Pilates Elephants
We get to grips with new research, teaching strategies, and social issues around Pilates and Pilates teaching. This is 100% authentic, unscripted, real talk about everything Pilates.
Episodes
363. How to keep your clients safe in Pilates according to science
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 littl
362. Live lecture: What Actually Causes Neck Pain (It's Not Your Posture)
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
361. How important is exercise form for results?
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
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
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 repeatedlyLa
358. Is your studio a Food Hall or a Restaurant?
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, w
357. Live Lecture: Foundations of Rehab
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?
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 no
355. Great instructors DO fill classes - here's why
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
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: AdB
353. Don't confuse giving information with teaching
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 we
352. Adam McAtee - We Don't Get to Redefine Physics
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
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:
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
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
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
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.co
346. Why Dallas sold half her studio - then bought it back
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
345. Where Should I Be Feeling This?
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 an
344. Text Neck Isn’t Causing Your Neck Pain
Studies mentioned in this episode:2025 longitudinal study finds text neck is not associated with future neck pain here2023 systematic review of interventions for neck pain finds strengthening works here2017 Chen et al. systematic review finds neck strengthening is the most effective intervention for workplace neck pain - more effective than posture or ergonomic advice hereMentioned in this episode
343. Why Your Clients Don’t Show Up (Even When They Want To)
Your clients don’t skip Pilates because they don’t care.They skip because the system asks them to do work they don’t have the capacity for.In this short episode, Raphael shares:Why flexibility often reduces attendanceThe paradox of overwhelm: needing structure but lacking the bandwidth to create itHow studios unintentionally design for no-shows and drop-offA simple shift from “choice” to “default”
342. 3 Pilates exercises walk into a bar...
What do flamingo, arms in straps and knee pulls have in common?They look different. They feel different.They’re secretly doing the exact same thing.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
341. There's a grape under your back
A Pilates cue goes off the rails and exposes everything we get wrong about “perfect form.” Expect heresy, biomechanics, and a very small grape that ruins neutral forever.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
340. What's the minimum effective dose of Pilates for strengthening?
How much Pilates do you need to do to get stronger?Probably less than you think!Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
339. Is Pilates Education Increasing Our Risk Of Injury?
Resources:Strength training reduces injury risk substantially here and here and hereResistance training itself is a very safe activity here and hereFoot pronation increases risk of shin splints here, but has no effect on overall injury risk here and there is minimal evidence that any biomechanical variable predicts running injuries hereKnee valgus does not predict future ACL injury hereMentioned i
338. The 3 Skills That Differentiate Average Pilates Instructors From Superstars
What to look for when coaching your team - or critiquing your own classes.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
337. What are lunges for?
The humble lunge - there's a LOT more there than meets the eye. We go there - biomechanics, cueing, how to layer it and why most instructors don't get the full value from it.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
336. How Build A Studio That Attracts VIP Clients with Patricia Robinson
In this episode Patricia Robinson from Pilates Vita, London, breaks down how she built a boutique, premium-priced Pilates studio serving VIP clients in Kensington.Find Patricia here:https://www.pilatesvita.com/Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
335. How Ana is making €100k+ teaching Pilates in a Tiny Dutch Town
The story of how Ana Maria Borrero went from from €17/hr employee to nearly €10k/month in revenue with 6 reformers, 20 classes, and a waitlist in a small Dutch town.Find Ana here:https://movewithana.nl/ https://www.instagram.com/movewithanapilates/Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker
334. Leaving Classpass with Sari Sadhati
Many studio owners have a love/hate relationship with Classpass - Sari and I have an honest conversation about the pros and cons, and why (and how) her studios are leaving Classpass.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
333. What To Cue (It's Not What You Think)
There IS a right thing to cue in each exercise in Pilates. Here's how to know what it is.Bonus - There is no consistent pattern of muscle activation in the prone hip extension test. Except that gluteus maximus is consistently the last muscle to activate - hereMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - http
332. You're using layers wrong, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
Many instructors use layers, but most miss the most powerful part of this amazing programming tool.Mentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
331. 100 First Visits/Month With $0 Ads - Cassie & Henry from Sunny Space studio
Cassie and Henry from Sunny Space Studio share how they grew their reformer studio in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, to $65k a month within a year - without spending a dollar on ads. They break down how they attract over 100 first visits per month through exceptional client experience, brand consistency, and word of mouth. Plus how they train loyal clients into instructors, create SOPs that sc
330. How this husband & wife team built 2 thriving studios in 1 year - Laura & Sam from Form & Flow UK
Laura and Sam from Form & Flow Pilates share how they grew from one to two thriving studios in a year. They reveal the systems, standards, and teamwork that made it possible—and how they balance marriage, business, and growth without burnout.Find Laura and Sam's studios here: https://formandflow.co.uk/ Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates Certifi
329. Boundaries protect culture - with Alison Ward of Pilates Process Vancouver
Pilates Process Vancouver co-owner Alison Ward shares how clear boundaries protect studio culture, staff morale, and client respect. We dive into setting policies, holding firm under pressure, and why saying no can actually grow your business.Find Pilates Process Vancouver here: https://www.pilatesprocessvancouver.ca/ Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pil
328. Why You Shouldn't Offer Mat, Yoga or Barre In Your Studio
Most studio owners think offering more types of movement classes will attract more clients.In this episode, I explain why those formats actually hurt your studio by lowering margins, confusing your brand, and competing with cheap alternatives.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationStudio MastermindTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this
327. What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Pilates Studio, with Laura Saggers and Raphael Bender
Laura Saggers joins me to share the real story behind expanding from one to two Pilates studios. We cover the unexpected challenges of growth, what worked at one location but not the other, and how she navigated ClassPass, staffing, and competition. If you’re considering opening a second studio, this conversation will show you what no one tells you before you take the leap.Find Laura here:https://
326. How a 23-Year-Old Built a Waitlisted Pilates Studio in Just 1 Year, with Chelsea McBride and Raphael Bender
At just 23, Chelsea McBride turned personal struggles into purpose and built a Pilates studio that filled up so fast she had to close the books.In this episode, you’ll hear how Chelsea:Grew from teaching private sessions at home to running 50 weekly reformer classes with 11 beds.Built a team of sixCreated so much demand she now has a waitlist for new clientsAll in a town of only 15,000 peopleConne
325. How to build a loyal community, with Sara Leach and Raphael Bender
Sara Leach, owner of Downtown Pilates in Mississippi, shares how she built a thriving reformer studio serving mostly 50+ clients, scaled to six teachers, and runs 40+ classes a week. We dive into how she built an incredibly tight and loyal community, plus key challenges she faces in her business.Connect with Sara and Downtown Pilates StudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dpstudios042Instagram:
324. The Biggest Hiring Mistake Studio Owners Make - And How To Fix It
We discuss:How to tell if you've made this hiring mistake (you almost certainly have)How to properly filter potential hiresPractical steps to get your existing team delivering a consistent high quality experienceThe exact hiring process we used to set up our studio for growth and retentionMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services
323. Why the best instructors encourage messy form, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
Heath and Raphael challenge the myth that flawless form makes for safe, effective Pilates. They discuss why, and when, form should “fall apart” in strength and balance work, how load, not alignment, predicts injury, and why real progress comes from reps at the edge of fatigue and wobble.Bootsy's Basic Funk Formula: https://youtu.be/IHE6hZU72A4?si=1MMYdLpKd6UVjoo1 Connect with me Raph on Instagram:
322. From Zero to $23K/mo in 34 Days: Jennifer Tan’s Pilates Studio Launch in the Philippines
Jennifer Tan opened Bacolod’s first reformer Pilates boutique, Madila Pilates, and hit $23K revenue with 87% margins in her first month. She shares her journey from student success team member to thriving studio owner, why she expanded just weeks after launch, and the strategies fueling her rapid growth.Resources mentioned in the episode: Find Madila Pilates online here and on Instagram hereConnec
321. When did Pilates become so obsessed with specific cues? With Raphael Bender
Pilates is all about cueing specific muscles, neutral spine and avoiding locking your joints, right?Often - yes. But it wasn't always that way. In fact all those things have flipped 180 degrees over the years since Joseph Pilates' day.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationStudio MastermindTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this episode:
320. The 5 stages of Pilates studio business, with Raphael Bender
These are the 5 predictable stages every Pilates studio owner goes through — from dreamer to thriving CEO. Exactly what breaks, plus what to do to grow at each stage.Stage 0 – WantrepreneurStuck in planning mode. No revenue.Fix: Stop thinking, start doing. Follow Ep 273 for exact steps.Stage 1 – Solopreneur ($1k–$10k/mo)Teaching, cleaning, selling — overwhelmed.Fix: Raise prices, set client bounda
319. How to make your Pilates studio stand out in a sea of competitors, with Raphael Bender
This is for Pilates studio owners who are feeling pressure from an explosion of new studios offering the latest fads and undercutting prices. This is a step-by-step practical, battle-tested strategy to stand out without racing to the bottom or chasing trends.Here's the study I mention - 65% of people think they're above average intelligence: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/jou
318. The Myth of Hands-on, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
Why we changed our minds on hands-on cueing in Pilates.Resources mentioned in the episode: Listen to Ep. 160. 'Can we even feel muscles activating' hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollectiveDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationStudio MastermindTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisiti
317. New Prenatal Guidelines with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender
ACSM's new pre and postnatal exercise guidelines just came out, and there are several substantial changes. We talk through them, the evidence behind each one, and what they mean for Pilates instructors.Links:Narrative review of exercise dose during pregnancy hereExercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes hereSystematic review of supine exercise during pregnancy hereSystematic review
316. Why Simplicity Wins in the Studio, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
Raph and Heath share their journey from rigid STOTT Pilates rules to a science-backed, minimalist approach to teaching. Discover why doing less—fewer cues, less correction, and simpler programming—gets clients better results, more flow, and deeper engagement. Connect with me Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollectiveDownload a free course guide:Pila
315. Can Pilates Make You Stronger? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
In this episode, Raphael and Heath challenge the myth that Pilates doesn’t build strength. They break down the science of strength adaptations, clarify what “strength” really means, and explain how Pilates can be a legitimate strength training method—when done right.Key Topics:What counts as “strength” and how it’s measuredWhy effort (not burn or soreness) drives adaptationHow load, reps, and prox
314. From Zero to $30k/Month in 5 Months – Brian’s Story, with Brian Darsie and Raphael Bender
Five months ago, Brian Darsie opened the doors to his Pilates studio. He had never taught a group Pilates class outside his certification course. Since then, he’s taken a two-week holiday, and last month, he hit $30k revenue and $16k profit—all without working insane hours.In this episode, Brian shares the mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and simple systems that helped him grow fast without bur
313. ‘True Strength Comes From Control’ — Really? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
You’ve heard it a thousand times: strength comes from control. But what if that’s only half true? In this episode, we challenge the dogma, unpack the nuance, and explore where real strength actually comes from—in Pilates and beyond.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollectiveDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationTeaching Mastery
312. Change Is Good – If You Do It Right, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
Natalie shares how she navigated fear, self-doubt, and career pivots—and what made the difference. If you’re thinking about change, this is how to do it right. And some pitfalls to avoid!Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilatesDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this episode:Done-for-
311. Do it scared, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
In this episode, Raphael talks with Natalie—a Pilates instructor who faced her fears, took imperfect action, and built a new life teaching Pilates.They explore:Why waiting to feel “ready” holds so many people back.How Natalie pushed through fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome.What it really looks like to take the leap while still feeling scared.The power of trusting the process, even when it’s
310. Strengthening: Simpler (but not easier) than you think, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender
In this episode, Raphael and Nicole cut through the noise around strength training—and explain why it’s way simpler than most Pilates instructors think.They break down:Why you don’t need to chase “the burn,” perfect form, or sore muscles.What actually creates strength gains (hint: it’s not magic or mystery).The 5 key adaptations that happen when you get stronger.How to know if you’re lifting enou
309. Why Some Instructors Light Up The Room - and How You Can Too, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
Charisma isn’t magic—it’s a skill you can practice. In this episode, we break down the four elements of charisma—technical expertise, body language, vocal tone, and emotional intelligence—and how each one helps you connect, lead, and inspire. Whether you’re naturally introverted or born with “resting Zen face,” this episode will teach you to be magnetic.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbe
308. What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do, with Natalie Wilson & Raphael Bender
Not sure what to do when a client shares a diagnosis with you at the start of class? Here’s the simple framework to stay calm, take action, and lead like a pro.Summary:Raphael and Natalie break down simple, actionable strategies for Pilates instructors when faced with unknown client conditions moments before class. Learn how to stay calm, ask the right questions, simplify your programming, and emp
307. Why Pilates Should Look Ugly Sometimes, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
Heath and Raph unpack why good form isn’t always desirable.They break down the difference between skill and strength training, explain when “ugly” movement signals progress, and share how to program smarter by revisiting exercises with different loads. A must-listen for Pilates instructors who want results.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Heathon Instagram: @contrologyc
306. The Jibber-Jabber Episode - Why Your Cues Aren't Landing, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
Still saying “engage your core” or “axial elongation”? In this episode, Raphael and Natalie break down why so many Pilates cues are confusing, ineffective—or just made up. Learn what makes a cue actually work and how to stop sounding like a Pilates thesaurus.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilatesDownload a free course guide:Pilates
305. Tonight We're Gonna Teach Reformer Like It's 1996, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
Most of us were trained to teach using outdated methods designed for boutique studios in the ‘90s. But tonight it's 2025 and Pilates is different now.In this episode, we unpack why group teaching feels so hard — and why it’s not your fault. You don’t need more confidence. You need the right tools.Whether you’re teaching 6 or 16, this convo with Heath Lander will show you how to teach large groups
304. Reformer Faceplant! Who’s to Blame, and What to Do Instead, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
A client fell off a reformer—and Instagram exploded. Raph and Natalie unpack what really causes falls, why blame isn’t helpful, and how instructors can prevent injuries without turning class into a snoozefest. Expect practical teaching tips, clear cueing advice, and no-punches-pulled commentary.See the IG post that sparked this episode here: https://www.instagram.com/share/__WA9aFjkConnect with me
303. The Science of Results: How to Design Sessions That Actually Work, with Raphael Bender
This episode is Part 2 of a live lecture I gave for our Diploma students at Breathe Education — and it picks up where last week’s episode left off.If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and do that first. It covers all the foundational concepts about what strength actually is, and how it works in the body. This episode builds on those ideas and will make way more sense once you’ve got that
302. Everything you know about strengthening is probably wrong, with Raphael Bender
This episode is a recording of a live lecture I gave on the Physiology of Strength Training for our Diploma students at Breathe Education.If you want it to actually make sense — and go deep — I highly recommend downloading the PDF lecture notes and following along while you listen.Download the notes here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/Diploma%202024%20Physiology%20of%20strength%20
301. Why Isolation Exercises Are A Waste Of Time, with Raphael Bender
I think there are 2 incorrect assumptions that lead people to the mistaken idea that isolation exercises are useful - they're not.I break down those beliefs, make the case for using simple compound movements, and share the top 6 movements I use with clients (and myself).Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Done
300. What is the Scope of Practice of a Pilates Instructor? With Raphael Bender
I think we go about this all wrong in Pilates. In this episode, I share my (non-legally binding) thoughts.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
299. How to 5x Profit In Your Studio In 90 Days, with Raphael Bender
These are the strategies I used in my own studio, and that I use with my coaching clients to increase profits quickly.Enjoy.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
298. Hypermobility & Scoliosis: What Science Actually Says, with Raphael Bender
In this episode, we break down the key research on hypermobility and scoliosis, cutting through myths and weak evidence. Learn how hypermobility affects pain sensitivity, the real relationship between scoliosis and back pain, and why most exercise studies for scoliosis are low-quality. If you’re a movement professional or just curious about the science, this episode is for you.What we'll cover: Wh
297. The Biggest Back Pain Myth, with Raphael Bender
Probably everything you were taught in your certification about back pain is wrong. Lifting heavy doesn’t wreck your spine. “Bad posture” isn’t the cause. Avoiding movement? That’s likely making things worse.In this episode, we break down the myth that spinal load and “incorrect movement” cause low back pain. We’ll cover:Why research shows no strong link between lifting and chronic back pain.The b
296. Why Can't I Find Good Staff For My Pilates Studio? With Raphael Bender
This is what we've learned over a decade and a half of building a successful business with amazing people - how to attract the exact right people - the answer might surprise you!Read about Breathe Education Culture here: https://breathe-education.com/culture/ Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyMentioned in this episod
295. Stop focussing on minutae, with Raphael Bender
In this episode, I share my thoughts on why we should spend less time on fine details, and more time on working our clients through range, under load, with control.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analy
294. The case for loaded spinal flexion, with Raphael Bender
Why are we still hanging on to the idea of neutral spine in the Pilates world? It's not even part of Pilates, and it's certainly not science-based. Plus, it's just plain illogical.Resources mentioned in the episode: You can bias lower abs from upper abs by doing posterior pelvic tilt vs ab curl herePeople with LBP lift with LESS flexion in their lumbar spine hereThere was low-quality evi
293. Building an Online Pilates Business: From Pain to Purpose, with Bernadett Gazsi and Raphael Bender
In this episode, Raphael Bender chats with Bernadett Gazsi, a Dallas-based Pilates instructor who transitioned her business online to help moms overcome back pain. Bernadett shares: • How her clinical Pilates education ignited her purpose. • Strategies for building a remote business while moving across continents. • Insights into high-touch client care, group sessions, and fostering progress. • Le
292. Is strict form necessary for results? With Raphael Bender
I talk through a recent study looking at whether strict form gives better results from exercise.Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in the episode hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services f
291. Is reciprocal inhibition a thing? With Raphael Bender
Can you reduce activation of one muscle, by increasing activation of another? Find out in this episode.Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in this episode here. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party
290. Get Out Of Overwhelm - 3 Simple Metrics To Fix Your Pilates Studio, with Raphael Bender
You can watch this episode on YouTube hereFree workshop on how to track these KPIs plus a free Google Sheet hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy
289. Do Biomechanics Matter For Running Injury Prevention? with Raphael Bender
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_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized
288. Is Too Much Flow Hurting Your Classes? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
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_raphaelbend
287. My Christmas Gift To You - A Proven Promo To Boost Your Studio Revenue
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 clientsStep-by-step instructions and a t
286. All-time top 5 group reformer exercises, with Raphael Bender
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_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyMentioned in this episode:Done-for-you client acquisition:This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/p
285. Simple, Not Easy: What Separates Great Pilates Teachers, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
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 transform
284. How to REALLY progress your Pilates clients, with Raphael Bender
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 Instagram
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