Pilates Elephants

Do biomechanics predict running injuries? Learn how to move beyond single-factor thinking, the 80/20 of injury prevention, and why simple changes like increasing cadence can reduce risk. Clear, actionable tips for Pilates instructors to help clients run injury-free, or rehab injured runners. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visua...

Flow is a cornerstone of Pilates, but can there be too much of a good thing? Raphael Bender and Heath Lander dive into the balance between seamless transitions and overwhelming choreography. Learn how to harness flow to keep your clients engaged, avoid common pitfalls, and create transformative sessions that leave them saying, “Where did the time go?!” Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbe...

This episode is my Christmas gift to you: a done-for-you promo that will help you attract new clients, increase revenue, and make your current clients feel like the ultimate gift-givers. 🎁 I'm releasing this episode a day earlier than usual to give you an extra day to run the promo. What’s Inside: How to run a $270 gift card promo for just $50, to generate new clients Step-by-step instructions an...

The most versatile, valuable exercises to know (like the back of your hand) to master group reformer programming and teaching. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Mentioned in this episode: Done-for-you client acquisition: This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbark...

In this episode of Pilates Elephants , Raph sits down with Heath Lander to explore a surprising truth: great Pilates teaching is simple—but not easy. They discuss why simplicity is the ultimate challenge for instructors and how it sets the best apart from the rest. You'll learn how to focus on what really matters, avoid over-complicating your teaching, and deliver classes that inspire and transfor...

In this episode of Pilates Elephants , Raphael Bender and Heath Lander break down how to truly progress your Pilates clients for long-term health, happiness, and longevity. They challenge conventional wisdom about progression, spring settings, and perfect form, offering practical insights to elevate your teaching. For more insights, tune in to the full episode on YouTube . Connect with me on Insta...

In this episode of  Pilates Elephants , Raphael Bender and Dr. Kevin Wernli dive into the surprisingly nuanced relationship between movement and pain. They explore why changing movement patterns doesn’t always reduce pain, (and when it can!) the limits of the biomechanical model, and how beliefs and context play a crucial role. Discover actionable insights for Pilates instructors on fostering...

In this episode, we break down four science-backed methods to help your clients feel that post-workout “burn” every time. Learn how to use the principles of the Repeated Bout Effect (RBE) in reverse to keep your classes feeling fresh, challenging, and effective. These tips will help you consistently create that sought-after soreness so clients feel like they’re progressing with each session! What...

Resources mentioned in the episode: Watch this episode on YouTube here Download the slides as a PDF here 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-for-you client acquisition: This podcast uses the following third-party services for...

Resources mentioned in the episode: Charlotte’s IG @aurorapilates  here Corkinetic post on “compensations”  here 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-for-you client acquisition: This podcast uses the following third-...

You’ll have to listen to find out! Resources mentioned in the episode: Systematic review on repetition tempo effects on strength, power and hypertrophy  here 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-for-you client acquisition...

Well yes, but not how you might think! Resources mentioned in the episode: Direction specific recruitment pattern of the rotator cuff in shoulder flexion  here MORE load stimulates the rotator cuff MORE  here Role of muscles is task specific  here Any loaded arm movement strengthens the rotator cuff  here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course...

Resources mentioned in the episode: Emily’s study  here All major high quality clinical guidelines recommend person centered care  here Adding extra pain education did not improve outcomes over usual care  here Patient led goal setting  here  and  here Connect with Emily on Instagram:  @emwalker_exphys and LinkedIn Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbende...

Rehab really is simple. Most people over-complicate it IMO. Here is my framework to rehab any injury. 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-for-you client acquisition: This podcast uses the following third-party services for an...

Resources mentioned in the episode: All major high quality clinical practice guidelines recommend client centered care  here Changes in TrA thickness and timing don’t correlate with reductions in pain after TrA retraining  here Changes in strength & flexibility don’t correlate with reductions in pain after strength or flexibility training  here When a person expects a treatment...

This is my process for making any exercise harder - or easier. 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-for-you client acquisition: This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com...

Step by step instructions to build a $100k Pilates business at home and quit your 9-5. Resources mentioned in the episode: How to get Pilates clients with Google ads How Kerri is making $100k teaching Pilates in her shed How Teneille made $100k teaching in her garage How Sandi is making $100k teaching in her spare bedroom Episode 171 - how to collect compelling testimonials from your clients Conne...

Is axial elongation real? What about rib-hip connection? Here’s my take 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-for-you client acquisition: This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://a...

Resources mentioned in the episode: Higher levels of both pec and triceps in narrow (diamond) compared to wide pushups  here and  here In fact, every muscle is activated more in narrow hands  here Absolute changes in muscle activation in pushups with different hand placement is marginal here People can lift more weight in a regular (wider than shoulder width) grip in bench press com...

If you can’t find good people, or if you have people working for you who are not doing as well as you’d like, this is for you. Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here 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-for-you client...

These 11 mistakes are the work you’re avoiding. On the other side of this work lies the success you crave. Resources mentioned in the episode: Learn about the Studio Owner Mastermind here KPI workshop How to hire & lead Pilates instructors workshop How to have difficult conversations workshop How to onboard Pilates clients workshop How to price your Pilates classes PE ep 195 Connect with me on...

This is our Layered Teaching Framework, that we teach the students in our Pilates certification. It will enable you to cut your programming time to almost nothing, plus confidently teach mixed ability groups on the fly. Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Br...

After analyzing the financials of over a hundred Pilates studios, these are the metrics that set the top performing studios apart. Track them and improve them in your studio, and you will make a LOT of money. Resources mentioned in the episode: Find out about our Studio Owner Mastermind here Connect with Josh on Linkedin here or email him at jrichardson@growthiq.com.au Connect with me on Instagram...

Resources mentioned in the episode: Relationship between running biomechanics and running economy  here Effect of strength training on running economy  here Influence of weekly running distance on running performance  here Are running biomechanics associated with running injuries?  here Influence of strength training on running injuries  here Hip abductor muscle strengthen...

Gemma Downing is a recent graduate of Breathe Education's pilates certification course. She and Natalie have a conversation about how she went from doing pilates classes on YouTube in her bedroom to becoming a pilates instructor and brick and mortar studio owner, and everything in between, including recovering her confidence after being shamed by another pilates professional, the changing lan...