Today we’d like to introduce you to Cate Swanson
Hi Cate, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My plan for college was always to become a dental hygienist. But after I graduated and started working, I quickly realized just how taxing the career could be on the body. It sparked a moment of reflection: if my work was already wearing me down, what would the long-term impact look like? I knew I needed to make a change, and my focus shifted to a passion that had always been a part of my life—fitness.
At the time, I had very little knowledge of Pilates. In fact, I’d never even taken a class. But I was curious, so I decided to give it a try. From the moment I experienced my very first session, I was hooked. Pilates challenged me in ways I’d never experienced in other forms of fitness before—it was both empowering and restorative. By the end of that first class, I knew I had discovered something I was deeply driven to pursue. I didn’t waste any time, I enrolled in teacher training right away and began what would become a life-changing journey.
After completing my training, I spent nearly eight years gaining valuable experience by teaching private lessons and group classes at Lifetime Fitness and Club Pilates, under the mentorship of master trainers Jill Dupslaff and Suzy Levi. During this time, I worked with a wide range of clients, from towering NFL linebackers and agile NHL forwards to resilient amputees and active senior citizens. Each person brought unique needs and goals, teaching me something new about the transformative power of Pilates. It truly is for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical challenges.
As I gained more experience, I became increasingly aware of the misconceptions surrounding Pilates. It’s often portrayed as a niche workout designed for a limited demographic, which couldn’t be further from its true origins. Joseph Pilates, a boxer and innovator, originally developed his method to improve his own health and to aid in the rehabilitation of wounded WWI soldiers. He later dedicated his life to making Pilates accessible to everyone. His work was founded on principles of strength, mindfulness, and inclusivity—qualities that I felt were not being fully represented in the way Pilates was marketed.
In 2024, I decided to address this gap by founding Pilates for Athletes (PFA). My vision was always clear: create a Pilates hub that caters to all fitness levels while focusing on the unique needs of high-performing athletes. At PFA, I work to debunk the idea that Pilates is only for certain groups and instead highlight its incredible versatility. Whether you’re a professional athlete, someone recovering from injury, or simply looking to improve your overall fitness, Pilates can transform your body and mind. It’s been an incredible first year so far, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I previously mentioned, one of the biggest challenges I face is educating people about what Pilates truly is, and breaking down the misconceptions surrounding it. Many only see Pilates as something exclusive or tailored to a narrow group of people—primarily women seeking gentle exercise or “toning”. That perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Pilates is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. It’s a powerful system of exercises for building strength, improving mobility, and preventing injury, especially for athletes.
As a new business owner, another challenge is balancing the many hats I have to wear. Beyond teaching sessions and classes, I handle everything from marketing and networking to client outreach and program development—skills that I’ve had to learn and refine along the way. It’s rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Building a business from the ground up requires persistence and adaptability.
Lastly, like any fitness professional, I face the challenge of continually meeting the diverse needs of my clients. No two bodies are the same, and athletes in particular often have highly specific physical demands based on their sport, age, or goals. To meet these needs, I’ve pursued specialized continuing education, allowing me to create tailored program designs for each individual client or group of athletes, ensuring everyone achieves the best results possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a PMA Certified Pilates Instructor, recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), a globally respected organization that sets the standard for Pilates education. The PMA certification stands apart from other Pilates credentials due to its rigorous, multi-faceted approach, requiring both written and practical exams. This ensures instructors not only have a deep theoretical understanding of Pilates techniques, anatomy, and movement principles but also the practical ability to apply that knowledge effectively in real-world teaching scenarios. Additionally, the PMA certification incorporates all pieces of Pilates equipment—not just the Reformer—making it a comprehensive and systematic exercise program that prepares instructors to work with a wide range of clients and needs.
I am also a Franklin Method Level 1 Educator. The Franklin Method® combines anatomical understanding with mental imagery. Recognized as the #1 mental imagery coaching method in the world, it uses Dynamic Neurocognitive Imagery (DNI) to train the brain and body to work in sync, optimizing performance, preventing injury, and improving efficiency—especially for athletes. Many other movement approaches spread misinformation about how the body truly functions, which can lead to ineffective movement patterns and even injury. Essentially, I teach clients how to see their body more clearly and understand how it actually works, helping them move with more precision and efficiency.
To further enhance my expertise, I’ve pursued continuing education through Madeline Black’s Centered Method, a comprehensive approach to optimizing human movement. Madeline Black, an internationally recognized expert in biomechanics and movement, combines principles from Pilates, manual therapy, and other disciplines to enhance alignment, function, and body awareness. Her method emphasizes assessment skills, precise movement sequencing, and manual techniques, which have deepened my ability to identify and address individual movement patterns. This training enables me to create customized programs that improve mobility, strength, and resilience, ensuring my clients achieve their fullest potential.
Together, these certifications and continuing education experiences create a well-rounded approach to movement instruction, allowing me to help clients optimize their performance, prevent injury, and enhance their overall well-being—whether they’re elite athletes, or individuals recovering from injury.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding the right mentor can make all the difference when you’re starting out, and for me, Suzy Levi has been an invaluable resource. Suzy offers specialized wellness business coaching and teacher training programs designed to help your business grow and thrive. Her guidance provided me with the foundational tools I needed to start my business, from setting pricing to organizing my services and brainstorming effective networking strategies.
What I value most is her ongoing support—whenever I’ve had a question or faced a challenge, Suzy has always had a clear answer or solution. Her mentorship has empowered me to make confident decisions and build a strong foundation for a healthy, profitable Pilates business. Suzy’s guidance is designed to empower you to create lasting success and a strong foundation for the future. You can find her at suzylevi.com.
For anyone seeking a mentor, I recommend finding someone who not only understands your industry but also provides practical, actionable guidance tailored to your needs. And don’t underestimate the power of networking—it’s often through these connections that you discover the mentors and resources that truly make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pilatesforathletes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilatesforathletesmn/
