Pilates with Catharine: where strength, balance, and breathwork come together

 

Pilates with Catharine: where strength, balance, and breathwork come together

Catharine Clarke is one of our instructors teaching both Pilates Reformer programs and Mat Pilates group fitness. She is an MFC-certified Pilates instructor who brings intention, care, and a deep respect for foundational movement into every class. With a strong focus on spinal health, breathwork, and mind-body connection, Catharine believes Pilates is the starting point for all movement, supporting participants of any age or experience level. Catharine is currently completing her international Pilates certification through Merrithew (STOTT Pilates) and will be fully internationally certified by March 2026. 

We connected with Catharine to learn more about her perspective on Pilates and her approach to teaching. Below, she shares her insights on what Pilates is, why it matters, and how it supports everyday movement.

1. How would you describe Pilates to someone who’s never tried it before?

Pilates is a low impact form of exercise that focuses on building core strength, stability and body awareness.  Pilates is unique in how it uses your own body weight, gravity and breath to develop core strength, spinal stability and improved posture. 

If you’re new to working out, I truly believe Pilates is one of the best places to begin your movement journey. We start on the Mat, working with our breath, identifying correct posture, learning how to imprint our spine which will stabilize, protect and engage your body.  

The style of classes can vary, however, the Pilate’s principles are grounded within each class so that returning students always know what to expect. I love to begin my classes with low lighting, gentle movement, and intentional breathing, inviting participants to let go of insecurity as we connect breath to movement.  

2. What do you love most about teaching Pilates? 

What I love most about teaching Pilates is how it challenges and supports people at every level and any age. Pilates is a foundational practice, you don’t just start building a house, you need to establish a strong foundation first, quite literally your strong foundation is Pilates. which means if you are new to fitness, then by all means, start with Pilates, the breathwork, mind body connection, and spinal health focus are the foundation for a healthy start in strength training, HIIT classes, dance, martial arts, I could go on…..it begins with Pilates, it really does. 

3. What would you say to someone who feels nervous or unsure about starting Pilates?  

It’s completely normal to feel nervous—especially when you’re trying something new or stepping into a workout space for the first time. Pilates is actually a beautiful place to begin because it meets you exactly where you are. There’s no expectation to be “fit,” flexible, or coordinated. You start on your mat, with your breath, and that alone is enough.  

Pilates is intentional, and forgiving. You move slowly, with control, and you’re encouraged to listen to your body rather than compare it to anyone else in the room. In many ways, it’s less about exercise and more about reconnecting—to your breath, your strength, and your confidence. 

If you feel unsure, know this: everyone in that room had a first class once, too. Showing up is the hardest part. After that, Pilates movement has a way of reminding us that our body is capable, resilient, and worthy of care—just as it is. 

4. How can Pilates support everyday movement, posture, or overall well-being? 

Spinal health is essential to posture, longevity, and everyday movement. Pilates continually reminds us of the importance of good posture and a strong, supported spine. The exercises developed by Joseph Pilates remain highly relevant today—used by dancers, martial artists, and individuals recovering from joint or back injuries—to improve strength, mobility, and overall spinal health.  

5. In one sentence, what do you hope people feel when they walk out of your class? 

This may sound like a lot for one sentence, but I truly believe that movement is medicine, I want people to learn the value and benefits of strong, healthy posture, feel aligned, in tune with their body and breath and most of all motivated to return and continue with the practice. 

 

Stay active with us 

UM Recreation Services offers a welcoming range of Pilates classes each term, led by certified and passionate instructors who create a supportive, inclusive, and beginner-friendly environment. 

We offer both Pilates Reformer programs and Mat Pilates group fitness! Both classes are taught by Catharine Clarke. She's an MFC-certified instructor and currently studying for international certification. Our Pilates Reformer programs use spring-loaded resistance to build strength, improve alignment, and support rehab and injury prevention, while Mat Pilates group fitness classes focuses on posture, body awareness, and core strength using your own body weight. 

Visit our website to sign up for adult programs! Members and UM students get 20% off. 

If you're interested in becoming a member, please visit the customer service desk in either the Active Living Centre on the Fort Garry campus or the Joe Doupe Recreation Centre on the Bannatyne campus. We'd love to help you get started.