The Pilates Lounge

This week, I chatted with David Weinstock, the brilliant mind behind Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT). We dive into the fascinating journey of how NKT came to be, how it's integrated into movement professions like Pilates, and why understanding proper breathing and diaphragm function is so crucial. We also talk in-depth about the role of the psoas muscle in core stability and why it's important to asses...

In this episode, Katie Crane dives into the topic of pelvic floor health for women in menopause and post-menopause. She highlights the importance of recognizing the unique physical changes women experience as they age and how these changes impact pelvic floor health. Katie explains the role of hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen, which can cause pelvic floor atrophy and symptoms...

In this episode, I'm joined by Zoe Anderson, a passionate neurological physiotherapist with a deep-rooted love for Pilates. Zoe's journey began at LaTrobe University, where she developed an immediate passion for neurological physiotherapy, graduating in 2010. She has since gained extensive experience across various clinical settings, combining her expertise in the Bobath concept with her love for...

In this episode, I dive into the vital role of face-to-face mentoring in the Pilates industry. I'm concerned about the potential dilution of our practice and the pressing need for exceptional guidance. Through my visits to various Pilates studios, I've noticed troubling trends like incorrect cueing and a lack of understanding of the finer details in movements. It's crucial to honor the traditions...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom McCook, an internationally recognized Master Pilates Teacher, Franklin Method Educator, and Certified Somatic Coach. Tom is the Founder and Director of Center of Balance, a premier Pilates and Physical Therapy education center in Mountain View, CA, that's been serving the community for over 27 years. Tom is on a mission to improve people's l...

How To Stop Programming and Start Teaching In this episode, I delve into the balance between programming, lesson planning, and the actual teaching of Pilates. Reflecting on my early days as a new instructor, I share some of the mistakes I made due to a lack of guidance and the overwhelming pressure to always create new content. One of the biggest lessons I've learned over time is the importance of...

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Pilates Lounge Podcast! I'm your host, Katie Crane. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael O'Reilly, a physiotherapist who specializes in managing upper quadrant issues. We dive deep into the crucial connections between the neck, shoulder, and trunk when it comes to managing pain and improving posture. Key Discussion Points The Upper Quadrant...

In this episode, I delve into my journey as a Pilates professional, sharing insights on guiding students through their final exams, the energy I see in both graduating and new students, and the importance of understanding the why behind Pilates exercises. I explore the balance between the left and right brain hemispheres and the significance of seeing the bigger picture. Delving into the impact of...

Movement teacher Dinah Siman, Dinah spoke about women's experiences and challenges during menopause, focusing on its impact on their bodies and common misconceptions, highlighting the importance of understanding hormonal changes and providing support during this phase.   We also discuss how Pilates can benefit women during this stage, addressing common injuries and symptoms. Dinah also provides in...

In this episode, Katie Crane candidly shares her journey of navigating life with endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic pain. She delves into the hurdles she encountered, the decisions she made, and the holistic strategies she adopted to nurture her body. Katie underscores the significance of attuning to our bodies, addressing emotional suppression, and implementing lifestyle adjustments to manage pe...

In this episode of the Pilates Lounge podcast, Katie Crane talks with Lisa Jackson, Lisa is a Principal Trainer under the Pilates Alliance Australasia and a Continuing Education Teacher and mentor.  She is also the Faculty teacher for the internationally recognised Buff BonesBadge Registered outline Osteoporosis program for Australia and has been the Brisbane Pilates teacher of Cirque Du Soleil fo...

In this episode of the Pilates Lounge, Katie Crane interviews Madeleine Black, a distinguished movement expert with over 35 years of experience, who delves into the significance of creativity in Pilates instruction. They explore avenues for instructors to expand their knowledge and skills, stressing the value of engaging in physical practice, experimenting with different movement techniques, and s...

In this episode, Katie Crane, Elaine Ewing, and Sean Gallagher, Pilates history buffs, discuss the importance of preserving the history of Pilates and the original equipment used by Joseph Pilates. They emphasise the significance of understanding the history of Pilates to have a deep knowledge of the method and to impart that knowledge to students.  They also discuss the differences between using...

In this episode of the Pilates Lounge, Katie Crane delves into the concept of progression in Pilates, underlining the unique journey each individual embarks on. She stresses the significance of consistency and time, alongside the essence of simplicity and familiarity in teaching. Understanding clients' goals and expectations is key. Katie also sheds light on the repetitive yet evolving nature of t...

In this episode, Katie Crane shares her journey of overcoming chronic pain and how our thoughts shape our experiences. She stresses the significance of being mindful of our surroundings and establishing daily routines that foster conscious experiences to embed in our subconscious. Katie delves into the impact of mindset on healing and the ability to transform our beliefs and behaviors. She also un...

In this episode, Katie Crane delves into the essence of effective communication and cueing in Pilates. Katie Crane underscores the importance of comprehending the brain-body synergy for precise cueing. She elaborates on the homunculus concept, illustrating how the brain processes sensory and motor inputs. Fascial lines play a pivotal role in cueing, with cues from feet to head enhancing movement q...

In this episode, Katie Crane delves into the compelling theme of individuals overcoming adversity. She stresses the significance of understanding people's stories and the motivations propelling their pursuit of success. Katie underscores that those who conquer challenges exhibit unwavering commitment, take full responsibility for their well-being, and radiate confidence. Additionally, she explores...

In this episode of the Pilates Lounge Katie Crane discusses hypermobility and connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). She explains the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions, including lack of proprioception and interoception, chronic pain, fatigue, and anxiety. Katie emphasizes the importance of proper joint alignm...

In this episode of the Pilates Lounge Katie Crane reflects on her conversation with Pilates Elder Mary Bowen and discusses the common challenges faced by Pilates professionals. She addresses imposter syndrome, fear of failure, comparison and competition, lack of confidence, and feedback and criticism. Katie emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, continuous learning, and being true to onesel...

In this episode of the Pilates Lounge, host Katie Crane sits down with international advocate and movement therapist Jeannie Di Bon to discuss Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility. Jeannie shares her journey of receiving an EDS diagnosis later in life after years of unexplained symptoms. She explains what EDS is, the different types, and how it can affect the entire body through the conn...

The Pilates Lounge Episode explores menopause's impact on women's health. Angela Counsel, a naturopath, kinesiologist, and mindset coach, joins Katie Crane for an insightful discussion.    Angela explains menopause as starting the day after 12 months without a period, emphasizing its individuality and transition duration. She discusses hormonal shifts during menopause, focusing on progesterone and...

In this special episode of the Pilates Lounge, host Katie Crane sits down with a remarkable guest, Mary Bowen, a 95-year-old Pilates practitioner and one of the last recognized Pilates elders. Instead of a traditional interview format, Mary requests a casual conversation, leading to an intimate and engaging exchange. Mary shares her journey into Pilates, sparked by a newspaper article in 1959 that...

Myofascial slings work in harmony to create strength and stability during movement which reinforces the concept that we need to train movement patterns as opposed to individual muscles. Discover how understanding the lateral and spiral fascial lines could be the missing piece to feeling strong, aligned, and pain-free in all your activities.   In this episode, Katie Crane reveals little-known secre...

"Now, if you've never heard about fascial slings, or facial movement fascial lines, then this may be super new to you. So stick with me because you are going to understand your body and the body in movement in a way that is probably going to blow your mind." - Katie Crane This episode of the Pilates Lounge Podcast dives deep into the body's fascial lines and their impact on posture and movement. A...

"So this is where I think of the psoas as a core muscle or as part of the core. It's not so much part of the core, you know like I think of the transfer sabs, the pelvic floor, and the rectus abs and obliques. I don't think of it like that, but it's part of this fascial core because remember the psoas is definitely a mover." - Katie Crane    Welcome to The Pilates Lounge, I'm Katie Crane, your gui...