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Catherine Earp: Hooked on Helping Others Get Fit

Posted on: Thursday, 10 February 2005, 06:00 CST

BY MELISSA WOOD

Catherine Earp is three months pregnant with her second child, but you cant tell by looking at her, even in the most form-fitting leotard.

Thats absolutely due to Pilates, said the owner of Platinum Pilates exercise studio in the Great Neck area.

After the birth of her first child two years ago, delivered by Caesarean section, her nurses joked that Earps stomach was flatter than theirs although she was the one who just had a baby. Pilates pulls all your abdominal muscles inward, she explained.

Earp studied economics and modern dance in college and planned a career in corporate America. At first, Pilates was just way to stay in shape. Then she earned Pilates certification, followed by the American College of Sports Medicines gold standard health fitness Instructor accreditation and was hooked on helping others get fit.

Her husbands Navy career brought Earp to town five years ago. She taught Pilates from home for three years, opened a studio on Shore Drive, then moved to her current location in August.

Recently, Earp added an exercise physiologist who specializes in cardio-vascular training and a registered dietitian to her staff to help people who want to lose weight. She said that people often are confused about selecting a personal trainer, knowing the right questions to ask, or the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist.

We stick to the strictest Pilates methods because they work, and encourage people to be active in tennis, golf or whatever they like doing, she said. We also include the cardio component, which makes us unique.

Fitness is very simple, but its not easy, she said. A lot of people need a hand.

As for Earp, she plans to continue teaching right up until the little one arrives, just as she did the first time.

Full name: Catherine Earp

Hometown: St. Joseph, Mo.

What neighborhood do you live in? Chicks Beach

Age: 27

Children: Daughter, Ella, and one on the way!

What is your idea of a perfect day off? Sleep in until 7 a.m. -- I usually get up at 5 -- take a nice walk on the beach and then go to breakfast with my husband. I love breakfast.

Last smart thing you did: Packed my lunch for work. It tasted good and I felt better than I do when I eat out.

Last dumb thing you did: Tried to open my house door with the keyless entry to my Jeep.

If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be? Alvin Ailey, Laura Bush and Joseph Pilates

Favorite movie: Chicago

Hobbies: Modern dance, changing diapers and cooking I love figuring out new recipes.

If I won $1 million, I would: Put it in the bank and continue doing exactly what I am doing right now.

What made you fall in love with your spouse? His warm smile, generous heart and unfailing support of my varied endeavors.

Guilty pleasure: Sneaking out of the studio to get a manicure

Favorite restaurant: The Lucky Star in Virginia Beach

Favorite night on the town: Downtown Norfolk for a dance performance and then a late dinner.

Favorite sport or sports team and why: Swimming, I like the weightlessness. Dancing, always challenging but always fun. I believe that exercise should be pleasant.

Dream vacation: A week in Paris, shopping and dining when I am not pregnant so that I can fit into the clothes and enjoy the wine

Worst job: Sandwich-making in high school. I always went home smelling like pickles!

My hero is: Joseph Pilates because he was an exercise genius. Working independently, without todays technology, he crafted the perfect workout that continues to be affirmed by todays scientific research.

Of what achievements are you most proud? In Platinum Pilates, I have built a successful business filled with happy employees and happy clients. I feel extremely lucky to go to work every day to a dynamic group of peers and spend my day empowering clients to look and feel better.

Source: Virginian - Pilot

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