In this episode, Raphael and Heath challenge the myth that Pilates doesn’t build strength. They break down the science of strength adaptations, clarify what “strength” really means, and explain how Pilates can be a legitimate strength training method—when done right. Key Topics: What counts as “strength” and how it’s measured Why effort (not burn or soreness) drives adaptation How load, reps, and proximity to failure matter more than equipment Debunking common myths around bodyweight vs. externa...
Jun 29, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 315
Five months ago, Brian Darsie opened the doors to his Pilates studio. He had never taught a group Pilates class outside his certification course. Since then, he’s taken a two-week holiday, and last month, he hit $30k revenue and $16k profit—all without working insane hours. In this episode, Brian shares the mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and simple systems that helped him grow fast without burnout. If you’re a Pilates instructor or studio owner, this is your proof that success doesn’t have ...
Jun 22, 2025•2 hr 36 min•Season 4Ep. 314
You’ve heard it a thousand times: strength comes from control. But what if that’s only half true? In this episode, we challenge the dogma, unpack the nuance, and explore where real strength actually comes from—in Pilates and beyond. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram : @contrologycollective Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Teaching Mastery Program This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https:...
Jun 15, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 313
Natalie shares how she navigated fear, self-doubt, and career pivots—and what made the difference. If you’re thinking about change, this is how to do it right. And some pitfalls to avoid! Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram : @nataliewilsonpilates Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Teaching Mastery Program This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Jun 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 312
In this episode, Raphael talks with Natalie—a Pilates instructor who faced her fears, took imperfect action, and built a new life teaching Pilates. They explore: Why waiting to feel “ready” holds so many people back. How Natalie pushed through fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. What it really looks like to take the leap while still feeling scared. The power of trusting the process, even when it’s uncomfortable. -listen if you’ve been holding back, waiting for confidence to come first. Nata...
Jun 01, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 311
In this episode, Raphael and Nicole cut through the noise around strength training—and explain why it’s way simpler than most Pilates instructors think. They break down: Why you don’t need to chase “the burn,” perfect form, or sore muscles. What actually creates strength gains (hint: it’s not magic or mystery). The 5 key adaptations that happen when you get stronger. How to know if you’re lifting enough, even with bodyweight or light equipment. Why overthinking keeps instructors (and clients) we...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 310
Charisma isn’t magic—it’s a skill you can practice. In this episode, we break down the four elements of charisma—technical expertise, body language, vocal tone, and emotional intelligence—and how each one helps you connect, lead, and inspire. Whether you’re naturally introverted or born with “resting Zen face,” this episode will teach you to be magnetic. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram : @nataliewilsonpilates Download a free course guide: Pilat...
May 18, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 309
Not sure what to do when a client shares a diagnosis with you at the start of class? Here’s the simple framework to stay calm, take action, and lead like a pro. Summary: Raphael and Natalie break down simple, actionable strategies for Pilates instructors when faced with unknown client conditions moments before class. Learn how to stay calm, ask the right questions, simplify your programming, and empower clients without overcomplicating. Key Takeaways: Let go of being the “expert fixer” Ask: “Whe...
May 11, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 308
Heath and Raph unpack why good form isn’t always desirable. They break down the difference between skill and strength training, explain when “ugly” movement signals progress, and share how to program smarter by revisiting exercises with different loads. A must-listen for Pilates instructors who want results. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heathon Instagram : @contrologycollective Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Teaching Mastery Program This pod...
May 04, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 307
Still saying “engage your core” or “axial elongation”? In this episode, Raphael and Natalie break down why so many Pilates cues are confusing, ineffective—or just made up. Learn what makes a cue actually work and how to stop sounding like a Pilates thesaurus. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @ nataliewilsonpilates Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - ht...
Apr 27, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 306
Most of us were trained to teach using outdated methods designed for boutique studios in the ‘90s. But tonight it's 2025 and Pilates is different now. In this episode, we unpack why group teaching feels so hard — and why it’s not your fault . You don’t need more confidence. You need the right tools. Whether you’re teaching 6 or 16, this convo with Heath Lander will show you how to teach large groups powerfully, effectively, and without burning out. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbend...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 305
A client fell off a reformer—and Instagram exploded. Raph and Natalie unpack what really causes falls, why blame isn’t helpful, and how instructors can prevent injuries without turning class into a snoozefest. Expect practical teaching tips, clear cueing advice, and no-punches-pulled commentary. See the IG post that sparked this episode here: https://www.instagram.com/share/__WA9aFjk Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie Wilson on IG here Download a free course g...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 304
This episode is Part 2 of a live lecture I gave for our Diploma students at Breathe Education — and it picks up where last week’s episode left off. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and do that first. It covers all the foundational concepts about what strength actually is, and how it works in the body. This episode builds on those ideas and will make way more sense once you’ve got that base. Heads up : This one’s visual. To get the most out of it, download the lecture slides and fol...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 4Ep. 303
This episode is a recording of a live lecture I gave on the Physiology of Strength Training for our Diploma students at Breathe Education. If you want it to actually make sense — and go deep — I highly recommend downloading the PDF lecture notes and following along while you listen. Download the notes here : https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/Diploma%202024%20Physiology%20of%20strength%20training.pdf In this episode you’ll learn: Why strength ≠ hypertrophy The 5 actual mechanisms tha...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Season 4Ep. 302
I think there are 2 incorrect assumptions that lead people to the mistaken idea that isolation exercises are useful - they're not. I break down those beliefs, make the case for using simple compound movements, and share the top 6 movements I use with clients (and myself). Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Mar 23, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 301
I think we go about this all wrong in Pilates. In this episode, I share my (non-legally binding) thoughts. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Mar 16, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 300
These are the strategies I used in my own studio, and that I use with my coaching clients to increase profits quickly. Enjoy. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Mar 09, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 299
In this episode, we break down the key research on hypermobility and scoliosis, cutting through myths and weak evidence. Learn how hypermobility affects pain sensitivity, the real relationship between scoliosis and back pain, and why most exercise studies for scoliosis are low-quality. If you’re a movement professional or just curious about the science, this episode is for you. What we'll cover: What hypermobility really is and how it affects more than just the joints Does scoliosis actually cau...
Mar 02, 2025•1 hr 54 min•Season 4Ep. 298
Probably everything you were taught in your certification about back pain is wrong. Lifting heavy doesn’t wreck your spine. “Bad posture” isn’t the cause. Avoiding movement? That’s likely making things worse. In this episode, we break down the myth that spinal load and “incorrect movement” cause low back pain. We’ll cover: Why research shows no strong link between lifting and chronic back pain. The biopsychosocial factors that matter far more than technique. How Pilates instructors can help clie...
Feb 23, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 297
This is what we've learned over a decade and a half of building a successful business with amazing people - how to attract the exact right people - the answer might surprise you! Read about Breathe Education Culture here: https://breathe-education.com/culture/ Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Feb 16, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 296
In this episode, I share my thoughts on why we should spend less time on fine details, and more time on working our clients through range, under load, with control. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Feb 09, 2025•18 min•Season 4Ep. 295
Why are we still hanging on to the idea of neutral spine in the Pilates world? It's not even part of Pilates, and it's certainly not science-based. Plus, it's just plain illogical. Resources mentioned in the episode: You can bias lower abs from upper abs by doing posterior pelvic tilt vs ab curl here People with LBP lift with LESS flexion in their lumbar spine here There was low-quality evidence that greater lumbar spine flexion during lifting was not a risk factor for LBP onset/persistence or a...
Feb 02, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 294
In this episode, Raphael Bender chats with Bernadett Gazsi, a Dallas-based Pilates instructor who transitioned her business online to help moms overcome back pain. Bernadett shares: • How her clinical Pilates education ignited her purpose. • Strategies for building a remote business while moving across continents. • Insights into high-touch client care, group sessions, and fostering progress. • Lessons learned, including the importance of clarity, action, and perseverance. • Balancing motherhood...
Jan 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 293
I talk through a recent study looking at whether strict form gives better results from exercise. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in the episode here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Jan 19, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 292
Can you reduce activation of one muscle, by increasing activation of another? Find out in this episode. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in this episode here . Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Jan 12, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 291
You can watch this episode on YouTube here Free workshop on how to track these KPIs plus a free Google Sheet here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Jan 05, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 290
Do biomechanics predict running injuries? Learn how to move beyond single-factor thinking, the 80/20 of injury prevention, and why simple changes like increasing cadence can reduce risk. Clear, actionable tips for Pilates instructors to help clients run injury-free, or rehab injured runners. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Citations and my notes for this episode are in a Google Doc here Watch this episode on...
Dec 29, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 289
Flow is a cornerstone of Pilates, but can there be too much of a good thing? Raphael Bender and Heath Lander dive into the balance between seamless transitions and overwhelming choreography. Learn how to harness flow to keep your clients engaged, avoid common pitfalls, and create transformative sessions that leave them saying, “Where did the time go?!” Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the fo...
Dec 22, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 288
This episode is my Christmas gift to you: a done-for-you promo that will help you attract new clients, increase revenue, and make your current clients feel like the ultimate gift-givers. 🎁 I'm releasing this episode a day earlier than usual to give you an extra day to run the promo. What’s Inside: How to run a $270 gift card promo for just $50, to generate new clients Step-by-step instructions and a timeline. Why this strategy works to grow your studio. Ready to launch your promo? Grab the emai...
Dec 14, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 287
The most versatile, valuable exercises to know (like the back of your hand) to master group reformer programming and teaching. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Dec 08, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 286
