Katie Agnew
Studio Owner / Senior Teacher / Physiotherapist
BHSc (Physiotherapy)
Pilates Inc. Certified (2001)
Authentic Pilates Education Teacher Trainer
Pilates Method Teacher of the Year 2024 - NZ Exercise Awards
Katie has owned and operated Authentic Pilates & Physiotherapy since 2002, bringing together her passion for movement and body health.
A former elite athlete, Katie represented New Zealand in Rhythmic Gymnastics from 1986 to 1991, competing in multiple international competitions, including the 1990 Commonwealth Games and the 1987-1991 World Championships. She held multiple national titles during her 11-year gymnastics career, which ignited her deep interest in movement and body mechanics.
This passion naturally led Katie to study physiotherapy, qualifying in 1994 with a special interest in the spine, working closely with New Zealand's leading specialists.
While living in America, Katie discovered Pilates, which provided her with much-needed relief from back injuries. It was here that she saw the incredible potential of Pilates to support rehabilitation and lifelong body management, prompting her to expand her career into Pilates. Studying under Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protégé, Katie received her Pilates Inc. certification in 2001 after completing over 600 hours in an intensive program.
Katie spent 7 years in Florida, where she worked as a physiotherapist at a leading sports clinic and Cirque du Soleil, and teaching Pilates to everyone from professional athletes to those recovering from injuries.
Returning to New Zealand in 2002, Katie founded Authentic Pilates in Mairangi Bay Physiotherapy, combining her two passions—Pilates and physiotherapy. In 2017, she expanded to a custom-built studio in Rothesay Bay, outfitted with Gratz and Pilates by Design classical apparatus, where she leads a team of handpicked expert teachers.
As New Zealand’s most experienced classical Pilates teacher, Katie also lectures and presents internationally, sharing her wealth of knowledge. She continually improves her skills with ongoing Continuing Professional Education (CPE), working with top international instructors because she believes in the importance of lifelong learning.
In 2016, Katie opened the NZ National Training Centre for Authentic Pilates Education International (APEI), an internationally respected teacher training centre. She is New Zealand’s principal teacher of teachers, mentoring APEI apprentices.
http://www.authenticpilateseducation.com
Combining her background in physiotherapy, sports, and Authentic Pilates, Katie is dedicated to educating, preventing injury, and integrating total body wellbeing. Her motivating, fun, and challenging Pilates sessions will help you achieve what you never thought possible!