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Beyond the Reformer

Beyond the Reformer

Nic Lenny 62 Episodes Oct 12, 2026

Beyond the Reformer is a podcast for Pilates professionals and enthusiasts, hosted by Nic Lenny. Each Monday, it offers thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories to help listeners feel more connected and empowered in their Pilates practice and teaching.

Episodes

Busy Isn't Profitable: How to Fix Your Pilates Studio Operations
Busy Isn't Profitable: How to Fix Your Pilates Studio Operations Oct 12, 2026 2011 "We looked really, really busy and busy isn't the same as profitable."In this solo episode, Nic, founder of Soul Pilates, shares the key lessons from a recent talk she gave on studio operations, and turns it into a mini workshop for Pilates studio owners.She opens up about the moment her accountant told her she'd made no money despite a full studio, and explains why good operat
How to Build a Pilates Studio That’s Actually Worth Something, with Mitch McGinley
How to Build a Pilates Studio That’s Actually Worth Something, with Mitch McGinley Oct 6, 2026 3762 "Good exit strategy is just good business strategy."In this episode, Nic is joined by Mitch McGinley, founder of Boutique Fitness Broker and author of The Number Nobody Talks About. Mitch has spent his career helping boutique fitness and wellness owners buy and sell their studios, closing over 70 transactions worth more than 30 million dollars, and he sold his own yoga studio before foun
When Men Misunderstand Pilates | Tim Gough
When Men Misunderstand Pilates | Tim Gough Sep 28, 2026 3917 "I'm about as alpha male as it gets. I come from 30 years in special forces. It doesn't come much better than that. And I now teach Pilates and I absolutely see the benefits."In this episode, Nic is joined by Tim Gough, co-owner and instructor at Vagabond Pilates in Dorset, and a 30-year veteran of the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service. Tim shares how his wife Millie'
What No One Tells You About Teaching Pilates
What No One Tells You About Teaching Pilates Sep 21, 2026 2399 "The second guessing is you're trying to be like somebody else and you can never be like somebody else. You can only be like you are."In this episode, Nic swaps the usual guest chair for an Agony Aunt session, answering real Pilates dilemmas sent in by listeners.She unpacks what's really behind imposter syndrome, why tactile cueing feels so nerve-wracking for so many teachers,
Why Some Pilates Teachers Always Have Full Classes with Phil M Jones
Why Some Pilates Teachers Always Have Full Classes with Phil M Jones Sep 14, 2026 3893 "You're in the service business, you're not in the teaching business."In this episode, we are joined by Phil M Jones, bestselling author of the Exactly What to Say book series (over 1 million copies sold) and one of the world's most in-demand communication and sales experts, having delivered over 3,500 presentations across 50+ countries.They explore why personality can&apo
The Conversations That Mattered This Year
The Conversations That Mattered This Year Sep 7, 2026 959 "We have so much more in common than we have in differences, despite what Instagram might make you think." - NicThis week's episode is a little different. Instead of one guest, Nic is looking back at 11 conversations from the podcast's first year - not ranked as a "best of," but chosen as the moments that made her stop, think, and question.Across the past year, Beyond
Why Your Pilates Qualification Is Just the Beginning
Why Your Pilates Qualification Is Just the Beginning Aug 31, 2026 3986 "Just because you've got your 600 hour certificate doesn't mean you know it all. This is your beginning. This is just truly your beginning."In this episode, Nic is joined by Anita Horry, a second-generation Pilates master teacher, founder of the Anita Horry Academy, and internationally respected educator and business mentor based in Spain. With over 20 years in the industry, An
Building a Reformer Pilates Studio on Your Own Terms with Kia
Building a Reformer Pilates Studio on Your Own Terms with Kia Aug 24, 2026 3424 "Pilates isn't about that for me, you know? It's about really going deep, connecting these people."In this episode, we are joined by Kia, a classically trained Pilates teacher based in Los Angeles who built her entire studio out of a backyard gazebo during COVID, and has kept it that way ever since. Three reformers, a Cadillac, a tower, a wonder chair, and a waitlist - entirely
Has Pilates Lost it's Identity with Ava Rodriguez
Has Pilates Lost it's Identity with Ava Rodriguez Aug 17, 2026 4009 "Pilates won't lose its identity just because you learn different methods. It loses identity when you haphazardly memorize a set of exercises and think you can just teach this."In this episode, Nic is joined by Ava Rodriguez, a movement specialist, international presenter, and founder of the globally accredited Mobility Fitness Academy (MFA), recorded in person while both were in Lo
Why Great Pilates Isn’t Enough Anymore | Georgia Testa
Why Great Pilates Isn’t Enough Anymore | Georgia Testa Aug 10, 2026 3764 "Until you do that, you're not a brand, you're just a transactional product within their life."In this episode, we are joined by Georgia Testa, founder of Studio 281, a fast-growing Reformer Pilates and functional fitness brand with five locations across Bedford, Milton Keynes, Ampthill, and Olney.They explore what it really takes to build a genuine community in a Pilates studi
How to Build a Pilates Business That Actually Supports Your Life with Caroline Copp
How to Build a Pilates Business That Actually Supports Your Life with Caroline Copp Aug 3, 2026 3950 "They create a business that worked for them ten years ago and they forget to move their business to work for them for the future."In this episode, Nic is joined by Caroline Copp, a Pilates teacher turned business coach for wellness entrepreneurs. Having opened and sold two studios, Caroline now helps wellness professionals build scalable businesses through her Scaling Wellness Accelerat
The Truth About Pilates Cueing Nobody Talks About with Shelly Power
The Truth About Pilates Cueing Nobody Talks About with Shelly Power Jul 27, 2026 5013 "We're not gonna cue muscles to cue a movement."In this episode, Nic is joined by Shelly Power, Director of Curriculum for Polestar Pilates and one of the most respected educators in the industry. Shelly has been teaching Pilates since 1992, has led teacher trainings since 2000, and has examined and mentored Pilates teachers all over the world, including Nic herself.They explore why

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