Pilates Elephants

TW: This episode contains content about substance abuse and addiction. We acknowledge that this may be difficult and encourage you to care for your safety and well-being by talking to your healthcare professional if any of the issues in this show have affected you.  This is the inspiring story of how Pilates helped Rebecca Solberg overcome addiction and find connection, meaning and peace. Pil...

Do you struggle with limiting beliefs around selling? Do you feel “icky”? Do you think your product is Pilates? If so, listen to this episode to get your mind right and learn how to sell your sessions more easily, and without any of the baggage. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor...

Seeking unity and advocating for change are often in tension with each other. How do we navigate the Pilates industry of the 21st Century for maximum unity and respect whilst also encouraging evidence-based practice and updated narratives? Resources mentioned in the episode:  Purchase Raph’s book for only USD $4.99 here Book a time to talk with Ralph here Stop Posting Workout Videos carousel&...

If you’ve struggled to maintain your passion and excitement for teaching, and particularly if you’ve struggled with imposter syndrome this episode is for you. We talk candidly about how Natalie: Found her tribe Realized what her product is (it’s not Pilates) Discovered what it means to her to teach well Natalie is a breast cancer survivor and is currently using Pilates to rehabilitate after a doub...

TW: This episode contains content about disordered eating & body dysmorphia. We acknowledge that this may be difficult and encourage you to care for your safety and well-being by talking to your healthcare professional if any of the issues in this show have affected you.  Diet culture has infiltrated Pilates and is evident in many of the usual practices many of us do, like cueing, marketi...

John and Raphael talk through the ups and downs of creating your own thing: How John transitioned from representing the STOTT PILATES brand to representing his own brand The expectation of creating your own business vs the reality of it Work/life balance Imposter syndrome and how to deal with it Finding your tribe The drawbacks of starting your own business The benefits of starting your own busine...

What does it mean to be evidence-based, and how can you transition into using a more evidence-based approach? Adam and Raph discuss: Their own experiences of growing beyond their original certifications How to avoid the chasm of nihilism - that feeling of WTF do I do, if I’m not cueing muscles or alignment? How to let yourself be wrong, or not to know the answers How to give yourself permission to...

We’ve often talked about the influence of dance in Pilates, but the influence of bodybuilding is also important - in fact, it’s so pervasive it’s invisible. Many of the things we take for granted in Pilates in fact are just bodybuilding conventions, not facts of exercise science, and they certainly weren’t part of Joseph Pilates’ original vision. Things like: Isolating muscles Thinking about aesth...

Many people in the Pilates world, and in the movement world, in general, believe you should charge a “fair” price for your services, and that making too much money is a sign you’re doing something morally reprehensible, and that those ill-gotten profits must come at the expense of your poor clients. Quite the reverse is true in Dan’s case and, we argue, in just about all cases. Making lots of prof...

Pilates as performance, or Pilates as practice? Inspirational teacher or aspirational teacher? Are we lesser descendants of our Pilates Ancestors? All this and more. -------------------------------------- About Anula Maiberg: Anula doesn’t believe in sharing a list of her accomplishments. She finds the experience much too self-congratulating. How to Connect with Anula: Find Anula on Instagram here...

Jean Campbell has developed an intriguing business model for her yoga business that is easily applicable for a Pilates business. Jean’s model, which she spent the last 2 decades perfecting, is for people who don’t want to have a studio with employees, and who are entrepreneurial, or more accurately solo-preneurial. This low-cost solo business model will enable you to make VERY good money with almo...

Ivan Lin was the lead author on a 2019 review of high-quality clinical practice guidelines from around the world. In this episode, we unpack just what IS best practice for working with musculoskeletal pain, according to current science? Resources mentioned in the episode: Lin et al. (2019). What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high...

Ashley Brien is 4 weeks into her Pilates certification at the time of recording - she shares her journey, the challenges of studying with two children under 4, the mental hurdles to following your dreams, and the excitement of leaning into something she loves. How to Connect with Ashley Brien: Find Ashley on Instagram Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide:...

Most of us have encountered a client who “has tried everything” for their chronic pain, “but nothing helps.” You know that Pilates can help, but negativity and feelings of despair stand in the client’s way. In this episode, Our guest David Hartmann, a highly experienced family relationship therapist and Cloe’s dad shares tips for helping people change from a mental health perspective.  ------...

Did you learn how to teach like yourself, or like someone else in your Pilates teacher training program? In this episode, guest Kyle Marsh sheds light on the pedagogy of Pilates teacher education. Join us as we challenge authoritarian teaching styles, discover the power of good assessments, and more. How to Connect with Kyle Marsh: Find Kyle on Instagram Find True II Form online  here Find Tr...

Being a solo Pilates instructor is a dream for many of us. But how can you build your business while holding on to self-doubt? Learn how to reframe rejection, sell your classes, and get more clients on this episode of Pilates Elephants with Laura Cruz.  --------------- About Laura Cruz : Laura is a diversely-educated movement trainer and practitioner born and raised in NYC. She utilizes Pilat...

TLDR: Yes, it is. Longer version - there is a bit of nuance so you should listen to the episode! Resources and links to research mentioned in this episode: Cochrane review finding exercise is effective for chronic back pain here Some types of exercise are more effective than others in people with chronic low back pain: a network meta-analysis here Pain centralizing is a positive prognostic indicat...

How can we motivate clients and what should we focus on with different skill levels? Guest Nathan Ross Rees shares how instructors can get their clients to push their limits at every class. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info Mentioned in this episode: Done...

Pilates is for everybody… So where are all the men?! We challenge the Pilates paradigm today and explore how to make Pilates more welcoming to men- and everyone! -------------------------------- About Martin Reid: Martin is a Movement Specialist who has worked as a fitness trainer, worldwide speaker, and fitness model in the big-box and boutique fitness spaces since 2002. Martin earned his first P...

How do you know when it’s time to take action and make a change? How can you confidently leap into the unknown? Raph and Cloe share insights about personal transformation and explore how to embrace change, even when it’s scary. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read my book: Strengthen the Person, Not Just the Body Part here . Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free cou...

Simple doesn’t mean easy, and complicated doesn’t mean effective. In this episode, Heath Lander explains how to simplify your exercise programming to challenge clients and improve your teaching skills at the same time! ------------------------------ About Heath Lander: Heath has been teaching movement for the last 20 years and Pilates for the last 13. He runs White Dog studio with his partner in M...

Neutral spine gets a lot of attention in the Pilates and fitness world, but where does it come from and what does it mean? Listen in to find out what the evidence says about neutral vs flexed spine during load bearing, our ability to assess neutral spine, as well as some practical tips for cueing your clients. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health and eating disorders. If you or someone you know needs help please reach out to a qualified professional. Australia: Butterfly National Helpline, Butterfly.org.au USA: NEDA, NationalEatingDisorders.org This raw yet uplifting chat with instructor Dani Font reminds us that there is always more than meets the eye. Join us as we ex...

Do you try to teach Pilates like someone else because you’re afraid you're not doing it right? Listen in to learn how to let go and facilitate a flow state for both your clients and yourself! -------------------------------- About Sarah Michael: Sarah began teaching Pilates ten years ago and has taught at several studios across Sydney. She is now at Vive Active where she advanced her career to hea...

What do we really mean when we say someone is “body aware”? Raph and Cloe explore the brain activity behind the mind-body connection and explain where we should focus our attention to maximise physical performance. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read Raph's book: Strengthen the Person, Not Just the Body Part here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide:...