Pilates Elephants

Nathan started an odyssey around Australia where he has so far visited, attended class, and taught at 88 Pilates studios and counting. He shares his observations and views on what makes great instructors and a great class.Resources mentioned in the episode: Nathan Ross Rees Instagram here and website hereNathan’s Reformer Workshop hereKefi Studio in Sydney Australia website here and Insta hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Do we focus too much on gentle movement in Pilates? Could our clients benefit from more vigorous exercises and more progression over time?Maybe the answer is different for different countries. Resources mentioned in the episode: Liftmor trial hereNonagenarians get ripped with high-intensity strength training hereInjuries in fitness facilities are mostly caused by people dropping shit on themselves and falling off stuff - not by “incorrect” technique hereA lot of the disability from low back pain is caused by well-meaning health and fitness professionals scaring the shit out of their clients herePersistence hunting is a likely explanation of how humans fed ourselves for several hundred thousand years even though we’re weaker, slower and less ferocious than almost everything we hunt hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Right now, there is an unprecedented proliferation of exciting and creative ways for Pilates professionals to make a great living, and one of them is building your own on-demand platform.Ruth Bruno has done that, and in this conversation, she shares the good, the bad and the numbers of exactly how to build your own online, on-demand Pilates business.Resources mentioned in the episode:Connect with Ruth Bruno on IG hereAshley DeLeon's IG herePilates by Amanda's IG here Find Arketa platform here (not a sponsored link)Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

If you struggle with selling this is for you!This is a nitty gritty how-to guide to having effective sales conversations, that end in the client buying something that will solve their problem, and you making a profit.Resources mentioned in the episode: Access the Google sheet here. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Many, possibly most of the things we think of as “dysfunctions” in Pilates are in fact just normal variations. Things like:Anterior pelvic tiltRounded shouldersAsymmetrical range of motionare highly prevalent in pain-free people and do not predict injury. In fact, 80% of pain-free people have anterior pelvic tilt; so is it really a “tilt” or is it just the shape of the human pelvis?Even hypermobility & scoliosis are arguably not the cause of pain, or increased pain, and don’t need to be (nor can they be) “corrected” or “protected” by exercise.Raph and Natalie talk through:What is the evidence that these things are not pathologies?Why do we pathologize normal?What should we do instead?Resources mentioned in the episode:80% of pain-free people have anterior pelvic tilt hereAnterior pelvic tilt is not related to hip muscle tightness or strength hereSurgery is not more effective than exercise for hip impingement and labral tears hereSubacromial decompression for shoulder impingement is 100% placebo hereIn fact ALL surgeries for musculoskeletal pain are not better than placebo hereEarly MRI causes harm here and the value of MRI for musculoskeletal pain results in more harm than benefit hereStabilization exercise works better if you THINK your back is unstable hereThere is very weak correlation between scoliosis curve magnitude and back pain here and herePain in hypermobile people is not related to joint angle here but is more likely a result of higher pain sensitivity of the central nervous system hereCurrent ACSM guidelines hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

TW: This episode contains content about substance abuse and addiction. We acknowledge that this may be difficult and encourage you to care for your safety and well-being by talking to your healthcare professional if any of the issues in this show have affected you. This is the inspiring story of how Pilates helped Rebecca Solberg overcome addiction and find connection, meaning and peace.Pilates is not a substitute for working with a mental health professional. But it can sure be an amazing complement.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Do you struggle with limiting beliefs around selling? Do you feel “icky”? Do you think your product is Pilates?If so, listen to this episode to get your mind right and learn how to sell your sessions more easily, and without any of the baggage.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationVisualized AnatomyBecome a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Seeking unity and advocating for change are often in tension with each other. How do we navigate the Pilates industry of the 21st Century for maximum unity and respect whilst also encouraging evidence-based practice and updated narratives?Resources mentioned in the episode: Purchase Raph’s book for only USD $4.99 hereBook a time to talk with Ralph hereStop Posting Workout Videos carousel hereStop Posting Workout Videos whiteboard hereAre Ab Curls Safe in Pregnancy? hereRISE Pilates here--------------------------------About Amy Hedger:Amy is the founder of A.FORM Pilates with over 5 years of experience instructing in various cities such as Melbourne and London. She believes there is no right ‘form’ of Pilates but what works best for the individual. Furthering her skill set in completing her Diploma in Clinical and Rehabilitation Pilates with Breathe Education, Amy coaches all levels of capabilities offering expert knowledge. She constantly strives to make her clients the strongest and most resilient they can be, both mentally and physically.How to Connect with Amy:Find Amy Hedger on Instagram and LinkedIn Find Amy online HERE About Raphael Bender:Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.How to Connect with Raphael:Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and TwitterFind Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbenderDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

If you’ve struggled to maintain your passion and excitement for teaching, and particularly if you’ve struggled with imposter syndrome this episode is for you. We talk candidly about how Natalie:Found her tribeRealized what her product is (it’s not Pilates)Discovered what it means to her to teach wellNatalie is a breast cancer survivor and is currently using Pilates to rehabilitate after a double mastectomy. We discuss her rehab journey so far and what she’s learning.--------------------------------About Natalie Wilson:Born and raised in Hawaii, Natalie’s foundation in movement comes from years of training in the native dances of Hawaii and Tahiti.  After college, Natalie pursued a career in social work and mental health.  She discovered Pilates after the birth of her second child and loved how the practice gave her renewed strength, energy, and focus. Desiring a career shift, Natalie enrolled in a comprehensive Pilates training program, graduating in early 2017.  In addition, Natalie received her National Pilates Certification in 2020 and her Pilates Certification from Breathe Education in February 2022.  She currently teaches at Vitality Pilates as well as the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and too many houseplants.  How to Connect with Natalie:Find Natalie on InstagramAbout Raphael Bender:Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.How to Connect with Raphael:Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and TwitterFind Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbenderPurchase Raph's new book:Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part hereDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

TW: This episode contains content about disordered eating & body dysmorphia. We acknowledge that this may be difficult and encourage you to care for your safety and well-being by talking to your healthcare professional if any of the issues in this show have affected you. Diet culture has infiltrated Pilates and is evident in many of the usual practices many of us do, like cueing, marketing our services and even encouraging our clients.Jade and Raph try hard to disagree but basically fail; they talk about:What are diet culture and fatphobiaWhy fitness is a better measure of health than body shape or fatnessWhy fitness (or Pilates) challenges can be problematic, and how to reframe your fitness challenge so it’s body neutralWhy we don’t need to focus on working individual body parts, how it can be problematic, and what to do instead to motivate your clientsHow to change your language to be more body neutralWhy Pilates instructors shouldn’t be giving dietary adviceThe many incredible benefits of exercise that aren’t related to how you lookAnd moreResources mentioned in this episode:Tally Rye book Train Happy here  Meet physical activity guidelines and halve your chance of dying of any cause in the next 10 years hereMeeting physical activity guidelines reduces your risk of diabetes 39% and cardiovascular disease 60% hereFitness is vastly more important than fatness for heart health hereFitness is more important than body mass index for predicting someone’s risk of dying at any age hereRun app link hereWendy Suzuki TED talk: The Brain-changing benefits of exercise hereFearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia hereThe Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women here--------------------------------About Jade Ritchi:Jade Ritchi is an Australian Pilates Instructor living in Los Angeles and is a current Breathe Education Diploma of Clinical Pilates student. Jade worked as a hairdresser for the majority of her career, but she has always had a passion for exercise and loves making people feel good. She described herself as a feminist, movement optimist and coffee snob.Jade has struggled with disordered eating for more than half her entire life and is passionate about making people aware of the perils of diet culture. How to Connect with Jade:Find Jade on Instagram and TiktokAbout Raphael Bender:Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.How to Connect with Raphael:Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and TwitterFind Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbenderPurchase Raph's new book:Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part hereDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy