In the heart of Nelson, life and business partners Kate Burton and Dave Agnew have built a wellness hub that’s deeply rooted in their backgrounds.
As co-owners of Pilates Nelson for the past 12 years, and more recently, Beacon PBM Light Therapy, Kate and Dave bring a wealth of experience and passion to their work. Their personal journeys – Kate’s with 25 years of dance teaching and community performance, and Dave’s in karate and 30 years running the Nelson Training Centre – fuel their shared passion for helping others reach their potential. They are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, contributing to the empathetic, well-rounded approach they bring to their clients.
Kate’s background laid the foundation for her love of movement and body awareness. With this, she understands the power of mindful movement and uses this knowledge to help clients build strength, mobility, and grace. “Our classes help our clients to meet their unique needs, encouraging stability, confidence, and enjoyment of movement,” says Kate.
Dave's background and inspiring, light-hearted approach enhances his teaching, guiding clients in improving their core strength, posture, and balance in a way that’s both effective and supportive. “At Pilates Nelson, the classes focus on functional movement to help with life’s challenges, to maintain enjoyment in sports, activities, and foster independence as we age. Pilates, with its gentle, low impact exercises, is adaptable and ideal for everyone.”
Kate and Dave ensure every class is safe, supportive, and meets each individual’s fitness level. Their approach is warm and inclusive, making everyone feel at ease, whether they’re new to Pilates or seasoned practitioners. Beyond physical benefits, Pilates Nelson also fosters a strong sense of community.
“We understand that wellness isn’t just about physical fitness but also about mental well-being and connection. Our studio is a place where friendships form, laughter is shared, and clients will find a supportive environment to grow in the practice.”
The couple’s second venture, Beacon PBM Light Therapy, is where Kate and Dave’s vision of holistic wellness truly shines. PBM, or Photobiomodulation, is a therapy that uses red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular energy, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. “This therapy is especially valuable for people managing chronic pain and arthritis, or supporting mental wellbeing, and helpful for recovery from illness or surgery. PBM therapy’s non-invasive, drug-free approach boosts the body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level, making it a powerful complement to the physical benefits of Pilates.”
Together, Kate and Dave have created a space that reflects their own journey – a place where movement, healing, and empowerment come together, proving that thriving at any age is within reach, and encouraging Nelsonians to live with vitality, resilience, and joy.
Pilates Nelson
114A Hardy Street, Nelson
pilatesnelson.co.nz
beaconlight.nz
