About Us
Barista. Flight attendant. Operations manager. Supermarket owner. Yoga instructor. Exercise science student. Pilates educator.
Kim Southwell’s path to the Pilates studio wasn’t a straight line — and that’s exactly what makes her exceptional at what she does.
Before stepping onto the reformer, Kim spent years in roles that demanded she read people quickly, communicate clearly under pressure, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Every chapter added something: the warmth of hospitality, the composure of the skies, the systems thinking of management, the resilience of running her own business.
What she was really doing, without knowing it yet, was gathering the interpersonal and practical skills to share a lifelong passion for movement and body mechanics. Now studying exercise physiology and drawing from advanced reformer instruction and clinical biomechanics, Kim brings both depth of knowledge and genuine human connection to everything she does.
Passion is essential.
Knowledge is key.
What Kim Believes
Instruct the person, not the exercise.
The goal isn’t to deliver a perfect script. It’s to make every client feel like you’re speaking directly to them, even in a room full of people. The right cue at the right moment is what keeps people coming back.
Stay curious. Know what you don’t know.
When Kim first started teaching, her understanding of breathing mechanics, bracing, and trunk stability was limited. As her knowledge grew, so did her ability to help people move well. She believes asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s a sign of self-respect and self-awareness. When we know better, we should do better.
Exercise should feel like liberation, not punishment.
Kim challenges the idea that movement is only valuable when it’s chasing a target or changing a body. She advocates for the joy of movement that is individual, adaptable, and free from the pressure of achieving a particular look. Creating a positive association with exercise makes it a habit. Embracing the simplicity of Pilates does the rest.
Why Withkim Exists
Mentoring Pilates instructors to elevate the standards of the industry is one of Kim’s greatest motivations. She knows that passion alone isn’t enough — knowledge is what turns enthusiasm into genuine client care.
WithKim exists because there is more than one way to do anything, and the best instructors are the ones who understand why, not just what. Evidence-informed education, immersive professional experiences, and a commitment to thinking clearly and teaching confidently — that’s what WithKim is built on.
Passion is essential.
Knowledge is key.
What people say about Kim
“Both video and written program are easy to follow and can be done anywhere. I have a huge workload, holidays, huge family schedule — and I’ve been consistent since starting, and really benefiting from the knowledge that Kim shows.”
— Ray