for over a decade and, in 2018, took the plunge to train as a teacher—encouraged by those who recognised how deeply the method resonated with her. She trained with BASI Pilates, widely regarded as the gold standard in comprehensive Pilates education. For Victoria, it’s never been just a qualification—it’s a commitment to understanding the body, movement, and the transformative power of Pilates.

She’s passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and reconnect with their bodies—especially when life throws curveballs like injury, chronic conditions, or hormonal shifts. Pilates isn’t just exercise for her; it’s an anchor.

Victoria’s approach is rooted in curiosity and humility. She believes in being forever a student, continuing to expand her knowledge with specialist training, including Injuries & Pathologies. Importantly, she still goes to class herself—because teaching is only half the story. Staying connected to her own practice keeps her grounded, inspired, and honest.

Her teaching style is down-to-earth, inclusive, and practical. Whether someone’s brand new to Pilates or returning after a break, Victoria meets clients where they are—with no jargon, no judgement, and plenty of encouragement.

 

 

 

Qualifications

BASI Comprehensive Certified

BASI Matwork Certified

Additional CPD

Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies Part 1 - BASI Sam Wood

Power of Ageing - BASI Rael Isacowitz

Pilates for Menopause - BASI Ashley Ritchie

The Feet - Our Base of Support - BASI Markella Kefallonitou

Pilates for the Mature Client - BASI Ashley Ritchie

Introduction to Scoliosis - BASI Rika Brixie

Optimising Shoulder Mechanics - BASI Theo Botha

Pilates for Osteoporosis - BASI Ashley Ritchie

Pilates for Children - BASI Tash Barnard

Find and Fix Movement Faults - BASI Theo Botha

Pilates for the Triathlete - BASI Ashley Ritchie

Pilates for Hypermobility - BASI Ashley Ritchie

Pilates for Men - BASI Inge Pretorious

Face and Neck - BASI Carme Farre

Pilates for Golfers - BASI Monique Martinengo

Leah is a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor with a background in dance and

yoga, offering inclusive, strength-based classes that focus on mobility, alignment,

and mindful movement. She holds a First Class Honours Degree in Dance and a

Masters in Dance Anthropology, alongside certifications in Mat and Reformer

Pilates, pre/postnatal care, scoliosis, and neurological conditions.

Her sessions draw from years of experience across dance, yoga, and fitness,

blending technical precision with creativity and care. Leah teaches group classes,

online sessions, and 1:1s, supporting students of all levels to move with strength and

confidence.

​

Qualifications Include:

Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training – BASI (2024)

Pilates for Neurological Conditions – APPI (2025)

Pilates for Scoliosis – BASI (2025)

Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies – BASI (2023)

Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies Part2 - Chronic Pain & Neurological Conditions (2025)

Pilates Through Pregnancy & Beyond – BASI (2021)

Reformer Pilates – BarreBody (2021)

Matwork Pilates – BASI (2020)

Dance Conditioning with Pilates – BASI (2022)

Mandala Methodology 25hrs (2026)

Therapeutic Yoga for Stress & Anxiety – 100hr (2020)

Yin Yoga & 200hr Yoga Teacher Training – Yoga Alliance Certified

Barre & Barreless Certifications – Bootybarre® & Bbarreless

BA (Hons) Dance – Edge Hill University (First)

MA Dance Anthropology – University of Roehampton (Distinction)