GIFTED BY

Kate Rooney Shares Her Go-To Picks

We sat down with pilates instructor and content creator, Kate Rooney (otherwise known as The Glow Edit), to get the inside scoop on the London pilates scene, her top wellness tips and so much more.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, GIVE US THE 411 ON KATE ROONEY

I’m a London-based pilates instructor, creative director, and content creator. I teach both mat and reformer - working with private clients and leading bespoke sessions for wellness retreats, and brand activations across the city. I’m passionate about building a wellness-first community, creating experiences that bring people together and help them feel strong, calm, and connected. 

For over a decade, I’ve also worked as a creative director and content creator - curating and shooting visual campaigns that help brands look cooler, aesthetic and timelessly chic. My work first took off through viral sharing on Pinterest and Tumblr and I’ve since collaborated with a range of fashion, lifestyle, and wellness brands. 

And of course - your original London girl! Last summer I moved into a park-facing apartment, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. My French Bulldog Luna is also quite the fan of our new morning routine in Hyde Park.

KATE-APPROVED PICKS

WALK US THROUGH AN AVERAGE DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE GLOW EDIT

My day always starts with some calm and nature - a morning walk with Luna. It’s our ritual and so grounding. I’ll grab a coffee from WatchHouse or pop into Selfridges for a Jenki matcha, depending on my mood. Once I’m home, I ease into the day with breakfast, journaling, and setting my focus. I write out my top three priorities and start with deep work whether that’s creative direction for a brand, planning a class, or prepping for a shoot.


Movement is non-negotiable, so I’ll either hit a reformer class, get a session in at Third Space, or do a home workout. Pilates is at the core of my routine not just for physical strength, but for mental clarity too. Then it’s time to jump into emails and client calls. I’ll shoot brand content, send edits for approval, and review upcoming collaborations.


Late mornings and afternoons are often filled with teaching - either private pilates clients or wellness event prep. I love that part of my day where I get to connect with people and bring some good energy into their routine. Evenings are slow and restorative. I’m a homebody at heart, so dinner at home is my default (though I’ve been loving Nina or Mister Nice for a local night out). I wind down with a candle (Diptyque Vanille is on heavy rotation), a book or a scroll, and some digital boundaries… in theory. When you love what you do, it’s hard to fully switch off but I try.

THREE WELLNESS RULES YOU LIVE BY?

Morning light and workout. Move first thing. If you move your body early in the morning it sets you up for the day. Do the hard things earlier in the day and everything else seems a lot easier.

Wearing my Ultra human ring daily and getting a minimum 8 hours sleep. I really need my sleep! Sleeping is when your body enters its best recovery mode. 

Local, non-processed food. Real food is better for your gut. If I can’t read the label or it is heavy on preservatives it’s a no from me.

Overall, my number one tip is don’t overcomplicate your wellness routine, make it easy, make it simple and make it sustainable.

A LONDON GIRL THROUGH AND THROUGH, WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PILATES STUDIO, BEST MATCHA AND CAN’T-GO-WRONG FOODIE SPOT?

My friend Henriette owns the by-referral pilates studio, Sunday Sporting Club. It’s incredibly stunning and their reformer sessions are 10/10. I also train at Third Space for the best all-round group classes, their hot mat classes are my favorite.


For matcha, it has to be Jenki in Selfridges. And for my restaurant go-to, Nina or La Maison Ani are my current favourite spots right now.

Words by Kate Rooney