All Active Pilates & Physio

26/10/2025

23/10/2025

✨ Meet Sharon ✨

Role: Finance Assistant and client support

👋 A little about Sharon:
• 22 years’ experience in banking, finance, and customer service
• Passionate about strength training and walking her three huge dogs – Gordon, Gibbs, and Floyd 🐾
• Guilty pleasure: interiors! Loves colour, fabric, texture, and the excitement of a good house move
• In her spare time, Sharon paints and restores furniture, with a real love for retro and mid-century design 🎨

💛 Sharon is here to support you every step of the way – bringing her customer service expertise and genuine passion to ensure you enjoy your experience at All Active.

➡️ Come say hi to Sharon at the clinic! She can’t wait to help you get started and help with any questions or requirements you might have.

17/10/2025

✨ Meet Katie✨
Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor

👋 A little about Katie:
🎓 Bsc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Post Graduate Certificate in Medicines Management at the Ulster University
ITEC Level three diploma in sports massage therapy
APPI Pilates matwork level 1,2&3
APPI Pilates reformer level 1,2&3
Currently working within the NHS as an advanced practitioner in Intensive Care focusing on respiratory and rehabilitation following a period of critical illness
Over 10 years of experience as a physiotherapist working across England, Australia and Northern Ireland
Over 5 years experience teaching Pilates for All Active

💪 Having swam competitively for Ireland Katie has always enjoyed exercise and sports. She loves swimming, running, tennis, badminton, weight training,mountain walking, skiing, water skiing and of course Pilates.
🤝 Katie enjoys travelling, eating out and walking her Goldendoodle Rosie - who often gives her good stories to tell at classes for the dog lovers of the group.

💡 What Katie loves most about teaching Pilates/Reformer:

Personally Pilates is more than just exercise. While I love to see clients get stronger and feel good about themselves- its the community that I enjoy. It’s where clients can meet other like minded people, have a laugh, hear about the newest places to eat and the next exciting country to visit. It’s about being there for each other, laughing at the good and
supporting through the bad. I have made so many amazing friends with clients through teaching and love to see them come through the doors each week.

🎉 Fun fact:
Katie lived in SunshineCoast Australia 🇦🇺 before moving back to Northern Ireland

💜Katie is here to make you laugh while supporting and encouraging you every step of the way — bringing expertise, energy, and a genuine passion for helping you move better.

You can join one of Katie’s Pilates classes on Tuesdays in Lisburn or Thursdays in Hillsborough. Her men’s classes at 8.30pm on both days are also a big hit!

➡️ Come say hi to Katie at the studio — she can’t wait to welcome you to your next class!

15/10/2025

✨ Meet Andrea ✨

Owner | Physiotherapist | Pilates & Reformer Instructor

🎓 With degrees in Physiotherapy, Advanced Practice, and Sports Medicine, plus specialist training in women’s health, exercise and strength & conditioning, Andrea brings both clinical expertise and real-life understanding to everything she does.

As a mum of four and lifelong sports lover, she’s experienced her share of injuries — and that’s what fuels her passion for helping others recover, rebuild, and thrive.

💪 Andrea loves seeing how hands-on physio and Pilates transform her clients’ confidence and quality of life.

💬 “For me, Pilates and Reformer are about giving people the tools to feel stronger, move better, and take control of their wellbeing.”

🎉 Fun fact: Andrea’s learning the ukulele — she says it’s the perfect way to unwind and switch off!

💜Whether you’re new to exercise, returning after injury, or looking to improve your strength and mobility, Andrea’s here to guide you every step of the way.

➡️ Thinking about getting started? Send Andrea a message or book a call - she loves a good chat about how you can begin your All Active journey!

13/10/2025

✨ Meet Kerry ✨

Role: Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor — Mat & Reformer

👋 A little about Kerry:
• 🎓 BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy
Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist working in the NHS, with previous private sector experience.
Certified in APPI Matwork Levels 1–3 and APPI Reformer Levels 1–3.
She’s been teaching with All Active for over 9 years.

• 💪 Kerry has always been passionate about sport and movement. Alongside Pilates, she stays active in the gym, enjoys tennis, and loves long walks.

• 🤝 Outside of teaching, Kerry can often be found exploring with her favourite companion — Frank the Labrador — or planning her next big adventure (she’s just returned from a month of travelling around Australia!).

💡 What Kerry loves most about teaching Pilates/Reformer:
“Pilates is for everyone — I love seeing clients build strength, confidence, and control in ways that really make a difference to their daily lives.”

🎉 Fun fact: Kerry is known for her killer lunge sequences (and her clients love to hate them!) 🔥

💜Kerry’s is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and discover what your body is truly capable of — one class at a time.

You can join Kerry for a Reformer class on Wednesday morning in Hillsborough or Monday evening in Lisburn. Prefer Mat Pilates? Book a Wednesday evening class in Hillsborough. Kerry can’t wait to welcome you to your next session!

10/10/2025

✨ Meet Debbie ✨

Role: Client Services / Admin Support

👋 A bit about me…
I was inspired to train as a Pilates Instructor back in 2021 after attending Andrea’s Pilates classes in lockdown.
I love keeping active – you’ll usually find me walking my dog in the park, playing tennis with friends, or joining in with Pilates and Ladies’ strength classes here at All Active.
I really enjoy meeting new clients and helping them get the most out of their membership.

💡 Favourite thing about my job:
Every day is different! We’ve built such a lovely community at All Active, and it’s amazing to be able to support people on their fitness and rehab journeys.

🎉 Fun fact:
I completed my PADI scuba diving certificate before a trip to Thailand & then realised I’m actually still scared of fish 🐠🤣 so I haven’t done an open water dive since!

💛 I’m always here to help – so if you need anything, just give me a shout!

08/10/2025

✨ Meet Libby✨

Role: Physiotherapist & Pilates & Reformer Instructor

👋 A little about Libby:

🎓 Qualified Physiotherapist , worked in Musgrave Park Hospital for many years.
Trained as Appi Pilates instructor & has been teaching Pilates & Reformer classes for 17 years at Blackstone Physio & All Active .

💪 Have enjoyed many sports & activities over the years, riding , cycling, skiing , hiking . Personally , doing Pilates & reformer helps me avoid / recover from injuries & stay mobile , fit & strong to enjoy my new hobbies of golf & pickle ball .

Libby says 🤝”Every class I learn something from my clients , anything from new exercise ideas to helpful tips on travel , food or golf!”

“I love meeting clients who may not have enjoyed exercise recently and take great satisfaction in introducing them to Pilates principles & the Reformer. After just a few sessions they often feel stronger, move more freely and notice real improvements in their everyday function. Plus it’s fun and they are hooked “

🎉 Fun fact: Libby ‘s daughter recently started teaching Pilates & reformer in Berlin, must be something in the genes !

💛 Libby is here to help you explore movement, build muscle & bone strength and enjoy progressing at your own pace in a safe ,fun & supportive environment .

➡️ Book a private session or Reformer class with Libby at our Dromore studio on Monday mornings — she can’t wait to welcome you to your next class!

05/10/2025

✨ Meet Gareth Ward ✨

Role: Chartered Physiotherapist

👋 A little about Gareth:
• 🎓 UUJ graduate (2002) with a Masters in Sports & Exercise Science (2010)
• 💪 Lifelong sports enthusiast who knows the huge physical & mental benefits of staying active
• 🤝 Passionate about helping people strengthen their health & move with confidence

💡 What he loves most about his work:
“It’s a pleasure to help people in as strong a way possible with their physical health.”

🎉 Fun fact: Played senior hurling for Antrim
📚 Nerd fact: Loves local history
🛠️ If he wasn’t a physio, he’d be a joiner

💜 Gareth is an expert physio, specialising in sports injuries, joint pain, and post-surgery recovery. With his energy and experience, he’ll get you moving better and feeling stronger.

➡️ Book your appointment with Gareth today at our Hillsborough or Lisburn clinic!

03/10/2025

✨ Meet Catherine ✨

Role: Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor (Matwork & Reformer)

👋 A little about Catherine:

🎓 With 19 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Catherine has worked in the NHS specialising in orthopaedics, and trained with APPI up to Level 3 in both Matwork and Reformer Pilates.

💪 She’s passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities build strength, recover from injury, and feel confident in their movement.

🤝 She loves supporting clients on their journey and seeing how Pilates transforms their daily lives.

💡 What Catherine loves most about teaching Pilates/Reformer:

“Seeing clients come back week after week, noticing their progress, and hearing how Pilates has made a real difference in their lives.”

🎉 Fun fact: Catherine loves the sea! You’ll often find her walking along the beach with her family — or even taking a dip, but only if it’s warmer than 20°C. 🌊

💛 Catherine is here to support, encourage, and inspire you — always bringing her expertise, energy, and passion for movement into every session.

➡️ Book a 1-1 session or an orthopaedic physio appointment with Catherine in Hillsborough, Dromore, or Lisburn — she can’t wait to help you move better and feel better!

02/10/2025

✨ Not all reformer classes are created equal ✨

Yes, reformer is having a moment right now (and we’re here for it 🙌)… but the truth is, your experience can look completely different from one studio to the next.

At All Active, we’re not just “another reformer studio.” Here’s why we’re different ⬇️

💡 Physio-led team – our instructors don’t just know exercises; they know how the body actually moves. They understand pain, injury, and rehab, and know how to adapt movements so they truly work for you.

📚In-depth training – our team consists of qualified physiotherapists and highly trained movement specialists, ensuring we provide a high-quality service with exercises that are always safe, effective, and beneficial.

🧘 Rooted in Pilates principles – our classes aren’t just “fitness moves on a reformer.” Every session is grounded in authentic Pilates principles—control, precision, breath, flow—so you build strength, mobility, and better movement for life.

👥 Small group focus – max 6 per class = more attention, hands-on corrections, and safer movement.

🔄 Tailored exercises – no cookie-cutter workouts. We’ll adjust, modify, and progress you based on your body and your goals.

✨ All levels welcome – whether you’re brand new or experienced, you’ll feel supported and challenged.

Because your body deserves more than a “one size fits all” class. 💪

01/10/2025

This weekend I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with my old mentor, Kay McCarthy. Many of you may remember Kay as the owner of Blackstone Physio in Moira—and as one of the first people to bring Physio led Pilates and Reformer to Northern Ireland! 🙌

Kay taught me on some of my very first Pilates courses and has been a huge inspiration in my journey as both a teacher and a business owner. She’s a true trailblazer—recognising early on the power of physio-led Pilates and reformer, and how effective it can be for rehabilitation, health, and overall wellbeing when taught properly. 💡✨

It was so special to have Kay come along to our Lisburn open day to support my new business venture. 💛

👉 Thank you, Kay, for your guidance, encouragement, and inspiration over the years. At All Active, we aspire to continue building on that vision—helping our clients move better, feel stronger, and experience the power of Pilates in a supportive and empowering environment.

28/09/2025

🌟 Shoulder Pain Holding You Back? 🌟

Struggling to lift shopping bags, swing a golf club, or reach overhead without pain? You’re not alone. Research shows shoulder pain has one of the biggest impacts on quality of life, especially in people over 40 – yet most people do nothing about it (Hodgetts et al, 2021).

At All Active Pilates & Physio, we can help. 💪

Our physios provide:

✅ In-depth assessment to find the root cause

✅ Hands-on treatment

✅ Tailored rehab programmes to get you moving again

We treat:

🔹 Rotator cuff problems

🔹 Arthritis

🔹 Impingement

🔹 Dislocations

🔹 Post-surgery rehab

Physio has been shown to significantly improve quality of life and help you return to the activities you love (Garcia et al, 2024).

📍 Clinics in Hillsborough, Lisburn & Dromore

👉 Don’t just live with the pain – book your appointment today and let us help you move better and feel better.