Pilates Elephants

364. ITB: Why you might not want it loose 05.07.2026 27m

Almost all of us foam-roll the ITB and tell clients it's tight.Here's a richer picture, built from the anatomy: the ITB is a thickening of the fascia that wraps your whole thigh, it behaves as both tendon and ligament, it helps stabilise and lock your knee, and it backs up your ACL, contributing an estimated 13 to 40 percent of the resistance to your shin sliding forward.Which raises a question about trying to make it "release".PDF slides to accompany this episode here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/IT%20band%20lecture%20slides.pdfMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

363. How to keep your clients safe in Pilates according to science 21.06.2026 27m

Here's how we know humans are antifragile:Yoga is pretty dang safe hereBut if you REALLY want a safe sport, take up breakdancing here (no, seriously!)Or Crossfit hereKnees going in during a squat or lunge doesn't predict injury herePlus here are my TWO episodes looking at this topic here and hereBut what DOES predict injury:Having weak hamstrings hereHaving a weak barbell squat hereDoing too little for too long, followed by too much too soon here and hereAnd what protects against injury:Strength training is the best injury prevention here and hereHigh consistent workloads protect against injury hereMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

362. Live lecture: What Actually Causes Neck Pain (It's Not Your Posture) 14.06.2026 1h 56m

This is a live lecture I gave for the Diploma of Clinical Pilates.You can download the PDF lecture notes here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/Diploma%202024%20Neck%20pathology.pdfYou can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/igS35wdGQU8Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

361. How important is exercise form for results? 24.05.2026 14m

Research paper cited in this episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11970409/ Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

360. Nathan Ross Rees interviews Raph 17.05.2026 1h 26m

This is my conversation with Nathan on his podcast, which you'll probably love if you like Pilates Elephants.Nathan's podcast is her: https://open.spotify.com/show/24md12qTQmTIYULyzGXmzT Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

359. How to Train Great Pilates Instructors Fast 26.04.2026 30m

Train instructors faster by focusing on “good enough to start”, not perfection.Most studio owners overwhelm new instructors by trying to teach everything upfront. This slows learning and reduces confidence.Instead:Define the minimum skill set needed to teach one class competentlyGive instructors a clear, repeatable “recipe” (exact class plan)Have them practice and teach the same class repeatedlyLayer in new skills only after masteryKey ideas:Prioritize depth over breadthUse real teaching reps + feedback as the main learning driverStandardize your class before trying to scale your teamResult: faster ramp, better classes, more consistent client experienceMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

358. Is your studio a Food Hall or a Restaurant? 19.04.2026 45m

Studio owners often think they need a new trend, new machine, or new offer to stand out.In this episode, Raphael and Heath argue the opposite.They explain why the studios that win are not the ones chasing novelty. They are the ones with a clear style, a consistent client experience, and a team that delivers the same standard every time.They also unpack the difference between running a food hall, where every instructor does their own thing under one roof. And running a restaurant, where the whole team delivers one clear product, as a team.If your studio feels inconsistent, vulnerable to staff turnover, or harder to grow than it should, this episode is for you.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

357. Live Lecture: Foundations of Rehab 12.04.2026 1h 41m

This lecture was delivered live for our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.You'll also find it as a video on YouTube if you want to see the visuals. Here's the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/UATwStlLVWIMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

356. Are contraindications actually real? 06.04.2026 29m

Short answer - mostly not. But in a few cases, yes.I delve into a better way to think about contrainidications, and working with people with pain, injury and chronic conditions.Links:Brinjikji et al. 2015a - disc bulge is highly prevalent in pain-free people hereBrinjikji et al. 2015b - disc bulge is slightly MORE prevalent in people with back pain herePainful exercises are slightly BETTER than non-painful exercises for people with chronic pain hereMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

355. Great instructors DO fill classes - here's why 29.03.2026 11m

Why I don't believe there is a better definition of a good instructor than a full class of strong clients.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

354. What to do if your classes are not full 22.03.2026 20m

This is for instructors AND studio owners.It's the exact troubleshooting process I use to help studio owners fill their classes - based on the best practices of 100+ studios I've seen the numbers for, and what's working right now for the 30+ studios I currently work with.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

353. Don't confuse giving information with teaching 15.03.2026 33m

Many Pilates instructors make the same mistake when introducing an exercise: they give too much information. Instead of helping clients move, long explanations overwhelm them and nothing sticks. In this episode, we explore the difference between explaining and teaching, and why fewer, simpler cues often lead to better movement and faster learning. If you want clients to actually do the exercise well, this mindset shift is essential.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

352. Adam McAtee - We Don't Get to Redefine Physics 08.03.2026 46m

While we can adapt Pilates to the laws of physiology, we cannot change the definition of technical words like "strength" just to fit a specific teaching style or Pilates philosophy.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

351. Nathan Ross Rees - Total Instructor Accountability 01.03.2026 50m

Nathan makes the case that instructors should take 100% responsibility for filling our classes.If our attendance is low,we should see that as a personal indicator that something in the experience or connection is missing.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

350. The Law of the Spring: 22.02.2026 24m

A common mistake is assuming that two Pilates exercises are the same just because they look identical.However, the actual "exercise" depends on where the load and force are being applied.Nerd out with us.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

349. Great Instructors Fill Classes 15.02.2026 39m

Studios hire Pilates instructors to fill classes with happy clients.If your instructors' classes are not full, by definition are not good at their job - yet.As a studio owner, it's your job to help them become good!Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

348. Progressing Strength, Flexibility & Skill In Pilates 08.02.2026 29m

Every Pilates exercise trains strength, range of motion, and skill. We explore how to progress your clients intelligently by adjusting one dimension at a time to build capacity, clarity, and confidence in movement.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

347. Why “Quiet the Big Muscles” Is Wrong 01.02.2026 46m

Special shout out to Adam McAtee for this postCitations in these episodes:ep 278 Does Pilates strengthen your little muscles?ep 216 Why knowing which muscles are working in a movement is a waste of timeep 160 Can we even feel muscles activating?Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

346. Why Dallas sold half her studio - then bought it back 25.01.2026 1h 2m

Dallas Noerdlinger (Core Pilates, Oklahoma City) shares why she sold 50% of her studio during pregnancy, what changed in the business and culture, and how she bought it back.We talk boutique vs franchise positioning, keeping instructors happy, managing owner overwhelm, and the “unlimited membership” + waitlist problem—plus practical fixes for capacity, pricing, and schedule structure.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

345. Where Should I Be Feeling This? 18.01.2026 39m

The most useful kind of body awareness is mostly unconscious and automatic control, like a cat. This is built through practice, not narration.Links:Glute activation drills increase perception but not actual glute activation hereEpisode 160 "Can we even feel muscles activating?" hereMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy