Meet Kat Noel Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Noel Smith.

Hi Kat, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I originally moved to LA with a job promotion while I was working for Nordstrom. I then took a more corporate sales role in the Los Angeles area, which required a lot of travel. I decided to change paths and take a break to figure out my next steps. That’s when I found pilates and absolutely fell in love with it! I apprenticed through a studio for about a year and then began teaching while obtaining additional certifications in pilates. I was teaching at four separate studios as well as training clients in my home studio weekly. Once the pandemic hit, all of the studios I had been working at closed down, and I had to pivot my business model. I began filming at-home workouts for clients to access for their at-home workouts, as well as training clients virtually on FaceTime (I didn’t even know what Zoom was at this point, ha!) I also continued (following all guidelines) the to safely see a select few clients 1:1 at my home studio. I now continue to see clients virtually as well as in my private home studio. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was very fortunate in how I fell into pilates. The manager and head trainer at a studio I worked out with (Lexi Pacella) offered me the opportunity to apprentice under her, and she really got me my start in the pilates world. I will always be forever grateful to her for that. I was lucky to be offered jobs at some of the top studios in Los Angeles, and I loved teaching pilates full-time. 

When the pandemic hit, the real struggle was finding a way to still help motivate clients to stay on track and healthy. With all of the studios closed and being unable to see clients at my home studio, I knew I had to pivot. 

I filmed a few videos that my clients could access on a donation basis to ensure that all of my clients could access some sort of workout with me. I also began to see all of my clients on a virtual basis, which was a challenge at first, but now I love training clients via Zoom. So, it was almost a blessing is disguise as it opened me up to an entire clientele that I could train virtually from anywhere. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a pilates instructor who specializes in tailor-making programs for each individual client to reach their fitness goals. I don’t believe there is a “one size fits all” workout program and each client is so different. I take the time to assess goals, abilities, injuries, etc, to create a program that will make them feel strong and confident. 

What sets me apart from others is that I listen to the client and truly work to give them the program that will help them gain lasting strength and results. I truly care about each and every client and their progress. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I really love the book “You are a Badass” I truly think everyone should read it as it just inspires you to be the best version of yourself. 

I also love Instagram, as I am able to connect with other trainers in the community to gain inspiration and knowledge from my peers. I always want to be learning and honing my craft so that my clients get the best version of me in their workouts. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Katnoelpilates.com
• Instagram: Katnoelpilates