Beyond the Reformer

Nic Lenny

Welcome to Beyond the Reformer, the podcast where Pilates professionals and enthusiasts come together for thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories. Join Nic every Monday morning to feel more connected, inspired, and empowered in your Pilates practice, teaching, and beyond…

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20 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes20

Newest first

Monday · 1 hr 23 min
The Truth About Pilates Cueing Nobody Talks About with Shelly Power
"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 great teaching has no finish line, and why the best Pilates instructors stay curious long after they're certified. Shelly breaks down why cueing individual muscles ("tighten your core," "shoulders down") often works against the body instead of for it, and shares the story of a professional ballet soloist whose chronic knee pain disappeared the moment her cueing changed. They also get into the current state of the Pilates industry: the "trickle down" effect that turns founders' teaching into rigid dogma a few generations later, the pressure of the online "Pilates police," and why rushing to defend a method matters far less than actually helping the person in front of you. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Shelly Power 04:17 The "trickle down theory" of Pilates dogma 13:31 Teaching without shame: the "climb a tree" story 17:05 Nic's exam story and what it means to be an empowering teacher 29:57 Belief over anatomy: the ballet soloist's knee pain 48:55 Why we need to stop cueing muscles to cue a movement 1:17:56 Curiosity, beginner's mind, and Shelly's closing advice If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Shelly: Shelly’s Instagram Shelly’s LinkTree Polestar Pilates Website Interested in joining the September Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
July 20 · 42 min
Harder Isn’t Always Better: The Smarter Way to Build Strength
"I've been lied to my whole life. This just feels relaxing, and yet my body is starting to change." In this episode, Nic flies solo to unpack a question she gets asked constantly on her teacher trainings: why isn't harder always better? She explores what conditioned so many of us, especially in the fitness world, to believe that pushing more, harder, and faster is always the goal, and shares her own burnout story from the corporate world that led her to Pilates in the first place. Nic unpacks the difference between a Pilates instructor and a Pilates teacher, why the classical repertoire is built on mastering the fundamentals with ease before adding intensity, and why some of the most common cueing in Pilates today (think "engage your core," "zip up and hollow") doesn't actually hold up to what we now know about the body. She also reflects on lessons picked up across a year of guests on the podcast, and makes the case for why efficiency, not effort, is the real skill Pilates teaches - both on the mat and in life. Timestamps 00:06 Intro: why harder isn't always better 08:44 Nic's own burnout story and how Pilates changed her life 12:45 Getting "practiced" at being busy, and the cost of always pushing 17:32 Pilates instructor vs. Pilates teacher 27:04 Adrenaline, burnout, and "I came for my bad back and stayed for my mental health" 33:31 Why we shouldn't be cueing "engage your core" (and the "zip up and hollow" story) 40:24 Why the end of class matters as much as the start, and closing thoughts If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Interested in joining the September Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
July 13 · 1 hr 2 min
How to Cue Pilates Like a Pro with Alan Herdman
"The technique is less important than the person." In this episode, we are joined by Alan Herdman - the man widely credited with bringing Pilates to the UK, opening the country's first Pilates studio back in the early 1970s. After training in New York under Bob Fitzgerald, Alan returned to London and has spent the last 55 years shaping how Pilates is taught, practiced, and passed on. They explore what real teacher training looked like in the early days of Pilates, from months of apprenticeship to learning tactile cueing on real bodies, and why Alan believes the explosion in demand for teachers has made standards "a little suspect." They unpack the difference between being an instructor and being a teacher, the gaps emerging in fast-tracked training courses, and why Alan still believes you cannot learn to teach Pilates without a body in front of you. They also go deeper into the evolution of the industry, the rise of group reformer classes, the misunderstood role of flexion in modern training, and the client stories that have kept Alan teaching for over five decades. Timestamps 00:00 Alan opens the UK's first Pilates studio 03:11 How "Pilates" got its name 09:57 Training as an apprentice in New York 13:35 Bodies first, technique second 24:14 Why Alan built a network outside Pilates 25:27 Is teacher training broken? 27:53 The truth about tactile cueing 36:11 How far is too far for Pilates on social media 40:13 What Joseph Pilates would think of Pilates today 45:16 The flexion problem in modern training 48:16 What it really takes to teach a group class 57:10 Why group reformer classes aren't really teaching 58:56 The client who's been coming for 50 years If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Alan: Alan Herdman Pilates Website Alan Herdman Pilates Instagram Alan Herdman Pilates LinkedIn
July 6 · 45 min
What the Future of Reformer Pilates Actually Looks Like with Yvette McGaffin
In this episode, Nic is joined by Yvette McGaffin, co-founder of ReformRx and the driving force behind what is set to become the world's first digitally connected Reformer Pilates machine for the home. Yvette's story is one of the more remarkable in the Pilates industry right now. A professional dancer turned studio owner, she built and ran her own Reformer Pilates studios in Belfast and Edinburgh before identifying a gap that had been sitting in plain sight for decades: the reformer itself had barely changed in 50 years. What followed was years of prototyping, welding in sheds, searching Herefordshire countryside for the right designer, and eventually building a piece of equipment that's now in luxury hotels, health clubs, and studios across Europe. They explore what it actually takes to build something from scratch in the Pilates industry - the resilience, the false starts, and the moments that unlocked everything. They get into the real barriers to Reformer Pilates accessibility, from cost and intimidation to the question of who the industry thinks it's for. And they discuss where connected fitness meets Pilates, and why Yvette believes technology should make the friction fall away and leave you with just the movement. They also go deeper into what the next five to ten years could look like for the industry - and why Yvette believes Reformer Pilates is about to stop being something people add in, and start being the foundation everything else is built on. Timestamps 00:27 Why the reformer hadn't changed in 50 years 04:29 Yvette's journey into Pilates and professional dance 06:56 Building the Reform Method and opening studios 10:24 Who Reformer Pilates is really for 16:45 The decision to build ReformRx 19:04 Designing the reformer from scratch 23:23 What the smart spine changed 26:43 Should teachers be worried about at-home reformers? 27:49 Why mat Pilates is harder than people think 29:55 How studios are using connected reformers 32:13 ReformRx in hotels and hospitality 40:08 What building ReformRx taught Yvette 44:40 Where to find Yvette and the Ultra One Reformer If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Yvette Yvette’s Instagram Yvette’s LinkedIn NordicTrack Website ReformRX Website Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
June 29 · 1 hr 3 min
How to Build a Profitable Pilates Studio Business with Joanne Mathews
"I think we're at that time where we can actually professionalize this industry, and we can have the standards that we want to set, and we can offer people careers." In this episode, we are joined by Joanne Mathews, founder and CEO of Ten Health & Fitness, one of London's longest-running Dynamic Reformer Pilates brands, now growing into franchising with Tenreformer. They explore why London's reformer studios have grown 72% in 18 months against just 50% growth in demand, and what that saturation means for studios competing on price instead of differentiation. They also dig into what it takes to build a Pilates business with longevity: going employed-only with teachers, building an in-house academy, choosing the right locations, the realities of rising costs and shrinking profitability, and Joanne's leadership philosophy after nearly two decades running studios. Timestamps 01:24 The car crash that led to her "happy accident" into Pilates 03:31 Launching Ten with one borrowed reformer studio 06:08 Finding a business partner and going employed-only from day one 09:06 The case for professionalising the Pilates industry 15:01 Training standards, VAT, and not being a recognised profession 24:21 Scaling from one studio to a London-wide brand 28:30 Choosing locations and franchising with Tenreformer 34:24 Rising costs, big-box gyms, and the race to the bottom on price 41:12 Is owning a Pilates studio still profitable? 44:10 What community really means at Ten 52:17 Building TenAcademy and what makes a great teacher today 1:00:49 Joanne's leadership philosophy: true support If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Guest: Joanne Mathews Instagram Ten Health & Fitness Instagram Ten Health & Fitness Website Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
June 22 · 52 min
How Much Anatomy Do Pilates Teachers Actually Need to Know With Tracy Ward
"I really worry that we will lose the essence of what Pilates actually is. How much are we going to dilute it?" In this episode, Nic is joined by Tracy Ward - physiotherapist, Pilates teacher, and author of The Science of Pilates, published by DK. Tracy sits at the unique intersection of clinical practice and Pilates, bringing over 15 years of experience teaching, treating patients, and training new teachers through APPI. They explore what it really takes to understand anatomy as a Pilates teacher - not to the depth of a medical degree, but in a way that genuinely improves your cueing, your touch, and your ability to help clients feel the work in the right places. Tracy shares why she wrote The Science of Pilates and the gap she kept seeing in teacher training that inspired it. They get honest about the state of the industry right now - the social media-driven push toward dynamic, athletic content and what that means for the integrity of the practice. Both Nic and Tracy share their concern that the essence of Pilates is being diluted, and why returning to the foundations matters more than ever. They also dig into the reality of being a new teacher - the confidence challenges, finding your own voice, managing mixed-ability classes, and why the basics taught really well will always outperform a fancy class plan that doesn't land. Timestamps 01:56 Why anatomy overwhelms Pilates teachers 03:21 Tracy's journey into Pilates and physiotherapy 09:52 How The Science of Pilates came about 12:03 How the book was created and illustrated 17:15 How to bring anatomy to life beyond the textbook 19:59 Finding your voice as a new teacher 27:10 Managing mixed ability classes 29:54 Language, modifications and empowering clients 37:11 Social media and what it's doing to Pilates 42:08 Common misconceptions about the body 43:49 The myth of perfect posture 44:37 Should we be blending Pilates with other modalities? 47:38 Pain, movement and what clients misunderstand If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Tracy Tracy’s Instagram Freshly Centered Website Freshly Centred Facebook Science of Pilates Book Pilates Kids Cards Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
June 15 · 52 min
The Wild West of Pilates: Why Teaching Standards Are Letting Everyone Down with Katie Nankivell
"There is a lot of money-hungry people chasing trends with a lack of moral compass and ethics behind them." The Pilates industry is growing fast - but not always in the right direction. In this episode, Nic is joined by Katie, founder of Pilates Delivered, an Amsterdam-based at-home and private Pilates service. Katie trained comprehensively with Polestar Pilates and has been teaching for over a decade across private clients, studios, and her own business. They get straight into the hard conversation: what's actually happening with teaching standards right now, why weekend certifications are producing a generation of teachers who only know the choreography, and why loving Pilates does not make someone qualified to teach it. They also explore what separates good teachers from great ones - from personality and people skills to the ability to read a body, adapt on the spot, and never stop learning. Katie shares how expanding into sound healing, Reiki, fascia, and nervous system work has made her a more intuitive, holistic teacher - and why Pilates has always been about the whole person. And on the business side, Katie talks candidly about building a sustainable private practice from scratch in a new city, setting boundaries with clients, pricing at a premium, and designing a career entirely on her own terms. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Katie 00:21 What's really happening in the Pilates industry right now 01:47 Weekend certifications and the choreography problem 06:17 Katie's journey into Pilates and why she chose Polestar 10:13 Building Pilates Delivered: at-home Pilates in Amsterdam 13:47 What clients actually want — and what keeps them coming back 18:55 Expanding beyond Pilates: sound healing, Reiki, and fascia work 23:17 How holistic training makes you a more intuitive teacher 26:57 Pilates and wellness as complementary — not competing 32:35 What actually makes a great Pilates teacher 37:09 Just because you love Pilates doesn't mean you should teach it 39:29 Authenticity, personality, and being exactly who you are 44:04 Building a sustainable career outside the studio model 49:02 Quick-fire questions 50:26 Where to find Katie If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Katie Pilates Delivered Instagram Pilates Delivered Website Katie’s Substack Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
June 8 · 56 min
From Basement Studio to 9 Locations: How New York Pilates Defined Its Method
"Real change in your body happens from grounded, consistent work. Doing the split and a handstand is entertaining, but that's not what Pilates is about." In this episode, Nic is joined by Heather Andersen, founder of New York Pilates - one of the most recognisable reformer studio brands in the world, with nine locations across New York City and counting. Heather built New York Pilates from a basement space in Greenwich Village in 2013, at a time when group reformer classes simply didn't exist. She shares what it actually took to scale to nine studios - from building onboarding systems and maintaining consistency across locations, to the pricing mistakes and people management lessons learned the hard way. They also get into the state of the industry: why clients are confused about what Pilates even is, what separates genuine contemporary Pilates from the "Pilates adjacent" world, and why the most transformational work looks like nothing on camera. Timestamps 00:23 How New York Pilates started 01:37 Heather's background in ballet and early Pilates training 07:14 Making the leap from teacher to studio owner 13:14 Building the brand from day one 14:38 Early mistakes and people management 16:03 What a New York Pilates class feels like 18:44 Classical vs. contemporary vs. Pilates adjacent 25:20 Scaling from one studio to nine 29:16 Building systems for consistency 31:34 Teacher onboarding and quality management 37:51 Pricing, ClassPass, and why loyalty beats volume 44:34 Social media and the decision to talk about real Pilates 55:22 Where to find Heather If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Heather Heather’s Instagram New York Pilates Instagram New York Pilates Website New York Pilates Intro Offer New York Pilates Reformer Certification Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
June 1 · 1 hr 6 min
The Missing Piece in Pilates Teacher Training with Amy Havens
"I think self-acceptance and self-compassion... it's gonna keep changing and if you hear the loud stuff saying, I can't do that anymore - no." - Amy Havens In this episode, Nic is joined by Amy Havens, a veteran Pilates educator, mentor, and movement teacher based in Santa Barbara with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Amy has trained across multiple lineages - including Fletcher, BASI, Kathy Grant, and Madeleine Black - and is widely respected as one of the most thoughtful voices in Pilates education today. They explore what it really takes to become a truly great Pilates teacher - from the qualities that no training manual can teach, like patience and compassion, to the art of learning to see and respond to the bodies in front of you. Amy shares her rich origin story, from discovering Pilates as a dance student in 1989 to becoming injured, finding healing through the work, and eventually committing to teaching as a lifelong calling. They also dig into the current state of the Pilates industry - the growing divide between fitness Pilates and the more healing-oriented tradition, the case for prerequisites before teacher training, and why mastering the fundamentals will always matter more than creative programming. Amy makes a compelling case for mentorship as the missing piece for so many new teachers, and shares what that relationship can look like when it's done well. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Amy Havens 00:14 What makes a truly great Pilates teacher 02:08 Learning to see and respond to different bodies 04:49 Amy's origin story - discovering Pilates in college 08:10 Observing from the front desk and falling in love with the work 10:42 Getting cold feet before teacher training - and why that was the right call 13:23 Amy's formal training with Madeleine Black at the Physical Mind Institute 15:27 Learning to teach, not just to do 17:34 How injury became the turning point toward teaching 21:38 Why the best teachers are often those whose lives were changed by Pilates 22:40 The case for prerequisites in Pilates teacher training 28:13 What great mentorship actually looks like 31:46 Amy as a forever student - training across multiple lineages 37:06 How studying different styles shaped Amy's teaching 43:29 The state of the Pilates industry - two forks in the road 45:14 Fitness Pilates vs. healing Pilates - is it all Pilates? 47:52 Why studio owners need to do better at describing what they offer 53:00 Don't teach too much too soon - a lesson from Madeleine Black 55:25 Why mastering fundamentals matters more than creative programming 56:44 Quick-fire questions 01:03:28 Where to find Amy If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Amy: Move with Amy Website Amy’s Instagram Amy’s Facebook Amy’s Email Pilates Anytime Website Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
May 25 · 1 hr 7 min
Burnout, Boundaries and Building a Career That Lasts as a Pilates Teacher with Audrey O'Connor
"I cannot be of service to other people if I cannot be of service to myself." You left the corporate world for a reason. But somehow you're exhausted, resentful, and wondering why this passion-driven career feels just as relentless as the one you walked away from. Nic is joined by Audrey O'Connor - former quantity surveyor, Pilates teacher, sound healer, and wellness educator who now works with global brands like Google. Back for her second appearance, Audrey digs into what burnout actually looks like for Pilates teachers - not just tiredness, but resentment, physical symptoms, and the trap of performing busyness as a badge of honour. They get practical on morning rituals, finances, multiple revenue streams, and valuing your time before resentment does it for you. Audrey also brings in something unexpected: astrology and human design as tools for understanding why you show up the way you do - and why changing your mind is not the same as being flaky. Whether you're in the thick of burnout or starting to feel the edges of it, there's something here for you. Timestamps 01:13 What burnout actually is - beyond just being tired 03:50 Busyness as a badge of honour and how to recognise the patterns 07:52 Vision, values, and the Pilates industry comparison trap 09:02 How performance and money are connected to burnout 11:12 Taking care of your body when teaching is your job 13:15 Switching off on holiday (and why content creation doesn't count as rest) 17:05 Rituals, routines and habit stacking 23:37 Finding a ritual practice that fits your life 26:07 Astrology and human design as tools for self-understanding 31:34 Why Pilates teachers are particularly prone to burnout 32:21 Being of service vs. sacrificing yourself 34:15 Burnout, undervaluing, and our complicated relationship with money 56:58 Mindset, self-worth, and why opportunities arrive when you stop chasing them 58:44 If you're overwhelmed right now - start here If this episode resonated, share it with someone in the industry who needs to hear it. And make sure you're following along so you don't miss what's coming next. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Audrey: Audrey's Sound Healing Training Core State Website Audrey’s Instagram The Everyday Hero Manifesto Book Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
May 18 · 50 min
Teaching Pilates to Children: How to Make It Fun, Inclusive & Effective
Nic is joined by Clarissa Shepherd, kids Pilates specialist, pre and postnatal educator, Club Pilates master trainer, and author of Sage Does Pilates and Babies & Barre. Clarissa's story is anything but conventional. From working in TV news and witnessing a live on-air shooting, to packing up her car with $600 and driving to Dallas, to funding her Pilates certification while working night shifts - her path to becoming a Pilates teacher is one of grit, resilience and pure determination. But what makes Clarissa's work truly unique is who she teaches. While the Pilates industry talks about being "for everyone," Clarissa noticed a glaring gap - children are almost always left out. She shares why bringing Pilates into families' lives earlier is one of the biggest untapped opportunities in the industry, and how her own experience of an absent mother during childhood became the driving force behind her mission to connect families through movement. The conversation explores how to adapt Pilates for different ages - from babies and toddlers to teenagers and everything in between - and why storytelling, play and affirmations are just as important as the repertoire. Clarissa also shares how she's training other teachers to do this work and working towards licensing her kids Pilates framework so it can reach families around the world. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Clarissa 00:32 Why families are the missing piece in Pilates 02:51 Clarissa's backstory - news, Dallas and $600 to her name 05:43 Discovering Pilates and being inspired by female leadership 09:01 Funding her certification and the sacrifices she made 13:13 Moving to Germany, becoming a mother and finding her path 16:03 How pregnancy sparked her interest in pre and postnatal Pilates 17:30 Teaching children for the first time 17:40 How to adapt Pilates for different ages and stages 20:07 Using affirmations and mentorship with teenagers 22:52 Making Pilates a game for younger children 24:18 Mommy and me classes and incorporating babies into movement 25:41 The creativity and storytelling skills kids Pilates demands 25:41 Training teachers to teach kids Pilates 44:10 Who Clarissa works with - from ballerinas to retirees 45:04 What's next for Clarissa 46:24 Quick-fire questions 48:24 Where to connect with Clarissa Thanks so much to Clarissa for coming on the podcast and sharing such an honest and inspiring story. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you've been loving it - it helps the show more than you know. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Clarissa: Clarissa's Instagram Pilates Mamii Website YouTube: Pilates Mamii Facebook: Pilates Mamii Clarissa’s Sage Does Pilates Book Clarissa’s Babies & Barre Book Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
May 11 · 1 hr 4 min
Beyond Classical: Ron Fletcher's Pilates Legacy With Kyria Sabin
"The body floats on the breath. Without the breath, we don't have a core. We don't have a centre." - Kyria Sabin In this episode, we are joined by Kyria Sabin, director of Fletcher Pilates International and one of the most respected custodians of a first-generation Pilates lineage in the world. Kyria worked directly with Ron Fletcher - a first-generation teacher who studied with Joseph and Clara Pilates and danced with Martha Graham - and has dedicated her career to preserving and evolving his approach to the method. Her path into Pilates was never planned; she was heading towards law school when a session at the Ron Fletcher Studio changed everything. Kyria and Nic explore what it truly means to carry a lineage forward, why the "classical vs contemporary" debate misses the point, and what made Ron Fletcher's approach so unique - from his movement-based philosophy to his breath-centred teaching. They take an honest look at the current state of Pilates education, the dangers of watered-down training, the rise of reformer-only studios, and what it actually takes to establish meaningful standards for the industry. And they go deeper into the spiritual dimension of Pilates - why client transformation so often shows up in relationships and sense of self first, and what Ron Fletcher would likely say if he saw where Pilates is today. (Spoiler: it's one word.) Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Kyria Sabin 00:10 Carrying Ron Fletcher's legacy - responsibility and blessing 04:47 What makes the Fletcher approach unique 08:31 Classical vs contemporary - why the conversation misses the point 12:42 Kyria's journey: from art world to Pilates 15:38 How Kyria trained - the apprenticeship model 17:24 Life in Tucson and accidentally staying for 35 years 18:39 The gift of seeing bodies and learning to teach 21:57 Taking over Fletcher Pilates International 23:13 Building a cohesive studio culture and team 26:35 Creating the Fletcher Pilates teacher training programme 28:39 What goes into a quality Pilates education 32:39 The 12-step framework that underpins the Fletcher programme 34:02 Why Pilates transformation shows up in clients' lives, not just bodies 38:45 What defines a high-quality teacher training programme 43:55 Should reformer teachers still be comprehensively trained? 56:29 What excites Kyria about the future of Pilates 58:21 What concerns her about where the industry is heading 01:00:22 Quick-fire questions 01:02:26 Where to find Kyria If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Kyria: Fletcher Pilates Instagram Fletcher Pilates Website Fletcher Pilates Facebook Kyria’s Instagram
May 7 · 49 min
A Year of Pilates Conversations Changed How I Think About Teaching
Beyond the Reformer turns 1!! 🥳 In this special solo anniversary episode, Nic marks one full year of Beyond the Reformer by sharing her honest reflections on everything she has learned over the past year. She opens up about nearly quitting the podcast, the challenge of doing too much as a studio owner and educator, and how a year of conversations with some of the most respected Pilates professionals in the world has genuinely changed her perspective. A huge thank you to every single one of you who has supported the podcast over the past year. The community that has been built is more than anything Nic could have imagined, and she cannot wait to continue bringing you these conversations. Timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on one year of the podcast 07:08 The reality of doing too much 10:13 Bringing a journalism mindset into podcasting 14:31 Putting yourself out there and asking for opportunities 18:30 Understanding classical vs contemporary Pilates 22:39 Why your personality is your superpower 24:16 Finding your reason for teaching Pilates 26:01 How to choose the right teacher training 30:28 What presence really means in teaching 35:35 Humility and the importance of continuous learning 41:01 Rethinking failure and challenge in classes 45:07 What’s next for the podcast and community Make sure to subscribe to continue hearing these conversations every week, and send Nic a DM on the Beyond the Reformer Instagram page with your thoughts on this week’s episode. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter
May 4 · 53 min
Rethinking Pilates for Runners, Pain, and Performance with Juan Nieto
Nic is joined by Juan Nieto, a physical therapist, Polestar educator, founder of the Reformer Flow Collective and co-creator of Runty. Juan brings a completely different perspective to Pilates, movement, and coaching. Rather than focusing on perfect technique or choosing the “right” exercises, he challenges the idea that there even is a single correct way to move. Instead, he shares why expanding movement options, building awareness, and increasing variability is what truly helps people move better, reduce pain, and build resilience. The conversation explores how Pilates can act as a foundation for everything else, from running to strength training, and why it should be seen as part of a bigger movement ecosystem rather than a standalone solution. Juan shares why group classes can be more powerful than privates, how play and task-based learning can transform the way people move, and why teachers need to shift from instructing to creating environments where real learning can happen. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Juan 00:37 Why Pilates should be seen as a starting point, not the end goal 04:58 The challenge of getting runners into Pilates 08:16 Using Pilates as effective cross-training 11:30 Juan’s journey into movement and physical therapy 12:27 Moving away from hands-on treatment to building client independence 14:30 The opportunity for Pilates teachers in modern rehab 20:33 Understanding pain, beliefs, and the nervous system 23:01 Assessing movement through tasks and tendencies 25:45 Why group classes can be more powerful than privates 29:03 Building agency and independence in your clients 31:57 Why Pilates teachers need to stop over-cueing 35:03 Using play and games to improve movement and learning 37:44 The Reformer Flow Collective and creative teaching 45:41 Quick-fire questions 49:31 Where to connect with Juan Thanks so much to Juan for coming on the podcast. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you’ve been loving it, it helps the show more than you know. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Juan Juan Nieto Instagram Email: juan@postpilates.es Reformer Flow Collective Polestar Pilates Spain
April 27 · 1 hr 2 min
Stop Copying Other Pilates Teachers and Start Being Yourself with Lesley Logan
In this episode, Nic is joined by Lesley Logan, a classical Pilates teacher, international presenter, fellow podcaster, and founder of Profitable Pilates and Online Pilates Classes. They explore what it really takes to become a great Pilates teacher, from developing the ability to observe bodies and cue effectively, to navigating imposter syndrome and finding your unique voice in the industry. They unpack the importance of having boundaries and also the current state of the Pilates industry, including gaps in teacher training, the need for mentorship, and why rushing into teaching too quickly can hold people back long term. They also go deeper into the business side of Pilates, from pricing and profitability to building a career that actually supports your life. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Lesley Logan 01:32 Boundaries, burnout, and learning to say no 09:59 What’s happening in the Pilates industry right now 13:22 Gaps in teacher training and education 15:25 Learning how to truly see bodies as a teacher 18:49 Lesley’s journey into Pilates 26:09 Helping clients build autonomy in their practice 30:52 Owning your unique method and voice 40:26 Pricing for sustainability and growth 45:37 What accessibility really means in Pilates 50:52 Why mentorship keeps great teachers 54:05 Building multiple revenue streams 57:35 Quick-fire questions 59:15 Where to find Lesley If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Lesley: Lesley Logan Instagram Profitable Pilates Website Online Pilates Classes Lesley Logan Podcast
April 20 · 54 min
How to Become a Great Pilates Teacher with Polestar UK Owner Andre Santaella
In this episode, Nic sits down with Andre Santaella, COO of Polestar Pilates and now leading Polestar UK, to explore her journey from discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio to stepping into a global leadership role. Nic and Andre discuss what truly makes a great Pilates teacher beyond just their qualifications. They also explore how to choose the right training provider, why mentorship is essential, and the importance of continuous education. To finish off they chat about how we should be viewing other studios, teachers and trainings as an opportunity to collaborate instead of think of it as competition and and how shifting this mindset can completely change your experience within the Pilates industry. Timestamps 00:00 Introd to Andre 01:41 Taking on Polestar UK 04:53 Discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio 10:55 The path from studio manager to COO 16:16 What actually makes a great Pilates teacher 20:52 Questions to ask when hiring teachers 26:05 Learning from observing different teaching styles 27:14 Choosing the right Pilates training provider 33:05 The role of continuing education in Pilates 37:34 Why collaboration beats competition 44:02 Differences in the global Pilates industry 50:22 Quick fire questions If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss a conversation! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Andre: Andre Santaella Instagram Polestar Pilates UK Instagram Polestar Pilates UK Website
April 16 · 1 hr 1 min
Rael Isacowitz: The Basi Block System, Industry Standards and Crediting in Pilates (PART 2)
Welcome back to Part 2 of this conversation with Rael Isacowitz, founder of Basi Pilates, where Nic and Rael go deeper into the evolution of the method, the role of equipment, and what it really takes to become a great teacher in today’s industry. Rael shares the story behind designing Basi equipment and how it was created to reflect both form and function. He breaks down the Basi block system, explaining how structure can actually unlock creativity in teaching rather than limit it. The conversation also explores what it means to continue learning as a teacher, from Rael’s legacy programme to the importance of staying connected to your own practice. To finish, they have a powerful discussion around standards in the Pilates industry, the challenges of accreditation, and why crediting others in this work is essential for growth. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back to Part 2 01:19 Designing equipment with both form and function in mind 05:59 How the Basi equipment first came to life 09:08 The origins of the Basi block system 13:49 Why structure actually fuels creativity in teaching 15:14 The idea behind marathon mat sessions 19:21 The legacy programme 26:08 The difference between advanced work and performance 28:25 Why Pilates needs stronger standards 30:02 Attempts at accreditation in the industry 35:32 The importance of crediting 40:44 Changing your mind and evolving as a teacher 44:49 Favourite exercises and staying connected to the work 47:21 Why teachers often overdo it in their classes 48:54 Habits that support a long career in Pilates 52:34 Community and relationships in Pilates If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a conversation like this. Share this episode with a fellow teacher or studio owner who would benefit from hearing this, and if you haven’t already, we’d really appreciate you leaving a rating or review. It helps more people discover the show and be part of this community. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Rael: Rael Isacowitz Instagram Basi Pilates Instagram Basi Pilates Website
April 13 · 46 min
Rael Isacowitz: Teaching With Purpose, Precision And Flow At Basi Pilates (PART 1)
There are very few people in the Pilates world who have shaped the industry in the way Rael Isacowitz has. In part 1 of this conversation, Nic sits down with the founder of Basi Pilates to explore the real foundations of the method, what it means to teach with purpose, and why the future of Pilates depends on more than just choreography. From building one of the first curriculum-based teacher training programmes in the late 80s to creating a global community of educators, Rael shares the story behind Basi and the approach that continues to guide it today. This episode goes deep into the art and science of movement, the importance of flow, and how great teaching can create real change in people’s lives. Rael also shares his perspective on cueing, precision, and what separates a good instructor from a truly impactful teacher. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Rael Isacowitz 01:57 The early vision behind creating a structured Pilates curriculum 04:17 What Pilates looked like in the late 80s 05:05 The very first Basi teacher training group 08:16 How Rael first discovered Pilates and his movement background 14:08 Opening one of the first Pilates studios in California 18:55 The story behind the name Basi Pilates 21:26 How the Basi platform and education evolved over time 25:05 The influence of yoga, dance, and giving credit in the industry 30:07 Creating joyful, athletic Pilates experiences 34:53 Pilates as a tool for positive change in the world 39:02 What the mind body connection really means in practice 42:51 Why cueing is one of the most important teaching skills If you loved this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss part two coming later this week. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Rael: Rael Isacowitz Instagram Basi Pilates Instagram Basi Pilates Website
April 6 · 29 min
How to Bring More Creativity Into Your Pilates Classes Without Chaos
Are you feeling pressure to make your Pilates classes more creative but not sure where to start? We’ve seen how much you’ve been loving the solo episodes, so Nic is back today to discuss how to be more creative in your classes without losing structure or purpose. With so much inspiration coming from social media, it’s easy to feel like you need to constantly reinvent your teaching. But Nic challenges this idea and brings it back to what really matters, which is strong foundations, clear intention, and teaching that actually serves your clients. She shares how creativity in Pilates is not about adding more complexity, but about understanding movement patterns, building from the fundamentals, and creating a class experience that feels purposeful and connected. This episode will help you rethink creativity in Pilates and give you simple ways to make your classes feel fresh without losing what makes Pilates so powerful. Timestamps 00:00 Why creativity in Pilates teaching is such a big topic right now 02:24 Why do you feel the need to be creative? 03:10 The impact of social media on Pilates classes 06:18 Letting your personality shape your teaching style 08:06 Teaching with intention and clear class outcomes 13:06 How to break down complex exercises into simple steps 16:11 Creating flow and storytelling in your classes 17:44 How to layer progressions and regressions for clients 20:09 Simple ways to adapt and evolve Pilates exercises 24:09 Taking clients on a journey over multiple weeks If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss a new one. And let Nic know if you took anything away from this episode, she loves receiving your DMs! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter
March 30 · 46 min
The Business Model Behind Multi Million Dollar Pilates Studios with Lise Kuecker
Most Pilates studios are sitting on far more revenue potential than they realise. With the right pricing, membership strategy and business model, a single studio can grow into a multi-million-pound business without needing more space or more classes. In this episode, Nic sits down with Pilates business expert Lise Kuecker, founder of Studio Grow, to discuss what actually drives profitable Pilates studios. Lise works with hundreds of boutique fitness studios around the world and shares the real numbers behind successful studios. From pricing psychology and memberships to team structure and sales metrics, this conversation reveals the systems that help studio owners turn passion into a sustainable and scalable business. They discuss the most common mistakes studio owners make in their early years, why many studios unknowingly leak profit, and how simple adjustments to pricing or membership structure can dramatically increase revenue. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Lise 01:57 How Lise first got started in Pilates and the fitness industry 04:11 Early mistakes many studio owners make in their first year 09:45 How successful studios protect themselves from competition 11:53 The story behind how Studio Grow was created 12:54 Understanding memberships and how studios actually sell them 18:55 Where studios often lose money without realising 22:29 How labour models and organisational structure impact profit 24:12 The financial metrics every studio owner should track 24:44 Pricing strategies that guide clients towards the right option 27:40 Why memberships work and the psychology behind commitment 29:03 What the most successful Pilates studios do differently 34:22 Global boutique fitness trends and the rise of niche studios 40:03 Quick-fire questions If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here for a FREE masterclass! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic’s Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Connect with Lise: Studio Grow Website Studio Grow Podcast Studio Grow Instagram Studio Grow Free Trainings

Beyond the Reformer

The Truth About Pilates Cueing Nobody Talks About with Shelly Power

Harder Isn’t Always Better: The Smarter Way to Build Strength

How to Cue Pilates Like a Pro with Alan Herdman

What the Future of Reformer Pilates Actually Looks Like with Yvette McGaffin

How to Build a Profitable Pilates Studio Business with Joanne Mathews

How Much Anatomy Do Pilates Teachers Actually Need to Know With Tracy Ward

The Wild West of Pilates: Why Teaching Standards Are Letting Everyone Down with Katie Nankivell

From Basement Studio to 9 Locations: How New York Pilates Defined Its Method

The Missing Piece in Pilates Teacher Training with Amy Havens

Burnout, Boundaries and Building a Career That Lasts as a Pilates Teacher with Audrey O'Connor

Teaching Pilates to Children: How to Make It Fun, Inclusive & Effective

Beyond Classical: Ron Fletcher's Pilates Legacy With Kyria Sabin

A Year of Pilates Conversations Changed How I Think About Teaching

Rethinking Pilates for Runners, Pain, and Performance with Juan Nieto

Stop Copying Other Pilates Teachers and Start Being Yourself with Lesley Logan

How to Become a Great Pilates Teacher with Polestar UK Owner Andre Santaella

Rael Isacowitz: The Basi Block System, Industry Standards and Crediting in Pilates (PART 2)

Rael Isacowitz: Teaching With Purpose, Precision And Flow At Basi Pilates (PART 1)

How to Bring More Creativity Into Your Pilates Classes Without Chaos

The Business Model Behind Multi Million Dollar Pilates Studios with Lise Kuecker