Client of the Month – May: Cathy

Client of the month Cathy with Pilates Instructor Katie from All Active Pilates

Client of the Month – May: Cathy

🌟 Client of the Month: Cathy’s Story + Pedal the Periphery 2025

This month, we’re celebrating an incredible woman who embodies everything All Active stands for: consistency, strength, and community spirit. Our Client of the Month for May is the amazing Cathy, who many of you will know from her long-standing commitment to our classes—most recently, the Physio Fit class with Katie.

Cathy has been part of the All Active family for many years, using a wide range of our services. She’s not only a dedicated client, but also a great friend—and I (Andrea Lucas) can say with confidence, she’s one of the fittest and most inspiring women I know. Cathy’s strength and resilience go beyond the Pilates studio and into the endurance world, where she has achieved some truly remarkable things.

Pedal the Periphery: The Story Behind the Event

Alongside her sister Andrea Harrower—an excellent PT in her own right—Cathy co-founded Pedal the Periphery, a 480-mile cycling challenge that circumnavigates Northern Ireland in just 48 hours. The event was born from personal tragedy: Cathy lost her friend Natalie to pancreatic cancer, and Andrea H lost her husband. Their shared grief sparked something powerful, and together, they turned it into a meaningful mission.

In 2023, Cathy and Andrea H took on the inaugural Pedal the Periphery challenge themselves—completing the full 480 miles in 48 hours. The event has grown every year since, creating space for new stories, friendships, and fundraising efforts that support those facing difficult times.

The, Pedal the Periphery is now a team event which takes place every year in June, organised by Cathy—and we’re incredibly proud to support her.

Cathy with her sisiter Andrea H after they completed Pedal the Periphery in 2023 - 480 miles in 48 hours!

Cathy’s Pilates Journey – 5 Questions with Our Client of the Month

I sat down with Cathy to ask about how Pilates fits into her life and endurance training. Here’s what she had to say:

1. What first inspired you to try Pilates, and what keeps you coming back?

“I was one of those people who thought if you’re not out of breath and sweating, it’s not exercise! I started Pilates reluctantly about 15 years ago after a short period of ill health. Now, I’m one of those ‘I wish I’d started it younger’ people. Discovering All Active about 8 years ago was the real game changer for me.”

2. How has Pilates helped support your cycling and running?

“I expect a lot from my body. I’ve spent years pushing it through long-distance events. Pilates gives me the mobility, flexibility, and strength I need to keep going. If I miss a class, my body definitely notices!”

3. What’s been your most memorable endurance event or personal milestone?

“It’s a cliché, but every event has been special for different reasons. One that stands out is the 2024 Pedal the Periphery. I didn’t ride it—I was in the support car for 48 hours—but seeing 97 new stories created through an event we started was really emotional.”

4. Do you use Pilates techniques during races or training?

“Absolutely. I can almost hear Katie and Andrea in my head saying, ‘Find your Pilates centre’ or ‘Shoulder blades in your back pockets’ when I’m struggling. Pilates breathing also really helps me calm my nerves before big events.”

5. What are your current goals?

“I just want to keep doing what I love for as long as my body allows. Pilates is essential for that—it keeps me strong, grounded, and injury-free.”

Congratulations again to Cathy—your strength, spirit, and commitment inspire us all.

Andrea Lucas

Founder, All Active Pilates & Physio