Afleveringen
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"The technique is less important than the person."
In this episode, we are joined by Alan Herdman - the man widely credited with bringing Pilates to the UK, opening the country's first Pilates studio back in the early 1970s. After training in New York under Bob Fitzgerald, Alan returned to London and has spent the last 55 years shaping how Pilates is taught, practiced, and passed on.
They explore what real teacher training looked like in the early days of Pilates, from months of apprenticeship to learning tactile cueing on real bodies, and why Alan believes the explosion in demand for teachers has made standards "a little suspect."
They unpack the difference between being an instructor and being a teacher, the gaps emerging in fast-tracked training courses, and why Alan still believes you cannot learn to teach Pilates without a body in front of you.
They also go deeper into the evolution of the industry, the rise of group reformer classes, the misunderstood role of flexion in modern training, and the client stories that have kept Alan teaching for over five decades.
Timestamps
00:00 Alan opens the UK's first Pilates studio
03:11 How "Pilates" got its name
09:57 Training as an apprentice in New York
13:35 Bodies first, technique second
24:14 Why Alan built a network outside Pilates
25:27 Is teacher training broken?
27:53 The truth about tactile cueing
36:11 How far is too far for Pilates on social media
40:13 What Joseph Pilates would think of Pilates today
45:16 The flexion problem in modern training
48:16 What it really takes to teach a group class
57:10 Why group reformer classes aren't really teaching
58:56 The client who's been coming for 50 yearsIf you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.
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In this episode, Nic is joined by Yvette McGaffin, co-founder of ReformRx and the driving force behind what is set to become the world's first digitally connected Reformer Pilates machine for the home.
Yvette's story is one of the more remarkable in the Pilates industry right now. A professional dancer turned studio owner, she built and ran her own Reformer Pilates studios in Belfast and Edinburgh before identifying a gap that had been sitting in plain sight for decades: the reformer itself had barely changed in 50 years. What followed was years of prototyping, welding in sheds, searching Herefordshire countryside for the right designer, and eventually building a piece of equipment that's now in luxury hotels, health clubs, and studios across Europe.
They explore what it actually takes to build something from scratch in the Pilates industry - the resilience, the false starts, and the moments that unlocked everything. They get into the real barriers to Reformer Pilates accessibility, from cost and intimidation to the question of who the industry thinks it's for. And they discuss where connected fitness meets Pilates, and why Yvette believes technology should make the friction fall away and leave you with just the movement.
They also go deeper into what the next five to ten years could look like for the industry - and why Yvette believes Reformer Pilates is about to stop being something people add in, and start being the foundation everything else is built on.
Timestamps
00:27 Why the reformer hadn't changed in 50 years
04:29 Yvette's journey into Pilates and professional dance
06:56 Building the Reform Method and opening studios
10:24 Who Reformer Pilates is really for
16:45 The decision to build ReformRx
19:04 Designing the reformer from scratch
23:23 What the smart spine changed
26:43 Should teachers be worried about at-home reformers?
27:49 Why mat Pilates is harder than people think
29:55 How studios are using connected reformers
32:13 ReformRx in hotels and hospitality
40:08 What building ReformRx taught Yvette
44:40 Where to find Yvette and the Ultra One Reformer
If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.
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Yvette’s InstagramYvette’s LinkedInNordicTrack WebsiteReformRX Website
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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"I think we're at that time where we can actually professionalize this industry, and we can have the standards that we want to set, and we can offer people careers."
In this episode, we are joined by Joanne Mathews, founder and CEO of Ten Health & Fitness, one of London's longest-running Dynamic Reformer Pilates brands, now growing into franchising with Tenreformer.
They explore why London's reformer studios have grown 72% in 18 months against just 50% growth in demand, and what that saturation means for studios competing on price instead of differentiation.
They also dig into what it takes to build a Pilates business with longevity: going employed-only with teachers, building an in-house academy, choosing the right locations, the realities of rising costs and shrinking profitability, and Joanne's leadership philosophy after nearly two decades running studios.
Timestamps
01:24 The car crash that led to her "happy accident" into Pilates
03:31 Launching Ten with one borrowed reformer studio
06:08 Finding a business partner and going employed-only from day one
09:06 The case for professionalising the Pilates industry
15:01 Training standards, VAT, and not being a recognised profession
24:21 Scaling from one studio to a London-wide brand
28:30 Choosing locations and franchising with Tenreformer
34:24 Rising costs, big-box gyms, and the race to the bottom on price
41:12 Is owning a Pilates studio still profitable?
44:10 What community really means at Ten
52:17 Building TenAcademy and what makes a great teacher today
1:00:49 Joanne's leadership philosophy: true support
If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.
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Joanne Mathews InstagramTen Health & Fitness InstagramTen Health & Fitness Website
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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"I really worry that we will lose the essence of what Pilates actually is. How much are we going to dilute it?"
In this episode, Nic is joined by Tracy Ward - physiotherapist, Pilates teacher, and author of The Science of Pilates, published by DK. Tracy sits at the unique intersection of clinical practice and Pilates, bringing over 15 years of experience teaching, treating patients, and training new teachers through APPI.
They explore what it really takes to understand anatomy as a Pilates teacher - not to the depth of a medical degree, but in a way that genuinely improves your cueing, your touch, and your ability to help clients feel the work in the right places. Tracy shares why she wrote The Science of Pilates and the gap she kept seeing in teacher training that inspired it.
They get honest about the state of the industry right now - the social media-driven push toward dynamic, athletic content and what that means for the integrity of the practice. Both Nic and Tracy share their concern that the essence of Pilates is being diluted, and why returning to the foundations matters more than ever.
They also dig into the reality of being a new teacher - the confidence challenges, finding your own voice, managing mixed-ability classes, and why the basics taught really well will always outperform a fancy class plan that doesn't land.
Timestamps
01:56 Why anatomy overwhelms Pilates teachers
03:21 Tracy's journey into Pilates and physiotherapy
09:52 How The Science of Pilates came about
12:03 How the book was created and illustrated
17:15 How to bring anatomy to life beyond the textbook
19:59 Finding your voice as a new teacher
27:10 Managing mixed ability classes
29:54 Language, modifications and empowering clients
37:11 Social media and what it's doing to Pilates
42:08 Common misconceptions about the body
43:49 The myth of perfect posture
44:37 Should we be blending Pilates with other modalities?
47:38 Pain, movement and what clients misunderstand
If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.
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Tracy’s InstagramFreshly Centered WebsiteFreshly Centred FacebookScience of Pilates BookPilates Kids CardsJoin the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.
Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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"There is a lot of money-hungry people chasing trends with a lack of moral compass and ethics behind them."
The Pilates industry is growing fast - but not always in the right direction. In this episode, Nic is joined by Katie, founder of Pilates Delivered, an Amsterdam-based at-home and private Pilates service. Katie trained comprehensively with Polestar Pilates and has been teaching for over a decade across private clients, studios, and her own business.
They get straight into the hard conversation: what's actually happening with teaching standards right now, why weekend certifications are producing a generation of teachers who only know the choreography, and why loving Pilates does not make someone qualified to teach it.
They also explore what separates good teachers from great ones - from personality and people skills to the ability to read a body, adapt on the spot, and never stop learning. Katie shares how expanding into sound healing, Reiki, fascia, and nervous system work has made her a more intuitive, holistic teacher - and why Pilates has always been about the whole person.
And on the business side, Katie talks candidly about building a sustainable private practice from scratch in a new city, setting boundaries with clients, pricing at a premium, and designing a career entirely on her own terms.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Katie
00:21 What's really happening in the Pilates industry right now
01:47 Weekend certifications and the choreography problem
06:17 Katie's journey into Pilates and why she chose Polestar
10:13 Building Pilates Delivered: at-home Pilates in Amsterdam
13:47 What clients actually want — and what keeps them coming back
18:55 Expanding beyond Pilates: sound healing, Reiki, and fascia work
23:17 How holistic training makes you a more intuitive teacher
26:57 Pilates and wellness as complementary — not competing
32:35 What actually makes a great Pilates teacher
37:09 Just because you love Pilates doesn't mean you should teach it
39:29 Authenticity, personality, and being exactly who you are
44:04 Building a sustainable career outside the studio model
49:02 Quick-fire questions
50:26 Where to find Katie
If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.
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Pilates Delivered InstagramPilates Delivered WebsiteKatie’s SubstackJoin the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.
Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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"Real change in your body happens from grounded, consistent work. Doing the split and a handstand is entertaining, but that's not what Pilates is about."
In this episode, Nic is joined by Heather Andersen, founder of New York Pilates - one of the most recognisable reformer studio brands in the world, with nine locations across New York City and counting.
Heather built New York Pilates from a basement space in Greenwich Village in 2013, at a time when group reformer classes simply didn't exist. She shares what it actually took to scale to nine studios - from building onboarding systems and maintaining consistency across locations, to the pricing mistakes and people management lessons learned the hard way.
They also get into the state of the industry: why clients are confused about what Pilates even is, what separates genuine contemporary Pilates from the "Pilates adjacent" world, and why the most transformational work looks like nothing on camera.
Timestamps
00:23 How New York Pilates started
01:37 Heather's background in ballet and early Pilates training
07:14 Making the leap from teacher to studio owner
13:14 Building the brand from day one
14:38 Early mistakes and people management
16:03 What a New York Pilates class feels like
18:44 Classical vs. contemporary vs. Pilates adjacent
25:20 Scaling from one studio to nine
29:16 Building systems for consistency
31:34 Teacher onboarding and quality management
37:51 Pricing, ClassPass, and why loyalty beats volume
44:34 Social media and the decision to talk about real Pilates
55:22 Where to find Heather
If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.Connect with Nic:
Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic's InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our NewsletterConnect with Heather
Heather’s InstagramNew York Pilates InstagramNew York Pilates WebsiteNew York Pilates Intro OfferNew York Pilates Reformer CertificationJoin the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.
Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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"I think self-acceptance and self-compassion... it's gonna keep changing and if you hear the loud stuff saying, I can't do that anymore - no." - Amy Havens
In this episode, Nic is joined by Amy Havens, a veteran Pilates educator, mentor, and movement teacher based in Santa Barbara with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Amy has trained across multiple lineages - including Fletcher, BASI, Kathy Grant, and Madeleine Black - and is widely respected as one of the most thoughtful voices in Pilates education today.
They explore what it really takes to become a truly great Pilates teacher - from the qualities that no training manual can teach, like patience and compassion, to the art of learning to see and respond to the bodies in front of you. Amy shares her rich origin story, from discovering Pilates as a dance student in 1989 to becoming injured, finding healing through the work, and eventually committing to teaching as a lifelong calling.
They also dig into the current state of the Pilates industry - the growing divide between fitness Pilates and the more healing-oriented tradition, the case for prerequisites before teacher training, and why mastering the fundamentals will always matter more than creative programming. Amy makes a compelling case for mentorship as the missing piece for so many new teachers, and shares what that relationship can look like when it's done well.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Amy Havens
00:14 What makes a truly great Pilates teacher
02:08 Learning to see and respond to different bodies
04:49 Amy's origin story - discovering Pilates in college
08:10 Observing from the front desk and falling in love with the work
10:42 Getting cold feet before teacher training - and why that was the right call
13:23 Amy's formal training with Madeleine Black at the Physical Mind Institute
15:27 Learning to teach, not just to do
17:34 How injury became the turning point toward teaching
21:38 Why the best teachers are often those whose lives were changed by Pilates
22:40 The case for prerequisites in Pilates teacher training
28:13 What great mentorship actually looks like
31:46 Amy as a forever student - training across multiple lineages
37:06 How studying different styles shaped Amy's teaching
43:29 The state of the Pilates industry - two forks in the road
45:14 Fitness Pilates vs. healing Pilates - is it all Pilates?
47:52 Why studio owners need to do better at describing what they offer
53:00 Don't teach too much too soon - a lesson from Madeleine Black
55:25 Why mastering fundamentals matters more than creative programming
56:44 Quick-fire questions
01:03:28 Where to find Amy
If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.
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Move with Amy WebsiteAmy’s InstagramAmy’s FacebookAmy’s Email Pilates Anytime WebsiteJoin the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.
Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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"I cannot be of service to other people if I cannot be of service to myself."
You left the corporate world for a reason. But somehow you're exhausted, resentful, and wondering why this passion-driven career feels just as relentless as the one you walked away from.
Nic is joined by Audrey O'Connor - former quantity surveyor, Pilates teacher, sound healer, and wellness educator who now works with global brands like Google. Back for her second appearance, Audrey digs into what burnout actually looks like for Pilates teachers - not just tiredness, but resentment, physical symptoms, and the trap of performing busyness as a badge of honour.
They get practical on morning rituals, finances, multiple revenue streams, and valuing your time before resentment does it for you. Audrey also brings in something unexpected: astrology and human design as tools for understanding why you show up the way you do - and why changing your mind is not the same as being flaky.
Whether you're in the thick of burnout or starting to feel the edges of it, there's something here for you.
Timestamps
01:13 What burnout actually is - beyond just being tired
03:50 Busyness as a badge of honour and how to recognise the patterns
07:52 Vision, values, and the Pilates industry comparison trap
09:02 How performance and money are connected to burnout
11:12 Taking care of your body when teaching is your job
13:15 Switching off on holiday (and why content creation doesn't count as rest)
17:05 Rituals, routines and habit stacking
23:37 Finding a ritual practice that fits your life
26:07 Astrology and human design as tools for self-understanding
31:34 Why Pilates teachers are particularly prone to burnout
32:21 Being of service vs. sacrificing yourself
34:15 Burnout, undervaluing, and our complicated relationship with money
56:58 Mindset, self-worth, and why opportunities arrive when you stop chasing them
58:44 If you're overwhelmed right now - start here
If this episode resonated, share it with someone in the industry who needs to hear it. And make sure you're following along so you don't miss what's coming next.
Connect with Nic:
Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic's InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our NewsletterConnect with Audrey:
Audrey's Sound Healing TrainingCore State WebsiteAudrey’s InstagramThe Everyday Hero Manifesto BookJoin the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.
Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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Nic is joined by Clarissa Shepherd, kids Pilates specialist, pre and postnatal educator, Club Pilates master trainer, and author of Sage Does Pilates and Babies & Barre.
Clarissa's story is anything but conventional. From working in TV news and witnessing a live on-air shooting, to packing up her car with $600 and driving to Dallas, to funding her Pilates certification while working night shifts - her path to becoming a Pilates teacher is one of grit, resilience and pure determination.
But what makes Clarissa's work truly unique is who she teaches. While the Pilates industry talks about being "for everyone," Clarissa noticed a glaring gap - children are almost always left out.
She shares why bringing Pilates into families' lives earlier is one of the biggest untapped opportunities in the industry, and how her own experience of an absent mother during childhood became the driving force behind her mission to connect families through movement.The conversation explores how to adapt Pilates for different ages - from babies and toddlers to teenagers and everything in between - and why storytelling, play and affirmations are just as important as the repertoire. Clarissa also shares how she's training other teachers to do this work and working towards licensing her kids Pilates framework so it can reach families around the world.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Clarissa
00:32 Why families are the missing piece in Pilates
02:51 Clarissa's backstory - news, Dallas and $600 to her name
05:43 Discovering Pilates and being inspired by female leadership
09:01 Funding her certification and the sacrifices she made
13:13 Moving to Germany, becoming a mother and finding her path
16:03 How pregnancy sparked her interest in pre and postnatal Pilates
17:30 Teaching children for the first time
17:40 How to adapt Pilates for different ages and stages
20:07 Using affirmations and mentorship with teenagers
22:52 Making Pilates a game for younger children
24:18 Mommy and me classes and incorporating babies into movement
25:41 The creativity and storytelling skills kids Pilates demands
25:41 Training teachers to teach kids Pilates
44:10 Who Clarissa works with - from ballerinas to retirees
45:04 What's next for Clarissa
46:24 Quick-fire questions
48:24 Where to connect with Clarissa
Thanks so much to Clarissa for coming on the podcast and sharing such an honest and inspiring story. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you've been loving it - it helps the show more than you know.
Connect with Nic:
Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic's InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our NewsletterConnect with Clarissa:
Clarissa's InstagramPilates Mamii WebsiteYouTube: Pilates MamiiFacebook: Pilates MamiiClarissa’s Sage Does Pilates BookClarissa’s Babies & Barre Book
Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
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"The body floats on the breath. Without the breath, we don't have a core. We don't have a centre." - Kyria Sabin
In this episode, we are joined by Kyria Sabin, director of Fletcher Pilates International and one of the most respected custodians of a first-generation Pilates lineage in the world. Kyria worked directly with Ron Fletcher - a first-generation teacher who studied with Joseph and Clara Pilates and danced with Martha Graham - and has dedicated her career to preserving and evolving his approach to the method. Her path into Pilates was never planned; she was heading towards law school when a session at the Ron Fletcher Studio changed everything.
Kyria and Nic explore what it truly means to carry a lineage forward, why the "classical vs contemporary" debate misses the point, and what made Ron Fletcher's approach so unique - from his movement-based philosophy to his breath-centred teaching.
They take an honest look at the current state of Pilates education, the dangers of watered-down training, the rise of reformer-only studios, and what it actually takes to establish meaningful standards for the industry. And they go deeper into the spiritual dimension of Pilates - why client transformation so often shows up in relationships and sense of self first, and what Ron Fletcher would likely say if he saw where Pilates is today. (Spoiler: it's one word.)
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Kyria Sabin
00:10 Carrying Ron Fletcher's legacy - responsibility and blessing
04:47 What makes the Fletcher approach unique
08:31 Classical vs contemporary - why the conversation misses the point
12:42 Kyria's journey: from art world to Pilates
15:38 How Kyria trained - the apprenticeship model
17:24 Life in Tucson and accidentally staying for 35 years
18:39 The gift of seeing bodies and learning to teach
21:57 Taking over Fletcher Pilates International
23:13 Building a cohesive studio culture and team
26:35 Creating the Fletcher Pilates teacher training programme
28:39 What goes into a quality Pilates education
32:39 The 12-step framework that underpins the Fletcher programme
34:02 Why Pilates transformation shows up in clients' lives, not just bodies
38:45 What defines a high-quality teacher training programme
43:55 Should reformer teachers still be comprehensively trained?
56:29 What excites Kyria about the future of Pilates
58:21 What concerns her about where the industry is heading
01:00:22 Quick-fire questions
01:02:26 Where to find Kyria
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Beyond the Reformer turns 1!! 🥳
In this special solo anniversary episode, Nic marks one full year of Beyond the Reformer by sharing her honest reflections on everything she has learned over the past year.
She opens up about nearly quitting the podcast, the challenge of doing too much as a studio owner and educator, and how a year of conversations with some of the most respected Pilates professionals in the world has genuinely changed her perspective.
A huge thank you to every single one of you who has supported the podcast over the past year. The community that has been built is more than anything Nic could have imagined, and she cannot wait to continue bringing you these conversations.
Timestamps:
00:00 Reflecting on one year of the podcast
07:08 The reality of doing too much
10:13 Bringing a journalism mindset into podcasting
14:31 Putting yourself out there and asking for opportunities
18:30 Understanding classical vs contemporary Pilates
22:39 Why your personality is your superpower
24:16 Finding your reason for teaching Pilates
26:01 How to choose the right teacher training
30:28 What presence really means in teaching
35:35 Humility and the importance of continuous learning
41:01 Rethinking failure and challenge in classes
45:07 What’s next for the podcast and community
Make sure to subscribe to continue hearing these conversations every week, and send Nic a DM on the Beyond the Reformer Instagram page with your thoughts on this week’s episode.
Connect with Nic:
Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter -
Nic is joined by Juan Nieto, a physical therapist, Polestar educator, founder of the Reformer Flow Collective and co-creator of Runty.
Juan brings a completely different perspective to Pilates, movement, and coaching. Rather than focusing on perfect technique or choosing the “right” exercises, he challenges the idea that there even is a single correct way to move. Instead, he shares why expanding movement options, building awareness, and increasing variability is what truly helps people move better, reduce pain, and build resilience.
The conversation explores how Pilates can act as a foundation for everything else, from running to strength training, and why it should be seen as part of a bigger movement ecosystem rather than a standalone solution.
Juan shares why group classes can be more powerful than privates, how play and task-based learning can transform the way people move, and why teachers need to shift from instructing to creating environments where real learning can happen.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Juan
00:37 Why Pilates should be seen as a starting point, not the end goal
04:58 The challenge of getting runners into Pilates
08:16 Using Pilates as effective cross-training
11:30 Juan’s journey into movement and physical therapy
12:27 Moving away from hands-on treatment to building client independence
14:30 The opportunity for Pilates teachers in modern rehab
20:33 Understanding pain, beliefs, and the nervous system
23:01 Assessing movement through tasks and tendencies
25:45 Why group classes can be more powerful than privates
29:03 Building agency and independence in your clients
31:57 Why Pilates teachers need to stop over-cueing
35:03 Using play and games to improve movement and learning
37:44 The Reformer Flow Collective and creative teaching
45:41 Quick-fire questions
49:31 Where to connect with Juan
Thanks so much to Juan for coming on the podcast. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you’ve been loving it, it helps the show more than you know.
Connect with Nic:
Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our NewsletterConnect with Juan
Juan Nieto InstagramEmail: [email protected] Flow CollectivePolestar Pilates Spain -
In this episode, Nic is joined by Lesley Logan, a classical Pilates teacher, international presenter, fellow podcaster, and founder of Profitable Pilates and Online Pilates Classes.
They explore what it really takes to become a great Pilates teacher, from developing the ability to observe bodies and cue effectively, to navigating imposter syndrome and finding your unique voice in the industry.
They unpack the importance of having boundaries and also the current state of the Pilates industry, including gaps in teacher training, the need for mentorship, and why rushing into teaching too quickly can hold people back long term.
They also go deeper into the business side of Pilates, from pricing and profitability to building a career that actually supports your life.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Lesley Logan
01:32 Boundaries, burnout, and learning to say no
09:59 What’s happening in the Pilates industry right now
13:22 Gaps in teacher training and education
15:25 Learning how to truly see bodies as a teacher
18:49 Lesley’s journey into Pilates
26:09 Helping clients build autonomy in their practice
30:52 Owning your unique method and voice
40:26 Pricing for sustainability and growth
45:37 What accessibility really means in Pilates
50:52 Why mentorship keeps great teachers
54:05 Building multiple revenue streams
57:35 Quick-fire questions
59:15 Where to find Lesley
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Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our NewsletterConnect with Lesley:
Lesley Logan InstagramProfitable Pilates WebsiteOnline Pilates ClassesLesley Logan Podcast -
In this episode, Nic sits down with Andre Santaella, COO of Polestar Pilates and now leading Polestar UK, to explore her journey from discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio to stepping into a global leadership role.
Nic and Andre discuss what truly makes a great Pilates teacher beyond just their qualifications.
They also explore how to choose the right training provider, why mentorship is essential, and the importance of continuous education.
To finish off they chat about how we should be viewing other studios, teachers and trainings as an opportunity to collaborate instead of think of it as competition and and how shifting this mindset can completely change your experience within the Pilates industry.
Timestamps
00:00 Introd to Andre
01:41 Taking on Polestar UK
04:53 Discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio
10:55 The path from studio manager to COO
16:16 What actually makes a great Pilates teacher
20:52 Questions to ask when hiring teachers
26:05 Learning from observing different teaching styles
27:14 Choosing the right Pilates training provider
33:05 The role of continuing education in Pilates
37:34 Why collaboration beats competition
44:02 Differences in the global Pilates industry
50:22 Quick fire questions
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Welcome back to Part 2 of this conversation with Rael Isacowitz, founder of Basi Pilates, where Nic and Rael go deeper into the evolution of the method, the role of equipment, and what it really takes to become a great teacher in today’s industry.
Rael shares the story behind designing Basi equipment and how it was created to reflect both form and function. He breaks down the Basi block system, explaining how structure can actually unlock creativity in teaching rather than limit it.
The conversation also explores what it means to continue learning as a teacher, from Rael’s legacy programme to the importance of staying connected to your own practice.
To finish, they have a powerful discussion around standards in the Pilates industry, the challenges of accreditation, and why crediting others in this work is essential for growth.
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome back to Part 2
01:19 Designing equipment with both form and function in mind
05:59 How the Basi equipment first came to life
09:08 The origins of the Basi block system
13:49 Why structure actually fuels creativity in teaching
15:14 The idea behind marathon mat sessions
19:21 The legacy programme
26:08 The difference between advanced work and performance
28:25 Why Pilates needs stronger standards
30:02 Attempts at accreditation in the industry
35:32 The importance of crediting
40:44 Changing your mind and evolving as a teacher
44:49 Favourite exercises and staying connected to the work
47:21 Why teachers often overdo it in their classes
48:54 Habits that support a long career in Pilates
52:34 Community and relationships in Pilates
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Share this episode with a fellow teacher or studio owner who would benefit from hearing this, and if you haven’t already, we’d really appreciate you leaving a rating or review. It helps more people discover the show and be part of this community.
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There are very few people in the Pilates world who have shaped the industry in the way Rael Isacowitz has.
In part 1 of this conversation, Nic sits down with the founder of Basi Pilates to explore the real foundations of the method, what it means to teach with purpose, and why the future of Pilates depends on more than just choreography.
From building one of the first curriculum-based teacher training programmes in the late 80s to creating a global community of educators, Rael shares the story behind Basi and the approach that continues to guide it today.
This episode goes deep into the art and science of movement, the importance of flow, and how great teaching can create real change in people’s lives.
Rael also shares his perspective on cueing, precision, and what separates a good instructor from a truly impactful teacher.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Rael Isacowitz
01:57 The early vision behind creating a structured Pilates curriculum
04:17 What Pilates looked like in the late 80s
05:05 The very first Basi teacher training group
08:16 How Rael first discovered Pilates and his movement background
14:08 Opening one of the first Pilates studios in California
18:55 The story behind the name Basi Pilates
21:26 How the Basi platform and education evolved over time
25:05 The influence of yoga, dance, and giving credit in the industry
30:07 Creating joyful, athletic Pilates experiences
34:53 Pilates as a tool for positive change in the world
39:02 What the mind body connection really means in practice
42:51 Why cueing is one of the most important teaching skills
If you loved this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss part two coming later this week.
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Are you feeling pressure to make your Pilates classes more creative but not sure where to start?
We’ve seen how much you’ve been loving the solo episodes, so Nic is back today to discuss how to be more creative in your classes without losing structure or purpose.
With so much inspiration coming from social media, it’s easy to feel like you need to constantly reinvent your teaching. But Nic challenges this idea and brings it back to what really matters, which is strong foundations, clear intention, and teaching that actually serves your clients.
She shares how creativity in Pilates is not about adding more complexity, but about understanding movement patterns, building from the fundamentals, and creating a class experience that feels purposeful and connected.
This episode will help you rethink creativity in Pilates and give you simple ways to make your classes feel fresh without losing what makes Pilates so powerful.
Timestamps
00:00 Why creativity in Pilates teaching is such a big topic right now
02:24 Why do you feel the need to be creative?
03:10 The impact of social media on Pilates classes
06:18 Letting your personality shape your teaching style
08:06 Teaching with intention and clear class outcomes
13:06 How to break down complex exercises into simple steps
16:11 Creating flow and storytelling in your classes
17:44 How to layer progressions and regressions for clients
20:09 Simple ways to adapt and evolve Pilates exercises
24:09 Taking clients on a journey over multiple weeks
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Most Pilates studios are sitting on far more revenue potential than they realise.
With the right pricing, membership strategy and business model, a single studio can grow into a multi-million-pound business without needing more space or more classes.
In this episode, Nic sits down with Pilates business expert Lise Kuecker, founder of Studio Grow, to discuss what actually drives profitable Pilates studios.
Lise works with hundreds of boutique fitness studios around the world and shares the real numbers behind successful studios.
From pricing psychology and memberships to team structure and sales metrics, this conversation reveals the systems that help studio owners turn passion into a sustainable and scalable business.
They discuss the most common mistakes studio owners make in their early years, why many studios unknowingly leak profit, and how simple adjustments to pricing or membership structure can dramatically increase revenue.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Lise
01:57 How Lise first got started in Pilates and the fitness industry
04:11 Early mistakes many studio owners make in their first year
09:45 How successful studios protect themselves from competition
11:53 The story behind how Studio Grow was created
12:54 Understanding memberships and how studios actually sell them
18:55 Where studios often lose money without realising
22:29 How labour models and organisational structure impact profit
24:12 The financial metrics every studio owner should track
24:44 Pricing strategies that guide clients towards the right option
27:40 Why memberships work and the psychology behind commitment
29:03 What the most successful Pilates studios do differently
34:22 Global boutique fitness trends and the rise of niche studios
40:03 Quick-fire questions
If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here for a FREE masterclass!
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Too often Pilates teachers feel pressure to diagnose, label or overcomplicate movement.
In reality, the most powerful thing we can do is help people move with confidence.
In this episode, Nic speaks with clinician, Pilates educator and biomechanics specialist Sarah Jane Walls about the role of clinical reasoning in Pilates and why simplicity is often the most effective approach.
SJ shares her journey from competitive runner to Pilates teacher and clinic owner, explaining how Pilates quite literally changed her life after a serious injury in her early twenties.
Since then she has spent nearly three decades studying the body, completing multiple degrees including sports therapy, podiatry and public health, and is currently completing a PhD focused on biomechanics and diagnostic ultrasound.
Together they discuss what Pilates teachers really need to know when working with injuries or in rehabilitation settings.
SJ explains why communication and curiosity matter more than having every answer, how to assess movement by simply getting people moving, and why the feet often hold the key to understanding pain elsewhere in the body.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to SJ
02:33 What clinical reasoning actually means in Pilates
04:08 Trusting the Pilates method when working with complex cases
05:30 SJ’s journey into Pilates
10:26 Why lifelong learning is essential for movement professionals
13:14 Mentors, business skills and building a successful studio
15:50 Helping runners understand why they need Pilates
19:40 Personalising group classes so every client feels seen
27:28 Partnering with clinics and building referral relationships
30:22 The value of shadowing clinicians and building referrals
31:56 The most important skills for Pilates teachers working in rehab
34:18 Assessing clients by getting them moving first
38:57 What Pilates teachers should look for when assessing feet
46:35 Correcting movement patterns from the ground up
50:11 Orthotics, rehabilitation and when they are actually useful
53:22 Quick-fire questions
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Nic sits down with Amy Jordan, founder of Pilates Addiction and creator of the WundaFormer, to explore what it really takes to build a Pilates empire without losing your purpose.
From leaving a career in entertainment marketing to opening her first studio with every penny she had, Amy shares the courage, creativity and conviction behind her journey.
They discuss equipment innovation, studio ownership, scaling through franchising, leadership boundaries, inclusive culture and the mindset required to grow sustainably.
Amy opens up about developing new Pilates apparatus, launching revolutionary home equipment and the lessons she learned about slowing down, building strong foundations and letting go of control.
She also shares her experience of facing cancer during Covid and how movement became part of her healing.
This episode is for Pilates teachers, studio owners, movement educators and entrepreneurs who want to innovate, scale and lead with integrity while staying connected to the true roots of the method.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Amy Jordan
02:02 Leaving marketing and opening the first studio
07:05 Taking the leap and investing everything into her business
11:05 Expanding beyond the reformer
14:02 Sketching and inventing the WundaFormer
19:14 Opening multiple studios and building strong teams
29:22 Balancing athletic flow with classical principles
31:03 Reinventing props for better alignment at home
35:17 Building online reach and global impact
39:16 Designing a revolutionary home Pilates machine
43:01 Franchising Pilates Addiction and scaling with integrity
48:56 Leadership boundaries and empowering teams
50:52 Reflecting on what she has created
54:16 Quick fire questions
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