Catherine Etty-Leal ~ APPI Matwork Pilates Course Educator 

Catherine graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. During Catherine's physiotherapy training she had student placements at the Australian Ballet Company and with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Since then she has completed her Masters in Sports Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University and gained an APA title of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. Catherine is currently completing her Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She is also the chair of the Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Association Victorian Branch committee.

We chatted to Catherine recently to find out more about her love for Pilates. 

When did you first commence your journey with Pilates and why?

I started Pilates when I was about 10 as part of my dance training growing up. I loved doing it as a participant and wanted to be able to incorporate it in my career. As soon as I graduated as a physio I started my APPI mat certification and then completed the equipment certification.

Why do you think that APPI Pilates exercises are so much more than just Pilates?

The APPI exercises are great because you can use them to help with your clinical assessment as well as treatment. I use these exercises all the time in my own clinical practice, not just when I'm teaching classes. There are so many variations to add to them too so you can use them for pretty much anyone!

What is your favourite Pilates exercise and why? 

If I had to pick my favourite I'd choose side kick on the mat - I love that you can modify this exercise with so many variations and really feel the burn! My patients absolutely love cat stretch on the cadillac though!

You teach Matwork Level 1. Why would you recommend this course to a health professional or physio student?  

This course is a great way to introduce yourself to Pilates, but also gives you some really practical skills you can take back to work or uni the very next day. Although the repertoire may seem simple at first, it is always surprising to see just how challenging it can be made. It also gives you another perspective to assessing human movement and applying movement as a treatment modality.

What are you inspired by (person, place or idea)?

I get my main inspiration from my mum - she is a superwoman!

Do you have a favourite quote?

Keep smiling :)

Upcoming courses

Matwork Level 1 Melb 18 - 19 May