Certifications
- CrossFit Level 1
- CPR/AED
Bio
Kate is a physical therapist and former competitive gymnast who knows firsthand how empowering it can be to build trust in your body through strength training. Although she was once afraid to lift weights due to past back pain and a bodyweight-only training background, Kate now understands the incredible confidence that comes from learning to lift a barbell.
Kate grew up either in the gymnastics gym or on the softball field. Starting at age 6, she entered a gymnastics program focused on competitive conditioning, with local, regional, and national tests before she could demonstrate actual gymnastics skills. As a kid who hated conditioning and just wanted to do the fun stuff, this foundation has shaped Kate’s coaching practice today—emphasizing fundamentals and strength first before earning more advanced skills like handstand walking and ring muscle-ups.
After spending time during the pandemic working out solo, honing her strengths (like handstand holds) and avoiding her weaknesses (such as back squats), Kate sought an inclusive, supportive gym community and found Hardware. She is now excited to bring her gymnastics coaching experience to Hardware, helping members face fears and learn new skills, whether it’s going upside down for the first time, learning a handstand, or conquering a first muscle-up.
Kate holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University and owns Outlier Physical Therapy in Andersonville.