You probably became a Pilates instructor because you wanted a career that was more meaningful, more satisfying, and healthier for you. But now you feel trapped in a routine that is not what you dreamed of. Or even worse - it IS what you dreamed of, but you’re still not happy. In this episode, we talk about how to get unstuck and take positive, effective action to achieve your dream life as a Pilates instructor. You'll learn how to: work the hours you want for the money you want with the clients ...
Oct 02, 2022•1 hr 54 min•Season 2Ep. 106
In this flipped episode, Heath interviews Raph about his journey. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Sep 25, 2022•1 hr 49 min•Season 2Ep. 105
Hannah is building an on-demand Pilates business based on the original Contrology 34 exercises, and with a highly personal touch. Resources mentioned in the episode: Connect with Hannah Ryan online , on IG , and on Youtube Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com...
Sep 11, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 103
Diet culture is a problem, and so is obesity. In an obesogenic environment, we all need to exercise some amount of restraint to avoid obesity. How do we avoid dichotomous thinking and promote positive body image? Join us for an amicable, nuanced discussion. Resources mentioned in the episode: Connect with Laura Gaiter here Emilia Thompson (improve relationship with body/educate self) on IG here Compassionate Coaching Education on IG here Social media use correlates with negative body image and d...
Sep 04, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Season 2Ep. 102
Heath shares his simple framework for programming group classes. This is a straightforward way to progress your clients from wherever they're at, towards the more challenging exercises in the repertoire. Resources mentioned in the episode: Snake/Twist here Tendon stretch here Long back stretch here Layering up to tendon stretch/long back stretch here High bridge here Teaser here Russian squats here Connect with Heath on Instagram here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a ...
Aug 28, 2022•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 101
In this conversation, we discuss some of the differences, and the similarities in the way Pilates is taught and consumed in the UK, Australia, and the US, and how the industry has evolved, and continues to evolve post-pandemic. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the Industry stats here Find Emma-Jayne Rushby online and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a ...
Aug 21, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 100
A lot of us are feeling burnout - but what is it and what can we do about it? If you’ve struggled with burnout and discovered that rest didn’t help - listen in for some constructive ways to move past burnout and get back your passion, energy and enthusiasm. Resources mentioned in the episode: Connect with Natalie on IG here World Health Organization's classification of burnout is an "occupational phenomenon" here Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski's book about burnout here Wendy Suzuki's book ab...
Aug 14, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 99
This episode could be worth literally millions of dollars to you. Josh is an accountant and financial advisor to over 40 Pilates studios and has a unique insider’s view of the financial drivers that make some studios 10x more profitable than others. In this episode, Josh and Raph break down step by step exactly what the best, most profitable studios have in common that enables them to clear $250-$300,000 per year in net profit. Resources mentioned in the episode: Josh's Financial Model: Growth I...
Aug 07, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Season 2Ep. 98
Do we excessively limit our clients from progressing because we hold them to some arbitrary standard like you must do 6 beginner classes before you can come to an intermediate class? Listen in to find out. This is a nuanced discussion of the drawbacks AND benefits of gatekeeping in Pilates. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the followi...
Jul 24, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 97
Phoebe bootstrapped her Pilates business from absolutely zero cash to 7 years later selling it for enough to enable her to buy a house. This is her story, and what she learned along the way. Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy...
Jul 17, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 96
In this wide-ranging conversation, Olivia Bioni, host of the Pilates Teachers Manual and Pilates Students Manual podcasts, talks with Raphael about podcasting, teaching, learning, personal growth, book writing, letting go of shoulds, setting boundaries, reducing perfectionism and more. Resources mentioned in the episode: Find Olivia online here Pilates Teachers Manual podcast here Pilates Students Manual podcast here Olivia’s Masterclass series OG Matwork with Roller here Olivia’s Buy Me A Coffe...
Jul 10, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 95
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 here Nathan’s Reformer Workshop here Kefi Studio in Sydney Australia website here and Insta here Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certificatio...
Jul 03, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 94
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 here Nonagenarians get ripped with high-intensity strength training here Injuries in fitness facilities are mostly caused by people dropping shit on themselves and falling off stuff - not by “incorrect” technique here A lot of the disability from low back...
Jun 26, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 93
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 here Ashley DeLeon's IG here Pilates by Amanda's IG here Find Arketa platform he...
Jun 19, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 92
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_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following thi...
Jun 12, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 91
Many, possibly most of the things we think of as “dysfunctions” in Pilates are in fact just normal variations. Things like: Anterior pelvic tilt Rounded shoulders Asymmetrical range of motion are 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...
Jun 05, 2022•1 hr 48 min•Season 2Ep. 90
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 comp...
May 29, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 89
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_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker...
May 22, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 88
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 here Book a time to talk with Ralph here Stop Posting Workout Videos carousel here Stop Posting Workout Videos whiteboard here Are Ab Curls Safe in Pregnancy? here RISE Pilates here --...
May 15, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 87
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 tribe Realized what her product is (it’s not Pilates) Discovered what it means to her to teach well Natalie 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. ------------------------...
May 08, 2022•1 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 86
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; t...
May 01, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 85
John and Raphael talk through the ups and downs of creating your own thing: How John transitioned from representing the STOTT PILATES brand to representing his own brand The expectation of creating your own business vs the reality of it Work/life balance Imposter syndrome and how to deal with it Finding your tribe The drawbacks of starting your own business The benefits of starting your own business How to deal with haters How to decide if creating your own thing is right for you ---------------...
Apr 24, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 84
What does it mean to be evidence-based, and how can you transition into using a more evidence-based approach? Adam and Raph discuss: Their own experiences of growing beyond their original certifications How to avoid the chasm of nihilism - that feeling of WTF do I do, if I’m not cueing muscles or alignment? How to let yourself be wrong, or not to know the answers How to give yourself permission to try new ways of teaching How to experiment with new ideas How to implement new ways of teaching wit...
Apr 17, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 83
We’ve often talked about the influence of dance in Pilates, but the influence of bodybuilding is also important - in fact, it’s so pervasive it’s invisible. Many of the things we take for granted in Pilates in fact are just bodybuilding conventions, not facts of exercise science, and they certainly weren’t part of Joseph Pilates’ original vision. Things like: Isolating muscles Thinking about aesthetics as the primary goal of exercise Working to fatigue and seeking the burn Overcomplicating our p...
Apr 10, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 82
Many people in the Pilates world, and in the movement world, in general, believe you should charge a “fair” price for your services, and that making too much money is a sign you’re doing something morally reprehensible, and that those ill-gotten profits must come at the expense of your poor clients. Quite the reverse is true in Dan’s case and, we argue, in just about all cases. Making lots of profit is not mutually exclusive with profoundly helping people. You can do both. Dan is living proof. I...
Apr 03, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 81
Pilates as performance, or Pilates as practice? Inspirational teacher or aspirational teacher? Are we lesser descendants of our Pilates Ancestors? All this and more. -------------------------------------- About Anula Maiberg: Anula doesn’t believe in sharing a list of her accomplishments. She finds the experience much too self-congratulating. How to Connect with Anula: Find Anula on Instagram here Find Anula's class schedule here About Raphael Bender: Raph believes everyone deserves the opportun...
Mar 27, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Jean Campbell has developed an intriguing business model for her yoga business that is easily applicable for a Pilates business. Jean’s model, which she spent the last 2 decades perfecting, is for people who don’t want to have a studio with employees, and who are entrepreneurial, or more accurately solo-preneurial. This low-cost solo business model will enable you to make VERY good money with almost no overhead or setup cost, and you can set your own hours; as few or as many as you want. Even be...
Mar 20, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Ivan Lin was the lead author on a 2019 review of high-quality clinical practice guidelines from around the world. In this episode, we unpack just what IS best practice for working with musculoskeletal pain, according to current science? Resources mentioned in the episode: Lin et al. (2019). What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines: a systematic review here Lin et al. (2013). Disabling chronic...
Mar 13, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Ashley Brien is 4 weeks into her Pilates certification at the time of recording - she shares her journey, the challenges of studying with two children under 4, the mental hurdles to following your dreams, and the excitement of leaning into something she loves. How to Connect with Ashley Brien: Find Ashley on Instagram Connect with me on Instagram : @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info *...
Mar 06, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Most of us have encountered a client who “has tried everything” for their chronic pain, “but nothing helps.” You know that Pilates can help, but negativity and feelings of despair stand in the client’s way. In this episode, Our guest David Hartmann, a highly experienced family relationship therapist and Cloe’s dad shares tips for helping people change from a mental health perspective. -------------------------------- How to Connect with Cloe and her dad, David Hartmann: Find Cloe on Instagram Co...
Feb 27, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 76
