We’re so excited to welcome Cat as our latest TGC Muse, a Pilates, barre and dance teacher, certified nutritionist, and mum of two girls (plus a much-loved dog), living in Auckland, Aotearoa. With a life rooted in movement, nourishment and motherhood, Cat embodies a grounded approach to wellness that feels both empowering and deeply real.

Cat’s work centers on helping women move, fuel and live well, not through rigid rules, but through practices that support strength, energy and confidence from the inside out. Whether she’s guiding a class, sharing her knowledge of nutrition, or simply moving through the rhythm of family life, her philosophy is one of balance, intention and care.

Her approach reflects something we hold close at The Gut Cø, that wellbeing is built in the everyday moments: the way we choose to nourish ourselves, the way we reconnect with our bodies, and the gentle rituals that help us feel our best, season after season.

WHAT’S A WELLNESS MYTH YOU USED TO BELIEVE… AND WHAT CHANGED YOUR MIND?

Coming from a dance background and growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, I deeply believed in thinness, restriction and exercising to exhaustion. In my younger years I controlled so much through food restriction and over exercise. With time, education and lived experience, I’ve learned and now teach a much more holistic approach centred on strength, proper fueling, hormonal health and long term bone health.

 

WHAT’S ONE GUT FEELING YOU’VE FOLLOWED THAT TOTALLY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

I followed a gut feeling that something wasn’t right. I felt a tiny lump in my right breast and tried to tell myself “it will be nothing” but I knew I needed to have it checked. That instinct led to early diagnosis, less invasive treatment, and quite possibly saved my life.

WHAT’S A NON-NEGOTIABLE RITUAL YOU DO FOR YOUR BODY — EVEN WHEN LIFE GETS CHAOTIC?

I love daily rituals, they ground me in the chaos of everyday life. I wake at the same time each morning, start my day with REPAIR in a big glass of water, then sit down to enjoy a nourishing breakfast full of fibre, antioxidants and protein. Beginning the day with intention always sets the tone for everything that follows.

WHAT’S THE MOST UNDERRATED PART OF YOUR WELLNESS ROUTINE THAT ACTUALLY MAKES THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE?

Moving my body every day. Pilates, barre, dance, surfing and walking in the New Zealand bush are my favourites. I don’t ‘work out’ every day I simply make sure I move in some way, even if it's just walking the dog with my husband. That consistency matters more than the intensity.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’ve learned so much over the years, and while it's easy to look back with “what if’s” I believe we need every experience, the failures, joy, heartbreak and uncertainty to become who we’re meant to be. I would tell my younger self to embrace opportunities, live fully, keep speaking up and never dim her light.

WHAT’S THE MOST SURPRISING CONNECTION YOU’VE DISCOVERED BETWEEN YOUR GUT AND HOW YOU FEEL MENTALLY OR EMOTIONALLY?

This past year has taught me to truly listen to my body. I used to push through fatigue and overwhelm, constantly doing too much. Now I recognise the signs earlier, slowing down, using my breath, and intentionally supporting my parasympathetic nervous system. When my gut is supported, my mind feels calmer and more resilient.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “I FEEL MOST LIKE MYSELF WHEN…”

I’m salty and sunkissed, in the company of my loved ones.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THE GUT CØ PRODUCT AND WHY?

My favourite all round product is The PROTEIN {collagen + WPI}. It contains all nine essential amino acids which help with muscle repair and cell renewal. I relied on it twice daily after surgery to support healing, and I continue to use it every day in my breakfast and smoothies.