Pilates Perspectives

Pregnancy and Pilates

Pregnancy often comes with a long list of exercise restrictions, but how many movement "rules" are actually backed by evidence? In this episode of Pilates Perspectives, host Joy Puleo sits down with pre- and postnatal specialist Stephanie Forster to unpack the realities of prenatal Pilates and postpartum Pilates recovery, debunking pervasive myths that make pregnancy workouts feel unnecessarily restrictive. Stephanie explores how cultural misconceptions have shaped ideas around prenatal fitness, specifically clarifying common myths about core exercises during pregnancy, twisting, and abdominal training. She shares practical modification strategies for each trimester, details which Pilates exercises need adaptation as the body changes, and explains why maintaining active movement is essential for joint mobility, core strength, and overall maternal wellness. The conversation also looks beyond delivery, offering evidence-informed guidance on postpartum exercise and safe return-to-fitness protocols. Discover expert strategies for managing diastasis recti, supporting pelvic floor health, rebuilding deep core strength, and helping clients safely transition back to full-body movement after birth. View resources here. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Lesser-Known Pilates Apparatus: Moving Beyond the Reformer

Joy talks with Kathi Ross-Nash, creator of the Red Thread Method, founder of the KRN Education and the Pilates Advanced Professional Teacher Training (PPATT) program, celebrated author, and globally renowned classical Pilates teacher, about utilizing lesser-known specialized Pilates apparatus and props to deepen the work beyond the familiar Pilates Reformer and Mat work. Kathi shares how a systematic approach to the Pilates method reveals the biomechanical purpose behind every piece of equipment, from its dimensions and proportions to its role in supporting progressive skill-building. She explores how the flow and transitions between Pilates apparatus should be customized to the individual body in front of you, and why effective Pilates education cannot thrive in an environment of fear or criticism. Hear how her close mentorship with Pilates Elder Jay Grimes continues to influence her teaching today, and how reconnecting with her own practice taught her self-love and deep appreciation for the movement. With profound insight, historical reverence, and practical wisdom, Kathi reminds us that when you truly understand the classical Pilates method, the work becomes critical, transformative, and life-changing for both the teacher and the client. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

How Exercise Boosts Creativity

Leah Grant, NCPT and BFA, explores the powerful connection between functional exercise, creative expression, and the ultimate mind-body experience. Through the lens of the Pilates method, Leah shares how mindful movement can help quiet distractions, invite emotional openness, and create the ideal conditions for achieving a psychological flow state. Leah reminds us that every fitness professional has the capacity to think, move, teach, and problem-solve creatively. Like any physical skill, creativity grows through deliberate practice, repetition, curiosity, and imagination. For Pilates instructors, that creative practice shows up every day in technical Pilates cueing, innovative Pilates sequencing, adapting exercises for diverse body types, and empowering students to trust their own somatic voice. Explore how letting someone else lead can open new pathways for professional inspiration, why setting structural boundaries is essential for reducing mental distraction, and how cultivating receptivity can help us access more creative freedom in both somatic movement instruction and everyday life. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

The Anatomy & Physiology of Pilates

What happens when therapeutic Pilates meets physical therapy, evidence-based practice, and decades of advanced movement education? Joy Puleo sits down with Chrissy Romani-Ruby—Educational Director of PHI Pilates, PT, D.Ed, MPT, ATC, NCPT—and Cassie Ruby-Nemec, NCPT, DPT, and Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, for a thoughtful conversation on the powerful relationship between clinical Pilates and physical rehabilitation. Learn how Pilates for physical therapy accelerates patient recovery, why deep anatomical knowledge matters for every Pilates teacher, and how movement professionals can become more effective communicators through precise Pilates cueing and instruction. Chrissy and Cassy discuss the vital importance of biomechanics, how to evaluate peer-reviewed research, and why high-quality Pilates continuing education is essential in an ever-evolving wellness industry. Unpacking the pitfalls of "meaningless movement" and examining the risks of becoming too mechanical in your teaching style, this episode offers practical insights for Pilates instructors, physical therapists, and movement educators who want to teach with greater clinical clarity, purpose, and impact. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on evidence-based Pilates, lifelong learning, and how sports science, communication, and human connection work together to create better rehabilitation outcomes for clients and students alike. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Be the Teacher You Want to See in the World

What does it take to become the Pilates teacher you aspire to be? Joy chats with Lesley Logan, founder of OPC (Online Pilates Classes), Pilates educator, business owner, and host of the Be It Till You See It podcast, for a candid conversation about teaching, self-advocacy, and building a meaningful Pilates career. Lesley shares practical advice for new and experienced Pilates instructors alike, including how to build confidence before you feel fully ready, create the kind of learning environment you wish existed for yourself, and foster a genuine sense of belonging for every client. Hear about the power of curiosity, the importance of asking questions, and why great teaching starts with listening. Together, Joy and Lesley discuss how self-advocacy can help movement professionals find the right opportunities, why instructors should focus on what clients can do rather than what they can’t, and how creating a welcoming, supportive Pilates experience leads to stronger client relationships and better outcomes. Tune in for an empowering conversation on Pilates instruction, professional growth, authentic leadership, and creating the kind of movement community you’d be excited to join yourself. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Pilates for Fitness & Athletics

What role does Pilates play in fitness, athletic performance, and real-life movement? Joy chats with John Garey, founder of Pilates & Fitness TV and Pilates Grad School, about how Pilates can support athletes, everyday fitness clients, and anyone looking to move through life with more ease. John shares how Pilates can impact strength, mobility, coordination, body awareness, and performance in meaningful ways. He explains why athletes, despite excelling in highly specific skills, can often feel like a “fish out of water” when asked to move outside their sport’s demands, and how Pilates can help fill those gaps. The conversation explores what personal fitness really means: being able to live easily and efficiently, without having to think about every movement. John also breaks down the “IT factor,” the importance of understanding human behavior, and why great teaching requires meeting clients where they are. For Pilates instructors and fitness professionals, this episode offers practical insight into blending Pilates with fitness training while staying clear on the Pilates principles you’re using, what you’re offering, and why it’s uniquely valuable. John also speaks candidly about branding challenges in the Pilates industry, the misconception that Pilates can “do it all,” and why no single modality can meet every need. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Pilates for the Queer Community

What does it mean to facilitate Pilates “queerly”? In this episode of Pilates Perspectives, host Joy Puleo speaks with Sofia Engelman about creating more inclusive, trauma-informed Pilates spaces for queer and trans clients and for everyone who deserves to feel respected, supported, and safe in movement. Sofia Engelman shares practical ways Pilates instructors can move beyond surface-level inclusion and create meaningful change in their inclusive Pilates teaching. Learn the importance of using pronouns on intake forms, avoiding gendered assumptions in group Pilates classes, and building trust around verbal and tactile cueing in LGBTQ+ friendly fitness spaces. Joy and Sofia also discuss the importance of trauma-informed Pilates instruction, accessible movement practices, and the power dynamics that exist in Pilates and fitness environments. Sofia offers grounded advice for people who want to strengthen their empathy and compassion “muscle,” including doing their own research, practicing pronouns, seeking out education, and engaging with books and media that deepen understanding of queer and trans experiences. This episode offers thoughtful guidance for creating inclusive Pilates studios rooted in consent, inclusivity, accessibility, and authentic care. Perfect for movement professionals seeking to build safe movement spaces and develop trauma-sensitive movement education that welcomes all bodies and identities. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

How to Stay Safe in Your Pilates Class

Safety is essential to a strong, effective Pilates practice for students, teachers, and studio owners alike. In this episode, Brooke Bowersock, Balanced Body Principal Educator and Founder of ALIGN Pilates Studios, talks about how to create safer, more supportive Pilates class experiences. Brooke shares practical Pilates safety tips for both students and instructors, including what to look for in instructor credentials, why correct form and thoughtful corrections matter, and how to approach equipment safety with greater awareness. She also discusses the importance of offering modifications, creating systems that support safety at scale, and building an environment where students feel emotionally safe, empowered, and able to advocate for themselves. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

There's No One-Size-Fits-All In Fitness

Joy and Shelly Power, VP of Education at Polestar, have a thoughtful conversation on navigating movement advice and fitness misinformation in a world full of conflicting information. Shelly Power shares how to identify fitness misinformation, evaluate sources, and model critical thinking in fitness when deciding what guidance to trust. She also explores why evidence-based movement is rarely as simple as “right” or “wrong,” and how movement professionals and practitioners can prioritize safety, effectiveness, and the individual needs of each body. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Unpacking Proprioception

Proprioception is often described as the body’s “sixth sense,” but what does that really mean for movement quality? In this episode of Pilates Perspectives, Joy talks with Misha Von Bechtolsheim about proprioception, kinesthesia, and the sensory systems that shape how we move through the world. Together, they unpack the relationship between proprioception, kinesthesia, the vestibular system (balance), and the visual system. You’ll learn how these systems work within the neural hierarchy to help the brain make better movement decisions and improve neuromuscular control. Misha explains why high-quality sensory input is essential for improving movement quality, developing body trust, and supporting the nervous system. Plus, she shares simple exercises you can do at home to improve proprioception, enhance body (somatic) awareness, and use sensation training for more connected, confident movement. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Teaching Autonomy With Pilates

How do we teach Pilates in a way that empowers rather than corrects? Joy and Cara Reeser, Master Teacher and second-generation Pilates educator, explore a more nuanced, relational approach to Pilates teaching. Drawing inspiration from Kathy Stanford Grant’s gentle dissuasion of performance, Cara reflects on the value of helping clients move how they actually move, not how they think they’re supposed to move. Together, they unpack how mindfulness in Pilates requires attention, intention, and attitude. They discuss the importance of nurturing both the teacher-client relationship and the client’s relationship with themselves, offering a model of teaching rooted in self-exploration, curiosity, and embodied learning. If you’re a Pilates teacher interested in mindful movement, client-centered cueing, and more empowering ways to teach, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective and practical insight. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

The Traditions & Evolution of Classical Pilates

What does it really mean to practice “classical” Pilates, and is that even the right word? In this thoughtful conversation, Blossom Leilani Crawford, owner and director of Bridge Pilates in Brooklyn, reflects on the classical Pilates traditions that shaped the method and how it continues to evolve today. Drawing from her close mentorship with Kathy Stanford Grant, Blossom shares intimate insights from Kathy’s post-class writings, the generosity she brought to teaching Pilates, and the deeper philosophy behind the work. Joy and Blossom explore the unique perspectives of each Pilates Elder —from dancers to injury recovery to chronic illness—and how those experiences have shaped the Pilates lineage we know today. The Pilates Elders brought diverse backgrounds that enriched the method’s evolution and continue to influence traditional Pilates methods. This episode is an excellent reminder that great Pilates instruction doesn’t come from complexity. By returning to the source, keeping the work simple, and understanding the “why” behind every movement, Pilates can remain both rooted in tradition and open to evolution. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Pilates as a Lifestyle [Zoom]

Pilates is more than a workout; it’s a path to better health, holistic wellness, and a more meaningful life. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Brent Anderson, Founder of Polestar Pilates, joins us to explore the Pilates method as a lifestyle rooted in the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Joy and Brent discuss the movement philosophy behind the original Pilates method, the importance of functional movement so we can fully participate in life, and Joseph Pilates’ powerful belief that a deeper mind-body connection could help “cure the world of its ills.” Dr. Anderson also shares a refreshing perspective on Pilates exercises as “deconstructed play,” bringing levity, curiosity, and joy back into physical activity. You’ll hear expert insight on why hope is essential for rehabilitation, healing, and better health outcomes, along with thoughtful reflections on the balance of work, play, and rest. This episode is a must-listen for Pilates instructors, fitness professionals, and anyone interested in holistic health and the deeper purpose of movement. Tune in to discover how mindful movement can support physical wellbeing, emotional resilience, and a stronger connection to self, nature, humanity, and a higher power. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

• Transcript

Pilates for Care of Health

Join Joy and Nora St. John, renowned Pilates educator, acupuncturist, and massage therapist, for a rich conversation on Pilates for care of health and how movement can support healing in practical, lasting ways. Nora shares how professionals can leverage their education with more nuance, why most clients don’t need all the bells and whistles to make progress, and how returning to Pilates fundamentals often creates the biggest breakthroughs in recovery, functional movement, and long-term results. Together, they explore why awareness in the body is the key to meaningful change, how the mind-body connection supports healing, and what makes Pilates uniquely powerful in the context of health and wellness. You’ll hear Nora’s perspective on holistic, 3D movement, movement solutions vs. manual therapy, and the neurological benefits of Pilates. This episode offers essential insights for anyone interested in Pilates for healing, mindful movement education, and the therapeutic applications of classical Pilates principles. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

Inclusive Pilates: Through the Lens of Disability

In this episode of Pilates Perspectives, Joy has an open conversation with Stephanie Comella (Co-Founder & CEO of Zebrafish Neuro) and Vanessa Cameron, PhD (nurse and disability advocate), about ableism in healthcare and movement spaces. Vanessa shares what it was like to become a wheelchair user and the ostracization she experienced, highlighting the subtle ways bias shows up in clinics, Pilates studios, and “helping” professions within the wellness industry. Together, they explore how to support disabled clients with more respect and better outcomes: ask what they need instead of assuming, shift from being the “authority” to being a collaborator, and move away from the mindset of trying to “fix” someone. You’ll also hear nuanced guidance on person-first vs. identity-first language, why word choice matters in accessible fitness instruction, and how floor-based programming and adaptive Pilates can expand access and confidence for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, without sacrificing challenge, skill-building, or autonomy. This essential conversation addresses disability inclusion in Pilates, accessible movement education, and creating welcoming spaces for diverse bodies in wellness environments. This special release episode is also available to watch on YouTube. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

Community Through Education & Events

Amy Rost, Founder of Arc Pilates, joins Joy for a powerful conversation on building real community through Pilates education and events. She shares how to create inclusive Pilates spaces that feel like home, how to create a community if you can’t find one you feel you belong in, and how connection can be an antidote to loneliness and burnout in the wellness industry. Together, we explore the shift from an individualistic to a collectivistic mindset, where belonging, collaboration, and service to the greater good become the foundation for sustainable impact in Pilates instruction and community wellness. Guided by Amy’s north star: connection, collaboration, community, this episode is an invitation to build something bigger than yourself. If you’re interested in Pilates community building, creating welcoming movement spaces, or developing educational programs that foster genuine connection, this conversation offers practical insights for building lasting community impact. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

What It Was Like to Learn from Joseph Pilates [Zoom]

In this Pilates history episode, Joy interviews John Howard Steel, author of Caged Lion, and Ken Endelman, founder and CEO of Balanced Body, for a rare firsthand telling of what it was like to train directly with Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates, in New York. John recounts the atmosphere of Joseph Pilates’ original studio, Joe’s focused teaching methods and classical Pilates training approach, and the principle he repeated again and again: “never stop moving.” You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about John’s friendship with Joe and Clara, including Clara’s hospitality and the personal care that shaped the original Pilates studio culture. John also shares a powerful takeaway from learning with the founder of Pilates: you didn’t have to be perfect, you just had to try your best. The conversation explores Joe’s philosophy of the human body, functional movement principles, and why he believed that if people learned to breathe better and move better, society itself could improve. If you’re interested in the origins of Pilates, the history of Pilates, Joseph Pilates’ original teaching style, Contrology methods, classical Pilates training, Pilates instructor education, and the legacy of the Joseph Pilates method, this episode offers essential insight and inspiration into authentic movement education. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

Uplifting Marginalized Voices in Pilates

Tonya Amos is the kind of leader who expands what Pilates can be and who it can be for. As the owner of the award-winning Aspire Pilates Center and Artistic Director of the Grown Women Dance Collective, Tonya has delivered more than 22,000 hours of classes internationally, while building programs that pay it forward through scholarship access and community reinvestment. She shares what it means to bring Pilates to disinvested communities and demographics that haven’t historically had access, and why those communities may use Pilates differently. Tonya also opens up about her experience with long COVID and how it reshaped her relationship to capacity, recovery, and care. Joy and Tonya explore the “rich tapestry” of Pilates through the lens of inclusion, cultural context, and Black liberation, and dig into practical ways studios and instructors can reduce barriers. If you’re interested in the future of Pilates, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and ground you. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

A Legal Investigator, Pilates Instructor, and Dancer Walk into a Bar...

Mychele Sims has one of those “wait, how do these worlds connect?” careers: legal investigator, certified Pilates instructor, and dancer. In this episode, Joy sits down with Mychele for a conversation that reveals the surprising through-line between all three, and the skills of observing, listening, and interpreting human behavior with care and context. Together, they unpack how Mychele’s “legal brain” and “movement brain” inform one another, from helping people breathe and stay calm in the legal realm to showing up with empathy in the Pilates studio. Mychele also shares why she prefers “body neutrality” over “body positivity”, and how that body-neutral framework can create a more grounded, sustainable relationship with movement and body image, especially for people who feel left out of mainstream wellness messaging and fitness instruction. You’ll also hear a practical, values-driven discussion on accessibility in Pilates: what it really means to serve underserved populations through inclusive movement practices, why inclusive Pilates programming has to go beyond good intentions, and how Pilates instructors and movement professionals can design welcoming spaces, inclusive language, and accessible fitness training that welcome more bodies without making anyone feel like an afterthought. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.

Pilates Anytime® and its Growth Contribution to Pilates

In this two-part season finale episode, host Joy Puleo sits down with the visionary minds behind Pilates Anytime: first, co-founders John Marston and Kristi Cooper, then current CEO Kira Sloane, to explore how one platform reshaped the global Pilates community. In Part 1, John and Kristi share the story of bringing Pilates online at a time when streaming fitness was just emerging. They reflect on breaking free from rigid definitions of classical Pilates, their mission to represent the full breadth of the practice, and how accessibility and inclusivity are imperative to the future of Pilates. Together, they explore what it means to honor tradition while expanding the reach of Pilates to all bodies, backgrounds, and abilities. In Part 2, Kira Sloane dives into the evolution of leadership and humanity in the Pilates world. From shifting from yoga to Pilates to cultivating the “founder energy” that drives transformation, Kira shares insights on how personal growth and connection are at the heart of meaningful teaching. She discusses the “third space” that emerges in the studio and the “quality of quietude” that defines Pilates—a space where transformation happens through the smallest, most mindful details. This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.