Where are they now? Kai Reynolds
From Music PR to the Mat — How the Exhale Classical Mat Course Changed Everything
Some of the best decisions we make are the ones we almost talked ourselves out of. For Kai Reynolds, qualifying as a Pilates teacher through Exhale’s Classical Mat course in May 2024 was exactly that — and two years on, her life looks almost unrecognisable in the best possible way.
We caught up with Kai to find out how it’s all going.
What brought you to Exhale?
Exhale had been on my radar for about a year before I enrolled. A close friend of mine, Abi Gould, had trained with you and couldn’t speak highly enough of the experience. I’d always wanted to train as a Pilates teacher, but I’d been searching for the right course without finding anything that felt like the right fit. Abi’s recommendation settled it for me.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
How in-depth it was. This was my very first introduction to teaching — let alone teaching Pilates — so to be guided by such a knowledgeable, supportive and genuinely warm group of women was incredible.
What really sets the Exhale course apart is that it isn’t a two-week sprint where you’re left to figure the rest out on your own. You’re supported throughout the entire process, with someone always there when you have a question. That level of professionalism is rare, and it sets you apart as an instructor in the field.
What have you been up to since qualifying?
I started teaching in September 2024 and have built up a wonderfully varied clientele. I teach private one-to-ones in clients’ homes, in corporate settings, and group sessions in studios and healthcare environments. One of my most rewarding commitments is a monthly class I run for nurses at my local hospital — being able to give something back to people who work so tirelessly to care for others feels very special.
I’ve also been running Pilates events, collaborating with PTs and run clubs, and I have some retreats in the pipeline for autumn and winter, which I’m very excited about. I’m only a year into my career and I’m still learning every day — but I have these solid foundations that Exhale gave me, and I can draw on them in every setting I walk into.
Any advice for anyone thinking about the Classical Mat Course?
To put it bluntly: just do it.
Teaching Pilates is something I’d wanted to do since my first year at university — a really difficult time in my life when Pilates became my escape. But a little voice kept saying you’re not ready or it’s not the right time. The truth is, there is never a perfect time.
I started the course while working 70-hour weeks in Music PR in London. It got to a point where I said to myself: there is never going to be a perfect moment, so you just have to go for it. I bit the bullet — and it is genuinely the best decision I have ever made.
I now work in a different area of PR, in a wellbeing-focused space, with a much healthier work-life balance, and I have this Pilates career running alongside it. It has completely revolutionised my life. There is no time like the present.
What are your goals for the next year – and the next five?
Over the next year I want to keep growing my clientele and teach as many different people from as many walks of life as possible, with more events and retreats in the mix. Looking further ahead, I’d love to have a home studio of my own — and to be hosting retreats abroad while continuing to perfect my craft.
Ashlea, who also trained at Exhale, is a huge role model for me. Watching what she’s built is genuinely inspiring.
Kai continues to deepen her practice by attending our monthly workshops at Exhale, most recently the Teaching Clients with Hypermobility session. We love watching where our graduates take this work.
You can follow Kai’s journey on Instagram: @pilatesbykai_
Inspired by Kai’s story? Find out more about Exhale’s Classical Mat Teacher Training and take the first step towards a career you’ll love. Book a discovery call here
