Pilates Elephants

352. Adam McAtee - We Don't Get to Redefine Physics

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

While we can adapt Pilates to the laws of physiology, we cannot change the definition of technical words like "strength" just to fit a specific teaching style or Pilates philosophy.

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351. Nathan Ross Rees - Total Instructor Accountability

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Nathan makes the case that instructors should take 100% responsibility for filling our classes.

If our attendance is low,we should see that as a personal indicator that something in the experience or connection is missing.

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350. The Law of the Spring:

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +1100

A common mistake is assuming that two Pilates exercises are the same just because they look identical.

However, the actual "exercise" depends on where the load and force are being applied.

Nerd out with us.

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349. Great Instructors Fill Classes

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Studios hire Pilates instructors to fill classes with happy clients.

If your instructors' classes are not full, by definition are not good at their job - yet.

As a studio owner, it's your job to help them become good!

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348. Progressing Strength, Flexibility & Skill In Pilates

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:15:00 +1100

Every Pilates exercise trains strength, range of motion, and skill.

We explore how to progress your clients intelligently by adjusting one dimension at a time to build capacity, clarity, and confidence in movement.

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347. Why “Quiet the Big Muscles” Is Wrong

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:30:00 +1100

Special shout out to Adam McAtee for this post

Citations in these episodes:

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346. Why Dallas sold half her studio - then bought it back

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Dallas Noerdlinger (Core Pilates, Oklahoma City) shares why she sold 50% of her studio during pregnancy, what changed in the business and culture, and how she bought it back.

We talk boutique vs franchise positioning, keeping instructors happy, managing owner overwhelm, and the “unlimited membership” + waitlist problem—plus practical fixes for capacity, pricing, and schedule structure.

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345. Where Should I Be Feeling This?

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:30:00 +1100

The most useful kind of body awareness is mostly unconscious and automatic control, like a cat. This is built through practice, not narration.

Links:

Glute activation drills increase perception but not actual glute activation here
Episode 160 "Can we even feel muscles activating?" here

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344. Text Neck Isn’t Causing Your Neck Pain

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Studies mentioned in this episode:

2025 longitudinal study finds text neck is not associated with future neck pain here
2023 systematic review of interventions for neck pain finds strengthening works here
2017 Chen et al. systematic review finds neck strengthening is the most effective intervention for workplace neck pain - more effective than posture or ergonomic advice here

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343. Why Your Clients Don’t Show Up (Even When They Want To)

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Your clients don’t skip Pilates because they don’t care.

They skip because the system asks them to do work they don’t have the capacity for.

In this short episode, Raphael shares:

Why flexibility often reduces attendance
The paradox of overwhelm: needing structure but lacking the bandwidth to create it
How studios unintentionally design for no-shows and drop-off
A simple shift from “choice” to “default” that increases consistency and retention

If your clients say they “don’t have time”, this episode explains what’s really happening and how to fix it.

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342. 3 Pilates exercises walk into a bar...

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

What do flamingo, arms in straps and knee pulls have in common?

They look different. They feel different.

They’re secretly doing the exact same thing.

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341. There's a grape under your back

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

A Pilates cue goes off the rails and exposes everything we get wrong about “perfect form.” Expect heresy, biomechanics, and a very small grape that ruins neutral forever.

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340. What's the minimum effective dose of Pilates for strengthening?

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

How much Pilates do you need to do to get stronger?

Probably less than you think!

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339. Is Pilates Education Increasing Our Risk Of Injury?

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Resources:

Strength training reduces injury risk substantially here and here and here
Resistance training itself is a very safe activity here and here
Foot pronation increases risk of shin splints here, but has no effect on overall injury risk here and there is minimal evidence that any biomechanical variable predicts running injuries here
Knee valgus does not predict future ACL injury here

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338. The 3 Skills That Differentiate Average Pilates Instructors From Superstars

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:15:00 +1100

What to look for when coaching your team - or critiquing your own classes.

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337. What are lunges for?

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

The humble lunge - there's a LOT more there than meets the eye. We go there - biomechanics, cueing, how to layer it and why most instructors don't get the full value from it.

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336. How Build A Studio That Attracts VIP Clients with Patricia Robinson

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode Patricia Robinson from Pilates Vita, London, breaks down how she built a boutique, premium-priced Pilates studio serving VIP clients in Kensington.

Find Patricia here:

https://www.pilatesvita.com/

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335. How Ana is making €100k+ teaching Pilates in a Tiny Dutch Town

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

The story of how Ana Maria Borrero went from from €17/hr employee to nearly €10k/month in revenue with 6 reformers, 20 classes, and a waitlist in a small Dutch town.

Find Ana here:

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334. Leaving Classpass with Sari Sadhati

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Many studio owners have a love/hate relationship with Classpass - Sari and I have an honest conversation about the pros and cons, and why (and how) her studios are leaving Classpass.

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333. What To Cue (It's Not What You Think)

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

There IS a right thing to cue in each exercise in Pilates. Here's how to know what it is.

Bonus - There is no consistent pattern of muscle activation in the prone hip extension test. Except that gluteus maximus is consistently the last muscle to activate - here

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332. You're using layers wrong, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Many instructors use layers, but most miss the most powerful part of this amazing programming tool.

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331. 100 First Visits/Month With $0 Ads - Cassie & Henry from Sunny Space studio

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Cassie and Henry from Sunny Space Studio share how they grew their reformer studio in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, to $65k a month within a year - without spending a dollar on ads.

They break down how they attract over 100 first visits per month through exceptional client experience, brand consistency, and word of mouth. Plus how they train loyal clients into instructors, create SOPs that scale, and keep classes sold out with clear standards and warm service.

This episode is a playbook for studio owners doing $10k+ who want to grow fast, without chaos or burnout.

Check out Sunny Space here: https://www.sunnyspacestudio.ca/

And on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sunnyspace.studio

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330. How this husband & wife team built 2 thriving studios in 1 year - Laura & Sam from Form & Flow UK

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Laura and Sam from Form & Flow Pilates share how they grew from one to two thriving studios in a year. They reveal the systems, standards, and teamwork that made it possible—and how they balance marriage, business, and growth without burnout.

Find Laura and Sam's studios here: https://formandflow.co.uk/

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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329. Boundaries protect culture - with Alison Ward of Pilates Process Vancouver

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Pilates Process Vancouver co-owner Alison Ward shares how clear boundaries protect studio culture, staff morale, and client respect.

We dive into setting policies, holding firm under pressure, and why saying no can actually grow your business.

Find Pilates Process Vancouver here: https://www.pilatesprocessvancouver.ca/

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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328. Why You Shouldn't Offer Mat, Yoga or Barre In Your Studio

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Most studio owners think offering more types of movement classes will attract more clients.

In this episode, I explain why those formats actually hurt your studio by lowering margins, confusing your brand, and competing with cheap alternatives.

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327. What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Pilates Studio, with Laura Saggers and Raphael Bender

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Laura Saggers joins me to share the real story behind expanding from one to two Pilates studios.

We cover the unexpected challenges of growth, what worked at one location but not the other, and how she navigated ClassPass, staffing, and competition.

If you’re considering opening a second studio, this conversation will show you what no one tells you before you take the leap.

Find Laura here:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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326. How a 23-Year-Old Built a Waitlisted Pilates Studio in Just 1 Year, with Chelsea McBride and Raphael Bender

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1100

At just 23, Chelsea McBride turned personal struggles into purpose and built a Pilates studio that filled up so fast she had to close the books.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Chelsea:

Grew from teaching private sessions at home to running 50 weekly reformer classes with 11 beds.
Built a team of six
Created so much demand she now has a waitlist for new clients
All in a town of only 15,000 people

Connect with Chelsea:

Online https://www.themindandbodyclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindandbodyclub

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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325. How to build a loyal community, with Sara Leach and Raphael Bender

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Sara Leach, owner of Downtown Pilates in Mississippi, shares how she built a thriving reformer studio serving mostly 50+ clients, scaled to six teachers, and runs 40+ classes a week. We dive into how she built an incredibly tight and loyal community, plus key challenges she faces in her business.

Connect with Sara and Downtown Pilates Studio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dpstudios042
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dPstudios042

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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324. The Biggest Hiring Mistake Studio Owners Make - And How To Fix It

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1100

We discuss:

How to tell if you've made this hiring mistake (you almost certainly have)
How to properly filter potential hires
Practical steps to get your existing team delivering a consistent high quality experience
The exact hiring process we used to set up our studio for growth and retention

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323. Why the best instructors encourage messy form, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Heath and Raphael challenge the myth that flawless form makes for safe, effective Pilates. They discuss why, and when, form should “fall apart” in strength and balance work, how load, not alignment, predicts injury, and why real progress comes from reps at the edge of fatigue and wobble.

Bootsy's Basic Funk Formula: https://youtu.be/IHE6hZU72A4?si=1MMYdLpKd6UVjoo1

Connect with me Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective

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322. From Zero to $23K/mo in 34 Days: Jennifer Tan’s Pilates Studio Launch in the Philippines

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Jennifer Tan opened Bacolod’s first reformer Pilates boutique, Madila Pilates, and hit $23K revenue with 87% margins in her first month.

She shares her journey from student success team member to thriving studio owner, why she expanded just weeks after launch, and the strategies fueling her rapid growth.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find Madila Pilates online here and on Instagram here
Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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321. When did Pilates become so obsessed with specific cues? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Pilates is all about cueing specific muscles, neutral spine and avoiding locking your joints, right?

Often - yes. But it wasn't always that way. In fact all those things have flipped 180 degrees over the years since Joseph Pilates' day.

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320. The 5 stages of Pilates studio business, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:15:00 +1100

These are the 5 predictable stages every Pilates studio owner goes through — from dreamer to thriving CEO. Exactly what breaks, plus what to do to grow at each stage.

Stage 0 – Wantrepreneur

Stuck in planning mode. No revenue.

Fix: Stop thinking, start doing. Follow Ep 273 for exact steps.

Stage 1 – Solopreneur ($1k–$10k/mo)

Teaching, cleaning, selling — overwhelmed.

Fix: Raise prices, set client boundaries, focus on one offer, outsource admin.

Stage 2 – Builder ($10k–$40k/mo)

Small team, people problems, misalignment.

Fix: Get clear on values, enforce standards, fire low performers, track key metrics.

Stage 3 – Entrepreneur ($30k–$60k/mo)

Great first studio, second struggles.

Fix: Nail positioning, document systems to scale team and quality.

Stage 4 – CEO ($50k–$100k/mo)

Multi-location chaos, communication breakdown.

Fix: Install leadership systems, clarify roles, trim fat, build a real marketing team, and define a cash-positive growth model.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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319. How to make your Pilates studio stand out in a sea of competitors, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1100

This is for Pilates studio owners who are feeling pressure from an explosion of new studios offering the latest fads and undercutting prices.

This is a step-by-step practical, battle-tested strategy to stand out without racing to the bottom or chasing trends.

Here's the study I mention - 65% of people think they're above average intelligence: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0200103

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318. The Myth of Hands-on, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Why we changed our minds on hands-on cueing in Pilates.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Listen to Ep. 160. 'Can we even feel muscles activating' here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective

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317. New Prenatal Guidelines with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1100

ACSM's new pre and postnatal exercise guidelines just came out, and there are several substantial changes. We talk through them, the evidence behind each one, and what they mean for Pilates instructors.

Links:

Narrative review of exercise dose during pregnancy here
Exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes here
Systematic review of supine exercise during pregnancy here
Systematic review on the benefits of aerobic and resistance training on maternal health and perinatal outcomes here
Resistance training reduces need for insulin in pregnant women with gestational diabetes here
ACOG position on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum here
ACSM's Guidelines for exercise testing and prescription 12th ed here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @clinicalpilatescoach

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316. Why Simplicity Wins in the Studio, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Raph and Heath share their journey from rigid STOTT Pilates rules to a science-backed, minimalist approach to teaching.

Discover why doing less—fewer cues, less correction, and simpler programming—gets clients better results, more flow, and deeper engagement.

Connect with me Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective

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315. Can Pilates Make You Stronger? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +1100

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. external load
How to apply strength principles in Pilates for real results

Takeaway for Instructors:

You can—and should—train your clients for strength using Pilates. This episode will give you the tools to do it.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective

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314. From Zero to $30k/Month in 5 Months – Brian’s Story, with Brian Darsie and Raphael Bender

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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 to take years.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Brian on Instagram: @anandbriand

Find Redwood Studio here: https://www.redwoodpilates.studio/ or on IG

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313. ‘True Strength Comes From Control’ — Really? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +1100

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

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312. Change Is Good – If You Do It Right, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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311. Do it scared, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +1100

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.

Natalie proves that courage comes from action—not the other way around.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilates

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310. Strengthening: Simpler (but not easier) than you think, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 25 May 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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) weak—and what to do instead.

Nicole shares practical, science-backed insights that will empower you to:

Teach strength with clarity and confidence.
Stop relying on guesswork, soreness, or Instagram trends.
Understand how strength improves health, longevity, and quality of life—especially for women 40+.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @clinicalpilatescoach

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309. Why Some Instructors Light Up The Room - and How You Can Too, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 18 May 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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308. What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do, with Natalie Wilson & Raphael Bender

Sun, 11 May 2025 15:00:00 +1100

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: “When did it start?” and “How did it happen?”
Teach simple, layered exercises (think In-N-Out Burger style)
Focus on strength, range, and control — not diagnoses
Treat clients like everyone else and let them self-regulate
Do homework afterward using trusted sources, not random Googling

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilates

Download a free course guide:

Mentioned in this episode:

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307. Why Pilates Should Look Ugly Sometimes, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 04 May 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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306. The Jibber-Jabber Episode - Why Your Cues Aren't Landing, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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305. Tonight We're Gonna Teach Reformer Like It's 1996, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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_raphaelbender

Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective

Download a free course guide:

Pilates Certification

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304. Reformer Faceplant! Who’s to Blame, and What to Do Instead, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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Pilates Certification

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303. The Science of Results: How to Design Sessions That Actually Work, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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 follow along while you listen.

Download the slides here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/Diploma%202024%20How%20to%20build%20strength.pdf

In this episode you’ll learn:

What actually creates strength — and why most Pilates programs miss it
How to deliver real change for clients without more time or harder workouts
The simple cues and tweaks that turn “movement” into actual progress
Why exercises need to be hard enough to work — and how to know if they are
How often you really need to train to maintain, build, or maximize strength
Why stability, long muscle lengths, and rest matter more than fancy choreography
How to make Pilates-based sessions more effective — without changing your style
The truth about core training and why it’s not what you think
How to use strength principles to get better results starting tomorrow

Whether you’re a Pilates instructor, personal trainer, or movement nerd — this will open your eyes to what really drives results, and how to start applying it right away.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Find Breathe Education on Instagram and on Facebook

Download a free course guide:

Pilates Certification

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302. Everything you know about strengthening is probably wrong, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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 that make you stronger
Why lifting to failure builds muscle — even with light weights
Why muscle activation, soreness, and “feeling the burn” don’t matter
What you really need to do to build strength (and what to ignore)

Whether you’re a Pilates instructor, personal trainer, or just a strength nerd — this one will probably blow your mind.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Pilates Certification

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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301. Why Isolation Exercises Are A Waste Of Time, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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Pilates Certification

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300. What is the Scope of Practice of a Pilates Instructor? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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Pilates Certification

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299. How to 5x Profit In Your Studio In 90 Days, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 18:15:00 +1100

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

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298. Hypermobility & Scoliosis: What Science Actually Says, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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 cause pain?
The surprising lack of strong evidence for scoliosis-specific exercise
Practical takeaways for movement professionals

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Download PDF lecture notes with citations here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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297. The Biggest Back Pain Myth, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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 clients move with confidence, not fear.

References mentioned in the episode:

Insufficient Evidence for Load as the Primary Cause of Nonspecific (Chronic) Low Back Pain. A Scoping Review here
Should Exercises Be Painful in the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis here, your biggest takeaway or share this with a fellow instructor!

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Mentioned in this episode:

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296. Why Can't I Find Good Staff For My Pilates Studio? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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295. Stop focussing on minutae, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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294. The case for loaded spinal flexion, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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 differentiator of people with and without LBP here
Spine posture in general has not been shown to be a causal factor in LBP according to a systematic review of systematic reviews in 2020 here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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293. Building an Online Pilates Business: From Pain to Purpose, with Bernadett Gazsi and Raphael Bender

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Listen for inspiration on taking bold steps, learning through action, and creating a meaningful impact.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Bernadette online here, on Instagram, and Facebook
Connect with Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender
Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification and Visualized Anatomy

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292. Is strict form necessary for results? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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:

Mentioned in this episode:

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291. Is reciprocal inhibition a thing? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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:

Mentioned in this episode:

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290. Get Out Of Overwhelm - 3 Simple Metrics To Fix Your Pilates Studio, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +1100

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

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289. Do Biomechanics Matter For Running Injury Prevention? with Raphael Bender

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +1100

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:

Citations and my notes for this episode are in a Google Doc here

Watch this episode on YouTube here

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288. Is Too Much Flow Hurting Your Classes? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +1100

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:

Mentioned in this episode:

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287. My Christmas Gift To You - A Proven Promo To Boost Your Studio Revenue

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:30:00 +1100

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 email templates and terms of use here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ORSyqxYRhjSkE74YMVwl4AypOenndJOoGwIu9btnhks/edit?usp=sharing

Set it up today, and watch your studio thrive this holiday season! 🎄

Watch this as a video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PuwdQ0vVkls

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286. All-time top 5 group reformer exercises, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +1100

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

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285. Simple, Not Easy: What Separates Great Pilates Teachers, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raph sits down with Heath Lander to explore a surprising truth: great Pilates teaching is simple—but not easy.

They discuss why simplicity is the ultimate challenge for instructors and how it sets the best apart from the rest. You'll learn how to focus on what really matters, avoid over-complicating your teaching, and deliver classes that inspire and transform your clients.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this conversation will challenge your approach and leave you thinking differently about what it takes to be exceptional.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Mentioned in this episode:

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284. How to REALLY progress your Pilates clients, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raphael Bender and Heath Lander break down how to truly progress your Pilates clients for long-term health, happiness, and longevity. They challenge conventional wisdom about progression, spring settings, and perfect form, offering practical insights to elevate your teaching.

For more insights, tune in to the full episode on YouTube.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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283. The surprisingly nuanced link between movement quality and back pain, with Kevin Wernli and Raphael Bender

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raphael Bender and Dr. Kevin Wernli dive into the surprisingly nuanced relationship between movement and pain. They explore why changing movement patterns doesn’t always reduce pain, (and when it can!) the limits of the biomechanical model, and how beliefs and context play a crucial role. Discover actionable insights for Pilates instructors on fostering more effective, evidence-based approaches to managing low back pain.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Does movement change when back pain changes? Systematic Review here
Kevin’s case series here
Qualitative interviews here
Gracely 1986 dentist study here

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vjpyxHr3lLY

About Kevin Wernlin:

Kevin is a Physiotherapist from Perth, Western Australia. He completed his PhD with esteemed supervisors Peter Kent, Peter O’Sullivan, Anne Smith, and Amity Campbell. His research investigated how movement, posture, and psychological factors relate to persistent low back pain, particularly as people recover. He has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio segments, published research in high-quality international research journals, and presented at national and international conferences. He has a passion for using technology to help make healthcare more equitable and effective, and translating research into the real-world, evidenced by his work as the former producer and co-host of the popular empowered beyond pain podcast, and now as co-founder of a digital health startup called Matilda Health which helps people undergoing endometriosis surgery optimise the pre and post-surgery journey.

Connect with Kevin Wernlin:

A bunch of resources I’ve put together: https://www.backtoliving.health/givingbackresources
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ogpeLlDGLRLiHofEWvCje
RESTORE clinical trial: https://www.restorebackpain.com/
Social media links: Twitter|FB|IG|LinkedIn - @KWernliPhysio
ORCID - 0000-0001-6035-9873

Connect with Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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282. How to Make Your Clients Feel the Burn EVERY Class (4 Science-Based Tips), with Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode, we break down four science-backed methods to help your clients feel that post-workout “burn” every time. Learn how to use the principles of the Repeated Bout Effect (RBE) in reverse to keep your classes feeling fresh, challenging, and effective. These tips will help you consistently create that sought-after soreness so clients feel like they’re progressing with each session!

What You’ll Learn:

How the Repeated Bout Effect works and why muscles adapt to reduce soreness over time.
Proven strategies to reverse the RBE using eccentric exercise variations and overload methods.
Tips for balancing soreness to maintain high client satisfaction without risking burnout.

Key Points Covered:

Rotate Eccentric-Focused Exercises: Prevent adaptation by introducing new movements each class.
Increase Time Under Tension: Slow down the eccentric phase for greater muscle micro-damage.
Vary Angles and Planes of Motion: Challenge muscles differently to increase soreness.
Add Eccentric Overload with Bilateral Concentric/Unilateral Eccentric Movements: Use both limbs on the lift and one on the lower for targeted eccentric overload.

Related Links and Studies:

Proposed Mechanisms and Mediators of the Repeated Bout Effect: Mechanism Overview: PubMed Link 1
Supporting Study: PubMed Link 2
Protective Effect on the Opposite Limb (Contralateral RBE): PubMed Link

Watch on YouTube

Prefer to watch instead of listen? Catch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pplrScFQArY

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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281. Pilates or Cardio for Weight Loss? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Watch this episode on YouTube here
Download the slides as a PDF here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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280. Prenatal Pilates Myths, with Charlotte Brooks and Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Charlotte’s IG @aurorapilates here
Corkinetic post on “compensations” here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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279. Do slow controlled reps build more strength? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

You’ll have to listen to find out!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Systematic review on repetition tempo effects on strength, power and hypertrophy here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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278. Does Pilates strengthen your little muscles? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Well yes, but not how you might think!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Direction specific recruitment pattern of the rotator cuff in shoulder flexion here
MORE load stimulates the rotator cuff MORE here
Role of muscles is task specific here
Any loaded arm movement strengthens the rotator cuff here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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277. How to be more evidence based, with Emily Walker & Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Emily’s study here
All major high quality clinical guidelines recommend person centered care here
Adding extra pain education did not improve outcomes over usual care here
Patient led goal setting here and here
Connect with Emily on Instagram: @emwalker_exphys and LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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276. Rehab is just graded exercise - updated, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Rehab really is simple. Most people over-complicate it IMO. Here is my framework to rehab any injury.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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275. How to put the client at the center of the session, with Emily Walker and Raphael Bender

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

All major high quality clinical practice guidelines recommend client centered care here
Changes in TrA thickness and timing don’t correlate with reductions in pain after TrA retraining here
Changes in strength & flexibility don’t correlate with reductions in pain after strength or flexibility training here
When a person expects a treatment to work, it’s more likely to work here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Emily on Instagram: @emwalker_exphys and LinkedIn

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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274. How to progress any exercise, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is my process for making any exercise harder - or easier.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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273. How to build a $100k Pilates business at home - updated, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Step by step instructions to build a $100k Pilates business at home and quit your 9-5.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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272. Magical Thinking, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Is axial elongation real? What about rib-hip connection? Here’s my take

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

271. Does hand position in the pushup change which muscles are working? with Raphael Bender

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Higher levels of both pec and triceps in narrow (diamond) compared to wide pushups here and here
In fact, every muscle is activated more in narrow hands here
Absolute changes in muscle activation in pushups with different hand placement is marginal here
People can lift more weight in a regular (wider than shoulder width) grip in bench press compared to close grip - but produce more power in a narrow grip here and here
But grip width does not affect how many reps you can do here or here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

270. How to lead without micromanaging, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +1100

If you can’t find good people, or if you have people working for you who are not doing as well as you’d like, this is for you.

Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

269. 11 Mistakes Pilates Studio Owners Make, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +1100

These 11 mistakes are the work you’re avoiding. On the other side of this work lies the success you crave.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

268. How to confidently program mixed-ability classes, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is our Layered Teaching Framework, that we teach the students in our Pilates certification. It will enable you to cut your programming time to almost nothing, plus confidently teach mixed ability groups on the fly.

Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

267. Which KPIs to track in your Pilates studio, with Josh Richardson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

After analyzing the financials of over a hundred Pilates studios, these are the metrics that set the top performing studios apart. Track them and improve them in your studio, and you will make a LOT of money.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find out about our Studio Owner Mastermind here
Connect with Josh on Linkedin here or email him at jrichardson@growthiq.com.au

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

266. How important are running biomechanics? with Raphael Bender

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Relationship between running biomechanics and running economy here
Effect of strength training on running economy here
Influence of weekly running distance on running performance here
Are running biomechanics associated with running injuries? here
Influence of strength training on running injuries here
Hip abductor muscle strengthening doesn’t change hip adduction in running but does reduce pain here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

265. How to navigate the Pilates industry as a newcomer, with Gemma Downing and Natalie Wilson

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Gemma Downing is a recent graduate of Breathe Education's pilates certification course. She and Natalie have a conversation about how she went from doing pilates classes on YouTube in her bedroom to becoming a pilates instructor and brick and mortar studio owner, and everything in between, including recovering her confidence after being shamed by another pilates professional, the changing landscape of the pilates industry, and what it's like to teach pilates as an introvert. Gemma is a true example of courage and perseverance.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on IG here
Find out more about Gemma's studio, The Pilates Room on Instagram and Facebook

Connect with Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

264. Is exercise good or bad for your discs? With Claire Samanna and Raphael Bender

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Claire Samanna is a PhD candidate at Monash University, studying low back pain with a special interest in disc degeneration. She has just completed a systematic review of the scientific literature on disc degeneration and exercise.

Is exercise good, or bad for your discs? Listen in to find out!

Resources mentioned in the course:

Connect with Claire Samanna on Instagram and Twitter

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

263. How to build a 2-month waitlist, with Stacey Pine and Raphael Bender

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Stacey Pine on Facebook and online here

Learn more about the Studio Owner Mastermind here

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

262. Do exercise intensity and duration affect back pain? With Chris Neason and Raphael Bender

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Chris is a PhD candidate researcher and he's just completed a systematic review of the impact of exercise intensity and duration on back pain.

Is it actually dangerous to go hard when your back hurts?

Read the paper here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Chris Neason on X and LinkedIn

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

261. Is running safe for people with back pain? With Claire Samanna & Chris Neason

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

New research on running for people with chronic low back pain.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender
Connect with Claire Samanna on Instagram and Twitter
Connect with Chris Neason on X and LinkedIn

Learn more here

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

260. Just do the thing - with Raphael Bender

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is my personal framework that I use daily to get myself to do the things I know I need to do, in order to become what I want to become. I hope it will help you.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

259. There is no such thing as a Pilates emergency, with Kyle Marsh and Natalie Wilson

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is the sixth and final episode in a limited series hosted by Natalie & Kyle.

We conclude our podcasting adventure by discussing the common fears and insecurities held by many pilates instructors as well as the tribalism that is dividing the industry. We hope to provide reassurance that even when something feels like a crisis in PilatesLand, it is often not.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

You can reach out to Natalie on IG here and Kyle here
Pilates Elephants episode #204: What is Pilates? here
Please link to Pilates Elephants episode #211: How to deal with the Pilates Police here
You can listen to Hannah Teuscher's podcast, The Pilates Exchange, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilates-exchange/id1704769014
Have a great laugh with @beccabastos here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzmmSNFv4Ba/?igsh=MXFla2hxMHdxdjV3OA== and here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7FkGqgPp4O/?igsh=anQ1Z2tnaHEzMmZu

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

258. The case for retiring stability as a concept in Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Stability is not a risk factor for first-time low back pain here
And it’s not a risk factor for back pain becoming chronic here or here
More non-guideline concordant treatments massively increase risk of pain becoming chronic here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

257. How Kerri is making $100k teaching Pilates in her garage, with Kerri Jennings and Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Connect with Kerri on Instagram: @pilateswithkez

Find Pilates with Kez online here and book a class with her here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

256. How to get your Pilates business to stand out in a sea of competitors, with James Trenerry and Raphael Bender

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Our thoughts on how to stand out - without doing a song and dance routine.

Connect with James Trenerry on Instagram: @jamesgvtrenerry

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

255. Is class programming dragging you down? Fun and Effective Tips Inside, with Kyle Marsh and Natalie Wilson

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is the fourth episode in a limited series hosted by Natalie & Kyle.

Class programming can often be a major source of overwhelm and burnout for pilates instructors. On this episode of the podcast, Kyle and Nat discuss the pitfalls of popular programming styles and ways to make this part of the job effective, sustainable and engaging.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

You can reach out to Natalie on IG here and Kyle here
Pilates Elephants episode #209: Is Pilates training or entertainment here
You can learn more about Kyle's online studio, True II Form at www.kylegeorginamarsh.com
You can learn more about Heath Lander's reformer mastery program: www.contrologycollective.com.au
IG post of soccer guys doing pilates: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6mhkHKS7Dl/?igsh=NXlpdXBmajEyaDJl

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

254. How To Build A High Performing Team In Your Studio, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is my exact process, with lots of specifics.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Watch this episode as a video here
Access the notes and templates here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

253. Is Cueing Over Rated? With Antony Lo and Raphael Bender

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Challenging Beliefs About Cueing by Antony Lo here

Find Antony Lo online here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

252. How to get a job teaching Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Get my book 'How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates' here

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

251. How to finally get a great night's sleep, with Russell Gilbert and Raphael Bender

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Russell Gilbert is a board certified behavioral sleep medicine doctor. In this episode we talk about how to know if you're sleeping enough, and what to do if you're not.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Get to know Russell Gilbert here:

Dr. Russell Gilbert, M.D., FRCPC, D. ABSM, D. BBSM, is a Sleep Specialist with 30 years of experience, specializing in non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia using CBT-I. Based in British Columbia, Canada, and with a private practice in Arizona, USA, Dr. Gilbert completed his medical education at Western University and training at the University of Toronto. He has extensive experience in Fibromyalgia-related sleep disturbances and previously served as medical director of multiple Sleep Clinics in Arizona.

Connect with Dr. Russell:

Find Scottsdale Insomnia and Sleep Medicine online here
Email him at rgilbert@scottsdalesleep.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

250. Why we don't affiliate with any Pilates or Fitness industry bodies, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 30 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

249. Straight talk about boredom, with Kyle Marsh and Natalie Wilson

Sun, 26 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is the third episode in a limited series hosted by Natalie & Kyle.

Boredom--the state of feeling restless, uninspired, and understimulated--is common in all jobs, including being a pilates instructor. On this episode, Kyle and Natalie talk about ways to prevent or deal with boredom on the job.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Adam McAtee on IG here and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/65-are-we-doing-pilates-to-do-life-guest-natalie-wilson/id1681529396?i=1000650144688
Heath Lander/Contrology Collective on IG here
Robyn Paula on IG here
You can reach out to Natalie on IG here and Kyle Marsh on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

248. Free business coaching with Raphael Bender

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

247. How to manage your emotions as a Pilates business owner, with James Trenerry and Raphael Bender

Sun, 19 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Owning a Pilates business can be an emotional rollercoaster. Here's a frank discussion of how we manage our emotions through the ups and downs - hopefully these strategies will help you.

Connect with James Trenerry on Instagram: @jamesgvtrenerry

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

246. Why changing your position is a green flag, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

245. The Case for Ugly Pilates, with Kyle Marsh and Natalie Wilson

Sun, 12 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is the second episode in a limited series hosted by Natalie & Kyle.

On this episode, Kyle and Natalie talk about the historical and cultural underpinnings of our collective obsession with aesthetics in movement--the how and why we prioritize making pilates controlled, precise, and beautiful. They talk about our evolution from prioritizing these qualities to focusing more on client goals and movement variability.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find Hannah Teutscher on IG and Pilates Exchange podcast here
Adam McAtee on IG and https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/19-pelvic-floor-health-with-dr-iris-platt/id1681529396?i=1000624463862
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4700mMrLU9/?igsh=Y3pkbXJ2dGZ3MDlq
You can reach out to Natalie on IG here and Kyle on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

244. You are not a visual learner, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

It's true!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Distributed practice and practice testing are highly effective here
VARK learning styles are not a thing here and here and here and here and here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

243. Where is the line between Pilates and physiotherapy? With Naomi Di Fabio and Raphael Bender

Sun, 05 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

We actually come up with a pretty clear answer to this one! Listen in to find out.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Connect with Naomi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomidifabio/
Website: https://pilatesinstructortrainingcourses.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

242. How to know what to focus on in your Pilates business, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 02 May 2024 15:00:00 +1100

In this episode I walk you through the Diagnosing and Fixing Constraints model I use in my business, and how to apply it to a Pilates studio or home based Pilates business, to attract and retain more clients.

Warning: Contains basic math.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

241. Are your hip flexors REALLY overactive? With Kathryn Bruni-Young and Raphael Bender

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

What even are overactive hip flexors? And are they real? And why do we hear so much about overactive (and under active) muscles in Pilates?

And what to do about it?

---------------------

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Connect with Kathryn on Instagram: @mindfulstrength.ca

Find Mindful Strength online here

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Learn more here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

240. How to make good decisions, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

If you're working hard but not progressing either in your Pilates business, or in your teaching, you're probably working on the wrong things.

If that's true, you need better decisions, not more work.

Working harder on the wrong thing won't move you closer to your goal.

This is my decision making framework. It's made me a lot of money and helped me immensely in my personal life too.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

239. Breathing Elephants, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

On this podcast we talk about the elephants in the room in the Pilates industry - but what about the biggest elephant of all... We are called Breathe Education and we don't talk about breathing!

Listen in to find out why... And when we DO talk about breathing.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

238. Does sitting cause hamstring tightness? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Read the research:

Sitting associated with limited hip extension here
Sitting time associated with hamstring tightness here and here
Sitting time associated with reduced thoracic ROM here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

237. Your skills gap might be a result of your education, with Natalie Wilson and Kyle Marsh

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This is the inaugural episode of a limited series hosted by Natalie Wilson and Kyle Marsh.

On this episode, Kyle and Natalie discuss Kyle's recently published article in The Pilates Journal:Your skills gap might be a result of your education.

In this article, Kyle describes why adopting an evidence-based approach to training is an essential step in elevating the pilates industry.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Raph's book: Strengthen the person here
Movement Optimism Podcast with Greg Lehman here
Evidence Based Pilates Podcast with Adam McAtee here
@critikid's IG post here
You can reach out to Natalie here and Kyle on IG here

Connect with Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

236. How to deal with a toxic studio environment, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Response to a listener question on how to set boundaries around extra work outside of class times, and overly frequent internal communications.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

235. A retrospective on 15 years teaching Pilates, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Nicole and Raph review Nicole's journey teaching Pilates with Breathe from 2009 onwards.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

234. Do you need to know anatomy to teach Pilates? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +1100

This is something I've changed my view on over the last year. Here is my updated viewpoint, and my reasons for changing my mind.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

233. How to become an in-demand Pilates instructor, with Naomi Di Fabio and Raphael Bender

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

The technical AND non-technical skills that will enable you to fill your classes, negotiate better pay and better shifts.

Listen in to find out how!

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Connect with Naomi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomidifabio/
Website: https://pilatesinstructortrainingcourses.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

232. Why knees going inwards during a squat might strengthen glutes MORE - with Raphael Bender

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Errata - Loren F Chiu is a man (Sorry Loren).

New study finds net joint forces in hip external rotation are greater in a squat, when the knees go inwards.

Read the research

Read the research here
Listen to episode 114 "Why do your knees go in when you squat?" here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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231. Find your Pilates niche, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

How much should you specialize, and HOW should you specialize, to differentiate yourself from other Pilates businesses?

Listen to find out!

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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230. In Pilates, hard is not the same thing as effective - with Raphael Bender

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

As Pilates instructors, we all roll our eyes when people think Pilates is "easy" or "just stretching".

It's definitely hard.

But... that doesn't mean it's effective (for strengthening).

It depends how you do it.

Listen in to find out the science of how to make your Pilates sessions BOTH hard, AND effective for strengthening.

Read the research:

You need to work to within a couple of repetitions of failure to significantly stimulate strengthening here and here
As instability goes up, force production (and thus strengthening stimulus) goes down here
To keep getting stronger over time you need to progressively add load here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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229. New research on cueing, with Hailey Hawkins and Raphael Bender

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Meta-analysis on reporting bias in the external focus literature here
Meta-analysis on reporting bias in the choice and expectancy literature here
Feedback works here
Give feedback about both correct execution and errors here
Give concise feedback about key elements only here
Give feedback about both results and execution here
Combining verbal + visual feedback is more effective than either alone here
Distributed practice and practice testing significantly enhance learning here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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228. How to negotiate pay for teaching Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

My experience and thoughts on how to create a win/win pay negotiation with a studio owner.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Pilates Certification
Visualized Anatomy
Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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227. Do we (still) under-load our clients in Pilates? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Believe it or not, this is actually a (somewhat) nuanced episode.

Read the research yourself:

Steele et al. (2022) Most people self-select loads that are too light to stimulate significant strengthening here
At 55% of your 1RM you can do about 21 reps here
At loads of 55% of 1RM you need to be within a few reps of failure to stimulate significant strengthening here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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226. New meta-analysis on motor control exercises, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Read the research:

Capel-Alcaraz et al. 2023 meta-analysis here
Saragiotto et al. 2016 Cochrane review here
Changes in back pain after TrA retraining are not related to changes in TrA timing or thickness, but are related to changes in catastrophizing here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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225. How dance culture continues to influence Pilates culture, with Hannah Teutscher and Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode I’m joined by Hannah Teutscher from The Pilates Exchange podcast. Hannah is a former professional dancer, now Pilates instructor and educator. We discuss the cultural influences dance continues to exert on the Pilates world.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Pilates Exhange podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify
Hannah on IG here
Check out Performance Fit Pilates online here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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224. Why do muscles shake? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Ok - I don't KNOW the answer to this, but I do have what I think is a plausible theory.

Let me know your thoughts on IG. My profile is here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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223. What does it mean to empower clients? With Kyle Marsh, Natalie Wilson, and Raphael Bender

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here
Men perceive less effort to run at the same speed with a female observer here
Connect with Natalie on IG here
Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram and Natalie Wilson on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram
Connect with Natalie on IG here
Follow Raph on IG here
Find Breathe Education here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

222. Fear is an action signal, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

221. First, do no harm, with Kyle Marsh, Natalie Wilson, and Raphael Bender

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Do no harm” is the first item on the PMA code of ethics. Seems reasonable on the face of it, but what does it actually mean to do no harm, and is it even possible?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Follow Raph on IG here
Connect with Natalie on IG here
Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram and Natalie Wilson on Instagram
Find Breathe Education here and on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

220. Why I don’t assess posture anymore, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Thoracic kyphosis is not related to abdominal strength or endurance here
Lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt are not related to abdominal strength here
Abdominal and hip muscle flexibility only explains 9% of the variance in thoracic posture here
AND longer glutes and hamstrings are associated with LESS pelvic tilt here
Hip and spine stiffness are not related to lumbar lordosis here
BUT… You CAN change posture with exercise (particularly strengthening exercises) here
No evidence any particular posture causes pain here
Scapular dyskinesis is slightly more common in people with NO shoulder pain here
Read Raph’s book on rehabilitation - Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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219. Different kinds of employment opportunities in the Pilates industry, with Kyle Marsh, Natalie Wilson, and Raphael Bender

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

The possible career paths for a Pilates instructor include WAY more options than just “get a job at a studio”. Although that can be a great option.

There are a lot of people doing amazing, innovative things to make money with their Pilates skills.

We talk about the pros and cons of working in corporate studios, small studios, starting your own solo business, doing an online thing and several other interesting and profitable ways to use your Pilates skills to make the world a better place and earn money at the same time.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here
Follow Raph on IG here
Connect with Natalie on IG here
Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram and Natalie Wilson on Instagram
Find Breathe Education here and on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

218. Are stretching and strengthening the same thing? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Intense long-lasting stretching causes muscle growth and strength gains equivalent to resistance training here
Partial range of motion resistance training at long muscle lengths improves muscle growth more here
Resistance training improves range of motion just as much as stretching here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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217. Pilates is not your product, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

This is probably the biggest mistake people make in the business of Pilates. I promise you, Pilates is NOT your product - listen on to find out what is.Read Raph’s book “How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates” here

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Wine with more awards tastes better here
Wine experts can’t tell the difference between red and white wine here
California wine tastes better than North Dakota wine… even when it’s the same wine here
United Airlines home page here
Mastercard home page here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

216. Why knowing which muscles are active in a movement is a waste of time, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Tension is the primary stimulus for muscle strengthening here
Tension without activation still causes muscles to increase in strength and size here and here
Long-lasting stretching causes muscles to grow here
When you activate your muscles for low load tasks, you only actiavte a small percentage of the fibers here
To stimulate ANY strengthening you need to get within about 8-10 reps of failure, and to maximize strength and muscle size you need to get within 2-3 reps of failure here
Original post that got me riled up and inspired this episode is here
My response on IG is here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

215. Partner with us and become a Mentor Affiliate

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +1100

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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214. How to help beginners develop a lifelong exercise habit, with Naike Mouromtsev and Raphael Bender

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

I used to think teaching beginners was the least skilled job in the Pilates studio - now I think the opposite - I think the most skilled teachers should teach beginners.

In this episode, Naike shares her strategies for helping people take the leap into Pilates, welcoming them to the community, and supporting them to develop a long-term exercise habit they love.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Connect with Naike Mouromtsev on IG here
Find Kefi Studio Pilates here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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213. Confidence, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

What it is, how to get it and how to project it even if you don’t feel it.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

212. How to double the revenue in your Pilates studio, with Tori Froemke and Raphael Bender

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Tori owns Bayside Pilates in Corpus Christie, TX. Over the last 2 years she’s built the business from essentially a job, to a thriving business employing 9 people, changing client’s lives and making great money. This is how she did it, and what she learned along the way.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find out about our Studio Owner Mastermind here
Find Tori Froemke and Bayside Pilates here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

211. How to deal with the Pilates police, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

210. Build a Pilates events business, with Reese Leffingwell and Raphael Bender

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Reese has a fledgeling business in Texas. This episode is a live coaching call where we talk through Reese’s goals and formulate a pricing strategy.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find out about tour Studio Owner Mastermind here
Find Reese Leffingwell on Instagram: @itssreeseeee & @pura_pilates, TikTok: @purapilates, YouTube: @PuraPilates and online here: purapilatestx.com

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

209. Is Pilates training or entertainment? With Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

To what extent do we need to entertain our clients? We discuss a nuanced perspective, maybe it’s a bit of both.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

208. Don’t let fear hold you back, with Dore Hewitt-Brown and Raphael Bender

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Dore retrained from international flight attendant to Pilates instructor at 62. We discuss teaching Pilates to cabin crew and Pilots in Ghana, navigating study alongside an irregular work schedule, and the illusion that other people are more perfect at Pilates than they really are.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Dore Hewitt-Brown on Instagram and Facebook

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

207. Hypermobility and Pilates, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Hypermobile people have poorer digestive motility and more digestive problems here
Hypermobile people have lower blood pressure and faint more often here
Hypermobile people have much higher rates of anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia here
Hypermobility is characterized by generalized increased pain sensitivity here
Pain in hypermobility is likely caused by central nervous system sensitization here
Maybe that’s why excessive focus on body sensations contributes to pain and disability in hypermobile people here
Exercise is safe and feasible for people with hypermobility here
No evidence that any specific kind of exercise is better here and here
Generalized exercise works just as well as targeted exercise here
Heavy strength training appears to be safe and beneficial here
Exercise into the hypermobile range and exercise in neutral are equally beneficial here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

206. Safety cultures in Pilates, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

205. Is Pilates effective for weight loss? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Studies on Pilates and weight loss are very poor quality and not enough evidence to show any benefit on weight loss here
Most effective strategy for weight loss in people near retirement age combines dietary restriction, resistance training and high protein here
Goal setting, weighing, self-monitoring and social rewards significantly enhance weight loss success here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

204. What is Pilates? With Naomi Di Fabio and Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Romana teaching Pilates matwork here
Connect with Naomi online here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

203. How to adjust your Pilates product to get market fit, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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202. How to start your own online reformer training business, with Nathan Ross Rees and Raphael Bender

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Nathan Ross Rees on Instagram here
Check out the Nathan Ross Rees Reformer Podcast here
Find Nathan’s Reformer Academy online and on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

201. Start a studio in Brighton not Collingwood, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Lessons for Pilates studio owners from the restaurant business

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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200. Can Introverts be successful Pilates Instructors? With Kyle Marsh, Natalie Wilson, and Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

3 self-diagnosed introverts discuss the powers and perils of being an introverted Pilates instructor.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram and Natalie Wilson on Instagram
Find Breathe Education here and on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

199. New research on diastasis and ab exercises, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Benjamin et al., 2023 systematic review of conservative interventions for diastasis here
Theodorson study on immediate effect of exercise on diastasis here
Gluppe randomized controlled trial of abdominal strengthening for women with diastasis here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

198. The Missing Pilates Principle - Progressive Overload, with Nathan Ross Rees and Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Nathan Ross Rees on Instagram here
Check out the Nathan Ross Rees Reformer Podcast here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

197. If you can’t find good staff its because you lack skill in hiring, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

196. Prenatal Pilates is (still) just Pilates, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

ACOG guideline here
Ab curls don’t make diastasis worse here and here and here
There is poor evidence of a relation between relaxin and pelvic pain in pregnancy here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

195. Why you should not offer unlimited memberships, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

My experience offering unlimited Pilates classes, why you should not do it, and what to do instead. Plus, how to transition out of offering unlimited memberships if you’re already doing it.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

194. Feeling a muscle working doesn’t mean it’s getting stronger, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

PE episode 160 Can we even feel muscles activating? here
Glute activation drills don’t increase glute activation here
High levels of mechanical tension on individual muscle fibers is the main stimulus for strengthening here and here and here
DOMS is caused by unaccustomed exercise including longer muscle lengths or eccentric components here
DOMS is not a good indicator of whether your workout was effective here
The repeated bout effect means that as you get used to a particular workout it causes less and less soreness here
In the prone leg extension test there is high variability in the order of muscle firing between healthy pain-free people here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

193. How to stop jumping between studios, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

If you’re a Pilates instructor and you’re sick of juggling your time between several studios, listen to this.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

192. Neutral or Imprint? With Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

The age-old debate. We settle it once and for all.

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 differentiator of people with and without LBP here
Only 4% difference in total load on the vertebrae during stoop vs squat lifting here
Load shifts posteriorly away from disk as you flex here at close to full flexion less than a quarter of extensor moment is from disk and deep ligaments
People lift more efficiently in spinal flexion (more efficiently = same force output with less muscle activity) here
That’s probably why elite powerlifters increase spinal flexion automatically as they approach maximum loads here
Spine posture in general has not been shown to be a causal factor in LBP according to a systematic review of systematic reviews in 2020 here
Even lifting a box from knee height when instructed to keep the spine neutral, results in 22 degrees of lumbar flexion here
Experienced physical therapists can’t detect lumbar flexion of less than 34 degrees during a squat here
In lab experiments compressive load - not flexion or extension - causes disk injury here
“Bad technique” doesn’t cause injury - Crossfit injury incidence is 0.27 - 3.3 per 1000 hours of training here
Injury incidence in running is 2.5 - 33 which is almost exactly 10x higher here
Injury incidence in ballet is 3.9-4.4 per 1000 hours - which is higher than Crossfit even though ballet dancers practice in perfect alignment here
Most injuries in fitness centers result from people falling off equipment or dropping weights on themselves here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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191. Why more income streams won’t make you more money from Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates book here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

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190. Perfectionism, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

What is perfectionism, how can we recognize it and what can we do to let it go.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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189. How to eliminate last minute cancellations for your Pilates sessions, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

If you struggle with clients cancelling at the last minute, or no-showing, this will help.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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188. How to thread the needle between rigidity and chaos in your teaching, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Our thoughts on how to find the balance between structure and spontaneity in your teaching.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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187. How to create a cohesive team of Pilates teachers, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

This is my framework for leading a team of instructors so everyone teaches the same principles - but maintains their individual style.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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186. Build your own confidence, with Sandi Ariyanti and Raphael Bender

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Sandi has built a solo business teaching Pilates from her apartment in Jakarta Indonesia, which pays her in excess of $100k a year. This is her story.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find Sandi's Pilates Capital online here and on Instagram here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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Mentioned in this episode:

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185. The 80-20 of Pilates teaching, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Here is my list of the BIG rocks that will make you vastly more effective and confident as an instructor. Plus the medium-sized rocks that will add a little edge in performance.

Finally, what I call the tiny pebbles - the things that will contribute next to nothing to your clients’ results.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Learn the Big Rocks in a weekend by reading Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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Mentioned in this episode:

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184. Loneliness of the long distance Pilates instructor, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Pilates can be a lonely profession. Here are our experiences, and some strategies we’ve found helpful to build and maintain social connections.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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183. How to tell if your mindset is holding you back, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Growth mindset improves educational outcomes for low income students here
People with growth mindset are more psychologically healthy here
Teachers adopted digital technology more easily if they had growth mindset here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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Mentioned in this episode:

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182. Can Pilates change posture? With Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

I’ve updated my view on this lately after reading two new meta-analyses on the topic.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

González-Gálvez et al. (2019) Effects of exercise programs on kyphosis and lordosis angle: A systematic review and meta- analysis here
Dimitrijević et al. (2022) Effects of Corrective Exercises on Lumbar Lordotic Angle Correction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis here
Azavedo (not Macedo!) et al. (2018) Postural corrective exercise helps low back pain exactly the same amount as general exercise here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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Mentioned in this episode:

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181. How to use email marketing to get more clients, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

A step-by-step guide on how to build, nurture and monetize an email list for your Pilates business.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Schedule a call with our team here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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180. How to hire and lead superstar Pilates instructors, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +1100

My 7-step process to attract, filter, hire, lead and mentor superstar Pilates instructors for your studio.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Schedule a call with our team here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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179. Are we all Pilates cows? with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

What do cirque du soleil, pyramids, Pilates influencers and cows have in common? Find out in this episode.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Pilates Goddess podcast episode “Do influencers know Pilates?” here
Tiffany Burke aka @poiseandstrengthpilates here
Alexandria Crow Yoga here
Connect with Natalie on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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178. Is Lagree Pilates? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Schedule a call with our team here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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177. Which style of Pilates is most beneficial? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Original IG post here
Episode 105 How to master rehabilitation here
Strengthen the Person Not Just The Body Part here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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176. Part 2: Give yourself permission to become a more authentic version of yourself, with Nathan Ross Rees

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Part two of an in-depth conversation ranging on teaching, Pilates business, personal growth, giving yourself permission and other topics.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Nathan Ross Rees on Instagram here
Join Nathan's reformer academy here
Check out Nathan Ross Rees' podcast here
Find Rise Reformer online here and IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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175. Part 1: Give yourself permission to become a more authentic version of yourself, with Nathan Ross Rees

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Part one of an in-depth conversation ranging on teaching, Pilates business, personal growth, giving yourself permission and other topics.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Claude Debussy Nuages (parallel descending ninths) here
Connect with Nathan on Instagram here
Join Nathan's reformer academy here
Check out Nathan Ross Rees' podcast here
Find Rise Reformer online here and IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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174. New research on diastasis and curl ups, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

2 new high quality research papers were published in the last couple of months, shedding more light on the effect of abdominal exercises on diastasis.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Instantaneous effect of abdominal exercises on diastasis here
Long-term effect of abdominal exercises on diastasis here
Schedule a call with our team here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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173. How to massively simplify your thinking about movement, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Schedule a call with our team here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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172. There are no solutions only trade-offs, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Ice baths reduce strength gains from training here
Running makes you stiff here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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171. How to collect compelling testimonials from your Pilates clients, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

Google form template here
Our great big wall of proof - example of how to use testimonials here
Leave us a review here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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170. How to get off the busyness treadmill, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Response to a listener question about how to do less and prioritize self-care.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

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Mentioned in this episode:

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169. Why stability is not a useful word in Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

We talk about stability a lot but when you look closely it’s not possible to define the word in relation to back pain and injury.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

People who receive spinal stabilization exercises improvement in pain is unrelated to changes in TrA timing here
When researchers assess people with LBP for spinal stability, and give specific stabilization exercises only to people who are “unstable” they don’t experience better outcomes than unmatched exercise where the people were not ’unstable” here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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168. Bringing Pilates instructors and studios together, with Hannah McMullen and Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Hannah is co-founder of Planke app, which is a match-making app for Pilates instructors and studios. In this conversation we talk about the development and function of Planke app, and get into a fascinating conversation about the insights Hannah has gained on what successful studios and instructors do differently, to find their ideal work match.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Hannah McMullen here
Download PlankeApp for iPhone here
Download PlankeApp for Android here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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167. Dealing with Haters, Both Real And Imaginary, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

What I’ve learned after 17 years of being in business about how to deal with fear of confrontation, plus real and imaginary haters.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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Mentioned in this episode:

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166. The Shortest Cadillac Certification in the History Of Pilates, with Adam McAtee and Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Why do we place so much emphasis in which pieces of equipment we’re trained on? It’s not the same in other disciplines like Personal Training or Physical Therapy.

What if we could just jump on a Cadillac and mess around and figure stuff out?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Adam McAtee on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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165. Why doesn’t anyone talk about money in Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Schedule a call with our team here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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164. Are your upper traps really overactive? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Are your upper traps really over-active?

Many people experience tension or pain in their traps, and we often assume that indicates the muscles are overactive, and they need to relax more. But does it?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Neck pain without red flags (spinal fracture, vertebral artery dissection, spinal cord injury, infection, cancer, AS) is nonspecific neck pain here
Moderate quality evidence people with neck pain have increased pressure pain sensitivity throughout their bodies here
Or maybe they don’t here
Motor control is better than no treatment, but not better than strengthening here
Motor control and neck strengthening exercise are more effective than shoulder exercises, with low quality evidence here
Very low quality evidence that motor control, yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi/Qigong and strengthening exercises are equally effective here
There are no known consistent risk factors for neck pain including computer use here
Isometric and loaded ROM exercise reduce neck pain in the short term here
Strengthening works better than stretching, ergonomic interventions or frequent breaks in the short-term here, and everything works about the same in the long-term
Tests to identify clients with neck movement dysfunction / motor control deficits are not supported by evidence here
Guideline for nonspecific neck pain is strengthening exercise, explain favorable prognosis, address psychosocial factors, and give manual therapy here
Combining shoulder girdle + neck strengthening may be more effective in the short term for neck pain, compared to neck-only exercises here

TLDR - nonspecific neck pain. Probably strengthen it and try not to worry too much. If it feels good, roll it on a spiky ball too, or ask your partner to massage your neck.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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163. What place do tactile cues have post-pandemic? With Kyle Marsh and Raphael Bender

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Tactile cues help our clients understand the movement better, right? Or do they?

We’ll take a look at the evidence, along with discussing our thoughts on what value hands-on does have in today’s Pilates class.

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram
Knowledge of results is more effective than manual guidance here and here
Figuring a movement skill out for yourself works better than being given explicit instructions on ideal technique here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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162. How to get stronger according to science - With Raphael Bender

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

There are only 4 key things you need to know to break through a strength plateau, or help your clients get seriously stronger.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

4+ sets per week per movement is required for strength gains here
Stop 2-3 reps before failure here
Eat 2g protein per kg body weight per day here
For young adults 1.6g/kg/day may be enough
Caloric surplus makes it a lot easier to get strong here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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161. If everything works the same for back pain, why do Pilates? With Adam McAtee and Raphael Bender

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Don’t worry dear listener, there are PLENTY of good… no GREAT reasons to do Pilates for people with back pain. We share some of them here.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Adam McAtee on IG here
Brinjikji et al. 2015 - Disk bulge is highly prevalent in pain-free people here
Changes in low back pain after TrA retraining are not related to changes in TrA timing here
Changes in low back pain after strength or flexibility training are not related to changes in strength or flexibility here
Voltaire: The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease here
Physical therapy patients who receive guideline-based care have better outcomes here
More non-guideline concordant treatments correlate with increased risk that pain becomes chronic here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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160. Can we even feel muscles activating? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Golgi Tendon Organs respond more to changes in tension than to absolute tension here
GTOs also desensitize after high tension.
Glute activation drills increase perception but not actual glute activation here
Elite bodybuilders can’t accurately sense muscle activation here
Conscious experience of expected movements is inhibited here
High levels of mechanical tension on individual muscle fibers is the main stimulus for strengthening here and here and here
Stretch-induced muscle growth here
Changes in back pain after TrA retraining are not related to changes in TrA timing here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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159. Is Pilates Fearmongering on the rise? With Kyle Marsh and Raphael Bender

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram
Original ABC article here
Common Core Standards for US academic education here
Professional breakdancers have 4.4 injuries per 1000 hours of breakdancing here
Elite Powerlifters suffer 1.1-4 injuries per 1000 hours here
Yoga is a low-risk activity here
Breakdancers suffered fewer injuries than 25 out of 36 sports, including cycling, badminton and sailing, at the 2018 youth games here
Hoof GP here
Highly skilled workers on YouTube here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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158. Is it time to relax about gripping? With Adam McAtee and Raphael Bender

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

What exactly is muscle gripping? Turns out it’s not an internally coherent concept. We make the case with logic and research that it’s time to let go of gripping and just relax.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Adam McAtee on IG here
Glutes fire last in the prone leg extension test here
Hamstring recruitment order varies between people in the same exercise here
Glute max activation increases with squat depth here
Quad activity is pretty flat up to 90% of max in a squat, whereas gluteus maximus activity increases with increasing load here
Physical therapists can’t visually detect a pelvic tilt of less than 34° here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

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157. Why you shouldn't worry about hypermobility - With Raphael Bender

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Find resources mentioned in the episode:

Hypermobile physical therapy students don’t sustain more injuries - they sustain different injuries here and here
Amateur athletes who are hypermobile have the same number of injuries as non-hypermobile people here
Over 2 years, no difference in injury rate between hypermobile and non-hypermobile NCAA div 1 collegiate footballers here
8-week bespoke physiotherapy plus OT vs advice & information; both groups improved equally after 8 weeks here
After ACLR, 5X greater chance of reinjury for hypermobile people on return to high intensity sport here
In dancers hypermobility is correlated with increased pain, but stabilization exercises did not change pain or injury incidence here
A 2014 systematic review found “there is some evidence that people with JHS improve with exercise but there is no convincing evidence for specific types of exercise or that exercise is better than control.” here
Joint-specific exercise and general exercise result in equal improvement for people with hypermobility here
Pain in hypermobility is probably caused by central nervous system sensitization not biomechanics here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

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This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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156. How to hire and retain great Pilates instructors, with Kala Loek and Raphael Bender

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Live coaching call with Kala from QuietBodies Pilates. In this conversation, we cover:

How to market your studio to attract new hires who are a great fit
How to screen for the perfectly aligned candidate
How to take leadership of a team of instructors
How to retain great instructors long-term
And more.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Breathe Education Culture here
Find Kala Loek's QuietBodies on IG here or online here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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155. What are the best ab exercises? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

We all know teaser is awesome for your abs, and criss cross really works the obliques. But do they really?

Join me as I look at the science and physiology of ab strengthening. The results may surprise you!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Review of core activation in fitness exercises here
Muscles are weakest in their fully shortened position here
Stretch-induced muscle growth here and here
Mechanical tension is the main stimulus for strengthening here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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154. Changing your understanding of pain, with Natasha Haresign and Raphael Bender

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +1100

The story of how Natasha changed her understanding of pain from purely biomechanical to biopsychosocial.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find Natasha online here, on her Facebook account, or IG account

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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153. 7 Things Great Instructors Know that Average Instructors Don’t Know, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

This is my personal list of things I recommend you study to become a great(er) instructor.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

152. When is even one prop too many? With Kyle Marsh and Raphael Bender

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

When are props useful, and when are they a distraction? In fact, what is the role of a Pilates instructor and what makes a good one? How much is teaching Pilates performative, and how much is service? Tune in to find out our thoughts.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

151. Is Neutral Spine the most efficient? With Raphael Bender

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Is neutral spine more efficient? First we have to define what we mean by efficient. Then, I promise you a more nuanced answer than simply “yes” or “no”.

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

Upright thoracic posture allows greater shoulder ROM here
Passive tissues provide most of the stiffness of the spine in flexion here
Flexed spine postures are more efficient for lifting heavy things here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

150. Which muscles stabilize the knee? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

What is knee stability and how do we improve it?

Visualize the anatomy of the knee & hip - and get to grips with all the muscles you need to strengthen for someone with knee stability issues.

Good news - simple exercises can solve complex problems!

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

149. Defining your ideal Pilates client avatar, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

If you have these symptoms in your Pilates business:

Not enough clients
Can’t charge enough
Clients you don’t enjoy working with
Not getting the results you’d like to get for your clients

You could well have the wrong clients. In this episode, you’ll learn how to find the right clients and get your business back on track.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

148. Anterior pelvic tilt and other made up dysfunctions, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

My 5 reasons why you should not worry about anterior pelvic tilt - ever.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Abdominal strength is not related to pelvic tilt here
Erector spinae, glutes and hamstrings are inactive in quiet standing here
8 weeks of abdominal strengthening doesn’t change pelvic tilt here
Abdominal & hip flexor length is not associated with pelvic tilt here
Hip muscle stiffness does not correlate with pelvic tilt here
Stretching hamstrings does not change pelvic tilt here
Up to 23 degrees variation in PSIS height here
Palpation of PSIS has 15-20mm error here
CDC finds visual assessment of posture is accurate within 30 degrees here
Only 16% agreement on lordosis between experienced health professionals here
Anterior pelvic tilt is associated with LESS back pain here
75% of pain-free women and 84% of pain-free men have “anterior pelvic tilt” here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

147. The Pilates market isn’t saturated - your marketing just sucks, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Before you can stand out, you have to get over your fear of not fitting in. Here’s how.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

146. How to get continuity across different instructors in your team, with Jeff Waters and Raphael Bender

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Jeff runs 2 Pilates studios in Surrey, UK. In this conversation, we talk through Jeff’s challenge of rolling out a more consistent class program and teaching style across his team of 13 instructors.

Plus we talk through the differences and similarities of the UK and Australian Pilates scenes.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find Jeff and Pilates Movement UK here
Connect with Pilates Movement on Insta and FB

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

145. What's going on at BE, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +1100

This episode is outside the normal format for the podcast - I’ve had a lot of questions about what’s going on at Breathe Education recently, and in this episode, or fireside chat, I answer all of them.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

144. Simple exercises can have complex effects: The story of pec major, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 28 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Why you only need 2 basic shoulder exercises for a balanced shoulder workout.

Warning - anatomy geek out.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

143. Don’t be a solution looking for a problem, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

This is why you struggle to attract clients to your Pilates sessions. And the solution.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Get a copy of Raph's new book 'How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates' here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

142. What skills do you need to confidently teach Pilates to everyone? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 21 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

I think in Pilates, we generally spend too much attention and time learning repertoire, and not enough time focusing on the other four key skills of a Pilates instructor

Resources mentioned in the episode

Interview with Gaby Wulf and Rebecca Lewthwaite here
There are only 3 exercises in the world and cat stretch is 2 of them here
Prenatal Pilates is just Pilates with Hailey Hawkins here
Rehab is just graded exercise here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

141. Why this is the last ever intake of the Diploma of Clinical Pilates, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 18 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

What the Diploma is, and why we’re ending it with one final intake this September

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

140. Rehab is just graded exercise, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 14 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Almost everyone overcomplicates rehabilitation. It’s actually very simple. Listen to find out.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

139. The Not To Do List, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 11 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

If you’re busy all the hours, but not making progress, maybe you’re not doing the right things. This will help.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Head over to our Youtube channel here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

138. Pelvic organ prolapse - why you should be a movement optimist, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 07 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Why you should default to the expectation that all exercises are safe and beneficial for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Exercise and pelvic organ prolapse; scoping review here
“Safe” versions of exercises are NOT actually safer (and “dangerous” versions are NOT actually dangerous) here
Early exercise in postpartum does not affect POP risk here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

137. Move towards your dream, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 04 May 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Why you should not let what you’re currently doing constrain your thinking about what is possible.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Get a copy Raph's new book 'How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates' here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

136. Why do we keep having the same conversation in Pilates? With Kyle Marsh and Raphael Bender

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Neutral or imprinted spine?

What exercises are safe for pregnant women?

What is and isn’t Pilates?

Pineapple on pizza?

These are the recurring conversations we have in Pilates - why do we keep having the same conversations? And what if anything can we do to move on?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram
Find True II Form online here and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

135. The principle of specificity - aka everything in your Pilates life is not a nail, with Raphael Bender

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1100

To get strong: Lift heavy things

To get good at a middle split: Spend time in a middle split

To get more clients: ~~Do another certification~~ Learn how to get clients

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Read Raph's new book 'How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates' here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

134. Money Mindsets, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1100

5 limiting beliefs about money that have held me back over the years, and the strategies I’ve used to overcome them.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates book here
Blair Enns Pricing Creativity here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

133. Ab curls are safe during pregnancy, live podcast with Raphael Bender

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Ab curls ARE safe during pregnancy. Many people mistakenly believe they increase risk of diastasis but this is not true.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Diastasis gets narrower during a curl up here and here
Diastasis gets wider during TrA contraction here and here
Prenatal abdominal strengthening probably helps diastasis here
Postpartum abdominal strengthening probably helps diastasis here
US General Surgeon’s perspective on exercise for diastasis here
ACOG guidelines on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum here
Get a copy of Raph's new book 'How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates' here.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

132. How to eliminate procrastination, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1100

If you’re procrastinating on starting that business, building your existing business or upgrading your skills so you can earn more - this will help.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Touching the void here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

131. Starting a Client-Centered Pilates studio in Munich, with Marie Hopp and Raphael Bender

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1100

Marie is launching a business based on the Client Centered business model in Raph’s latest book.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Marie Hopp here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

130. How to build a Pilates business in a renovated 2-car garage in 12 months, with Teneille Palmer and Raphael Bender

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Teneille built a thriving home-based Pilates business in her rural Australian town, population 400.

Here’s how you can do it too.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Check out TPalm Pilates and connect with Teneille Palmer here
Follow Raph on IG here
If you want to plan, build, and launch your $100k/Year Solo Home-Based Or Online Pilates Business, check out our Launchpad program here.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

129. Prenatal Pilates is just Pilates, with Hailey Hawkins and Raphael Bender

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

There is a persistent myth in the Pilates world that prenatal Pilates needs to be gentle, safe, highly modified and complicated. But this is not true…

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Hailey Hawkins here
Check out some of Hailey's Instagram posts here and here and here and here
ACSM guidelines here
ACOG guidelines here
No relationship between relaxin levels and pelvic pain here
The Sacroiliac joint moves 0.2 degrees in women diagnosed with pelvic instability here
Instead the intensity of fear-avoidance beliefs predicts pelvic pain here
During a curl up diastasis gets smaller here
Ab strengthening during pregnancy reduces diastasis here
Curl-ups reduce diastasis here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

128. How to build a $6M Pilates franchise, with Amanda Dell'Aquila and Simon Bryce

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Amanda and Simon are siblings who started out teaching personal training sessions in the park in Sydney Australia, and have built their business Mission Possible Fitness to 5 locations, which more on the way.

This is their story, including ups and downs, plus what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown professionally and personally.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find Mission Possible Fitness online, on Facebook, and on Instagram
Connect with Simon Bryce and Amanda Dell’Aquila on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

127. The Wisdom of the Original 34 Contrology Exercises, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

We nerd out on the original 34 Contrology matwork exercises.

Hundred
Rollup
Roll over
One leg circle
Roll back
Single leg stretch
Double leg stretch
Spine stretch
Rocker with open legs
Corkscrew
Saw
Swan dive
One leg kick
Double leg kick
Neck pull
Scissors
Bicycle
Shoulder bridge
Spine twist
Jack knife
Side kick
Teaser
Hip twist
Swimming
Leg pull front
Leg pull
Side kick kneeling
Side bend
Boomerang
Seal
Crab
Rocking
Control balance
Push up

Resources mentioned in the episode:

The training injury prevention paradox shows consistent high training load is associated with fewer injuries here
The original Hodges and Richardson TrA study here
Return to Life Through Contrology here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

126. How to land a job where you can teach how you want, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Yes, it’s true you can find a job at a studio where you are free to teach how you want. Here’s how.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Daryl Davis here
Connect with Natalie Wilson on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

125. The 3 things that will make you a wildly popular instructor, with Nathan Ross Rees and Raphael Bender

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Nathan’s world tour continues and he shares what he has learned from visiting over 150 Pilates studios.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Nathan on Instagram here
Join Nathan's reformer academy here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

124. Results-based pricing for Pilates, with Zenia Wood and Raphael Bender

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +1100

In Pilates, it’s the norm to charge for time. But what if we charged for results instead?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Zenia on IG here
Find Swift Movement Academy on IG, Youtube, their website, or podcast.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

123. Should you program your training around your menstrual cycle? With Dr Alyssa Olenick and Raphael Bender

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Menstrual cycle-based training is a fascinating concept that is receiving a lot of press at the moment. Dr Alyssa Olenick is a metabolic scientist with a special research interest in the effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise training. We talk about the research on menstrual cycle-based training, and how to get the best results for your female clients.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Dr. Alyssa on Instagram and on Youtube
Listen to Dr. Alyssa's podcast 'The Messy Middle Podcast' here
Women and men respond to standardized strength training programs very similarly here and here
Follicular-based strength training may give superior results here
But performance is similar across the menstrual cycle here
Older women self-select exercise intensity that is too low to elicit strength gains here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

122. Embrace the hustle: Opening your own studio, with Taylor Gotovac and Raphael Bender

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Taylor & her business partner successfully launched their first Pilates studio 6 weeks ago and are already waitlisted. This conversation explores the journey to opening a business, and the transition from Pilates instructor to business owner.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find ESSE Pilates here
Connect with Taylor Gotovac here and here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

121. Becoming an evidence-based Pilates instructor, with Mary Kirketerp and Raphael Bender

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

This was a free-flowing conversation about starting out in the Pilates industry, growing your career, consciously directing your development as an instructor, finding a mentor, and building your dream.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Mary Kirketerp here
32% of final year medical students can’t identify physical activity guidelines here
59% of personal trainers and 56% of exercise physiologists can’t identify physical activity guidelines here
WHO physical activity guidelines for adults here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

120. How to overcome your fear of self-promotion, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

If you struggle to “blow your own trumpet”, this may help. It’s how I overcame my own reluctance to self-promote.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

119. How to teach beginners, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Our strategies to teach beginners effectively so they become regular clients and Pilates addicts.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Purchase my book: Strengthen The Person, Not Just the Body Part here
Connect with Natalie Wilson here
Bring your muscles to near fatigue 2x/week and reduce your chance of dying in the next 10 years by 46% here
It’s ok to load people without training “stability” first: For people with back pain, heavy deadlifting, and a generic exercise program are just as effective as retraining core muscles and correcting imbalances
Why external cues work and OPTIMAL theory here
Multitasking is not possible here
How to layer exercises for clients with different levels of ability here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

118. Should we worry about anterior pelvic tilt? With Raphael Bender

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

TLDR: No. But stick around for the science so you know why.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Pelvises are not symmetrical (cool pictures!) here
We’re crap at palpating lumbo-pelvic landmarks here
Visual assessment of posture is unreliable here
Hip stiffness and range of motion don’t correlate with pelvic tilt here
Abdominal muscle performance is not related to pelvic tilt here
Abdominal strengthening doesn’t change pelvic tilt here
No evidence we can change pelvic tilt with any form of exercise here
80% of pain-free adults have “anterior pelvic tilt” here
Anterior pelvic tilt is associated with LESS back pain here
Leg length difference is present in 40-70% of the pain-free population here
Only 15% of US adults meet the ACSM physical activity guidelines here
Do strength training 2x/week and reduce your chance of dying in the next ten years by 46% here

Got corrections, comments or questions? Reach out to Raph on Instagram here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

117. How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates from home, with Raphael Bender

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

This is exactly what I’d do if I was starting from scratch and I wanted to make $100k per year teaching Pilates from home.

Let me know your thoughts. DM me on Instagram.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

116. Pilates as a second career, with Loretta Mazzola and Raphael Bender

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Loretta retired from her first career in 2018 and now at 66 years old, has started her second career as a Pilates instructor. This is her story.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Loretta on IG
Only 17% of adults meet physical activity guidelines here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

115. How to use your assessment session to convert casual enquiries into long-term clients, with Amanda Dell’Aquila and Raphael Bender

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Amanda owns 5 Pilates and fitness studios in Sydney Australia. She uses her assessment process to convert casual enquiries into long-term clients all in 1 hour.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Please rate and review Pilates Elephants on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or any other podcast app of your choice.
Connect with Amanda Dell'Aquila on Instagram
Find Mission Possible Fitness online, on Facebook, and on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

114. Why do your knees go in when you squat? With Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Everyone knows that if your knees go in when you squat it’s because your glutes aren’t working properly, right?

Wrong.

We talk through a whole list of reasons why your knees might go inwards in a squat that has nothing to do with your glutes not working. Plus why it might actually be GOOD that your knees go in during a squat.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Muscle activation in a squat is load-dependent here and here
Paralyzing the gluteus medius doesn’t make the knee go in more here
Knees going inwards in a squat is not a risk factor for ACL injury here
Lya Bavoil squatting 213kg at 62.5kg body weight here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

113. What we were wrong about, with Daniel Arbilla and Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

An (incomplete) list of things we believed that turned out not to be true.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Daniel Arbilla on Facebook and Instagram
Find Daniel on The Knowledge Exchange and Barbell Psychology
Eyal Lederman Fall Of the Postural Structural Biomechanical Model here
No evidence that exercise is more effective than non-exercise placebo for chronic pain here
More high quality research is needed to be confident about the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

112. How to let fires burn, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Do you wish you had more time? Here are the answers.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

111. How what you believe influences your clients' pain and recovery, with Brendan Mouatt and Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Brendan is a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia where he is researching the influence of implicit communication on patient beliefs and outcomes. In this conversation, we talk about how our beliefs as movement professionals influence our clients' movement, pain and outcomes from Pilates.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Brendan Mouatt on Twitter and Instagram
Find The Knowledge Exchange website and join the Facebook group for movement and health professionals here
Read Brendan's research here
Early MRI leads to worse outcomes in back pain regardless of whether they find anything or not here and here
Biomedical tests and diagnostic labels actually don't reassure patients here
Practitioner beliefs strongly predict patient beliefs here
Pain behaviour not pain intensity mediates opioid prescription here
Many physiotherapists implicitly associate round-back lifting as dangerous here
Thinking about movement hurts, and makes your hand swell up here
Negative expectation abolishes the effects of opioid painkillers here
Placebo reduces pain the same amount as 4-6mg of morphine in postoperative pain here
The presence of most MRI findings does not change treatment here
Spinal fusion is not more effective than general exercise for low back pain here
In fact, pretty much every treatment for low back pain works about the same here
Dentists’ belief about what they are administering influences patients’ pain here
Placebo suppresses immune function here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

110. Why Do Clams? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Are we really strengthening our clients? How can we tell, and why even bother about getting stronger? The answers may surprise you!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

An hour a week of resistance training maximizes your lifespan here
Mechanical tension is the key stimulus for strength gains here
WHO physical activity guidelines here
Working to failure or near failure is equally beneficial (and necessary) to increase strength here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

109. Do we really need to individualize Pilates programs for back pain? With Mitch Gibbs PhD and Raphael Bender

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode, Mitch and Raph discuss the research Mitch did for his PhD, comparing individualized care with a generic program for low back pain.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

'Buy In For Back Pain – Does Individualization Matter?' here
Connect with Mitch Gibbs on IG here
Find Rethink Movement on Facebook here and on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

109. Pilates Through The Ages, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Heath and Raph talk about the history of Pilates, the history of Breathe Education, and what constitutes good teaching.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

108. Your business can never outgrow your personal development, with Laura Saggers and Raphael Bender

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Laura Saggers of RISE Pilates in Melbourne and Raph talk about the parallels between personal growth and business growth, how to overcome common blockers and limiting beliefs, and each share their own experiences with these mindset blocks, and how they moved past them.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Laura on IG here or email her here
Find Rise Pilates online here and on IG here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

107. Serving your ideal clients, with Naike Mouromtsev and Raphael Bender

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

When you try to be all things to all people, you end up being nothing to no one. Naike shares insights from building her studio Kefi in Sydney with her partner Fanny. We discuss how they defined their ideal clients, how they program and design their schedule to suit their ideal clients and many more topics.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Naike Mouromtsev on IG here
Find Kefi Studio Pilates here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

106. From Stuck to Living your Dream Life, with Brittany LaBotz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

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 you want

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Britt online, on IG and on Facebook

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

105. How to master rehabilitation, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +1100

In this flipped episode, Heath interviews Raph about his journey.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

103. Building a personalized on-demand Pilates business, with Hannah Ryan and Raphael Bender

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

102: Body image - a nuanced discussion, with Laura Gaiter and Raphael Bender

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 disordered eating here
Appearance-related teasing increases body dissatisfaction here
J-shaped relationship between body fat levels and all-cause mortality here
Obesity is a risk factor for prostate cancer here
Obesity increases risk of death from COVID here
Childhood obesity increases all-cause mortality in young adults here
Bariatric surgery reduces mortality risk here
Fit obese people do NOT have increased risk of all-cause mortality, but DO have increased risk of cardiovascular mortality here
Obesity increases pain sensitivity here
Weight loss in obese people with osteoarthritis reduces symptoms and increases function here
Both CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) improve body image and reduce disordered eating here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

101. There are only 3 exercises in the world and Cat Stretch is 2 of them, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

100. How Pilates is changing in the UK, with Emma-Jayne Rushby and Raphael Bender

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

99. Move past Burnout, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 about dealing with anxiety here
How to measure burnout accurately and ethically by Christina Maslach here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

98. How to make $250k/year profit from your Pilates studio, with Josh Richardson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 IQ Pilates Studio Feasibility Calculator
Find Growth iQ Instagram here
Connect with Josh on Linkedin here or email him at jrichardson@growthiq.com.au

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

97. Gatekeeping in Pilates, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

96. How to Open a Pilates Studio for Zero Money Down and When to Sell It, with Phoebe Heyhoe and Raphael Bender

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

95. What I learned from recording 150+ podcast episodes, with Olivia Bioni and Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 Coffee here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

94. How to Get Your Clients Results, with Nathan Ross Rees and Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

93. Do we under-load our clients in Pilates? With Julie Driver and Raphael Bender

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 pain is caused by well-meaning health and fitness professionals scaring the shit out of their clients here
Persistence 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 here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

92. How to build your own on-demand Pilates business, with Ruth Bruno and Raphael Bender

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 here (not a sponsored link)

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

91. How to Sell Pilates Sessions Part 2, with Kylie Mones and Raphael Bender

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

90. Pathologizing Normal, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 (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 here
Anterior pelvic tilt is not related to hip muscle tightness or strength here
Surgery is not more effective than exercise for hip impingement and labral tears here
Subacromial decompression for shoulder impingement is 100% placebo here
In fact ALL surgeries for musculoskeletal pain are not better than placebo here
Early MRI causes harm here and the value of MRI for musculoskeletal pain results in more harm than benefit here
Stabilization exercise works better if you THINK your back is unstable here
There is very weak correlation between scoliosis curve magnitude and back pain here and here
Pain 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 here
Current ACSM guidelines here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

89. Overcoming addiction through Pilates, with Rebecca Solberg and Raphael Bender

Sun, 29 May 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

88. How to Sell Pilates Sessions Part 1, with Kylie Mones and Raphael Bender

Sun, 22 May 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

87. The tension between Unity and Change in the Pilates industry, with Amy Hedger and Raphael Bender

Sun, 15 May 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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

--------------------------------

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 Twitter
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

86. Rediscovering your Passion for Teaching, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender

Sun, 08 May 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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.

--------------------------------

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 Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

How to Connect with Raphael:

Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph's new book:

Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

85. Diet Culture in Pilates, with Jade Ritchi and Raphael Bender

Sun, 01 May 2022 15:00:00 +1100

TW: This episode contains content about disordered eating & body dysmorphia.

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 fatphobia
Why fitness is a better measure of health than body shape or fatness
Why fitness (or Pilates) challenges can be problematic, and how to reframe your fitness challenge so it’s body neutral
Why we don’t need to focus on working individual body parts, how it can be problematic, and what to do instead to motivate your clients
How to change your language to be more body neutral
Why Pilates instructors shouldn’t be giving dietary advice
The many incredible benefits of exercise that aren’t related to how you look
And more

Resources 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 here
Meeting physical activity guidelines reduces your risk of diabetes 39% and cardiovascular disease 60% here
Fitness is vastly more important than fatness for heart health here
Fitness is more important than body mass index for predicting someone’s risk of dying at any age here
Run app link here
Wendy Suzuki TED talk: The Brain-changing benefits of exercise here
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia here
The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women here

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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 Tiktok

About Raphael Bender:

How to Connect with Raphael:

Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph's new book:

Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

84. How to create your own thing in Pilates, with John Garey and Raphael Bender

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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

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About John Garey:

John Garey is a renowned Pilates Instructor and Fitness Expert. He is the creator of John Garey TV, an online, Pilates video on demand service. John earned his Master of Science in Physical Education from New York University.

He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through National Strength and Conditioning Association and also a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher.

John has starred in over 1000 Pilates and Fitness videos. He is an International Pilates and Fitness Presenter and has contributed to and appeared in many international publications, including Pilates Style Magazine, Men's Fitness, Shape, and GQ.

How to Connect with John:

Find John online here and here
Find John on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube

About Raphael Bender:

How to Connect with Raphael:

Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

83. Growing beyond your training, with Adam McAtee and Raphael Bender

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 with your regular clients

--------------------------------

About Adam McAtee:

Adam McAtee is an instructor here at Breathe Education. He has over 12 years of Pilates experience and a degree in Exercise Science. He is currently studying physical therapy (physiotherapy) in California.

As a trainer, Adam is big on encouraging students to become critical thinkers so they can be excellent instructors. He is passionate about staying up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practice, and imparting it to his students. It’s an honor for him to be a mentor in the lives of others who are pursuing a career in Pilates.

Adam likes to keep himself busy with his personal movement practice, traveling, scuba diving, and being with his partner, daughter, and pets (two dogs and a bird). His favorite quote (which you will likely hear in his classes) is, “nothing will work unless you do,” by Maya Angelou.

How to Connect with Adam:

Find Adam McAtee on Instagram here
Find Adam McAtee online here

About Raphael Bender:

How to Connect with Raphael:

Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

82. How bodybuilding has influenced Pilates, with Aden O’Sullivan and Raphael Bender

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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 programming
Are all bodybuilding practices, not laws of physics.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Strength is Specific book by Chris Beardsley here
Pumping Iron movie here
Intrinsic motivation for exercise is healthier and more sustainable here
Hip stance doesn’t affect quad recruitment in a squat here
Females tend to select loads that are too light to stimulate strength gains here and here

--------------------------------

About Aden O'Sullivan

Aden is the Co-owner of The Fit Space Australia. He is a strength & conditioning coach as well as a Master Trainer for KX Pilates. Aden has an impressive educational background, holding a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Human Movement) from the University of South Australia, and a Master’s of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning) from Edith Cowan University. He is also the former KX Pilates Senior State Training Manager of South Australia. He currently teaches group reformer classes and helps other trainers and studios via workshops.

How to Connect with Aden:

Find Aden on Instagram here
Find Aden online here and here

About Raphael Bender:

How to Connect with Raphael:

Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

81. How to help people AND make money, with Dan Baker and Raphael Bender

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +1100

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.

In fact, Dan shares his formula for hitting 25% net profit on a $250k annual turnover. That’s AFTER he pays himself.

If you have a Pilates studio, listening to this episode will teach you how to increase your profits by $50k THIS YEAR.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

How to generate more profit in your Pilates business by adding more reformers here

--------------------------------------

About Dan Baker:

Dan Baker is a Breathe Education trainer and owner of “Pilates with Dan” in Canberra. He has 15 years of teaching experience under his belt and holds a Certification in Pilates Matwork and Reformer, a PITC Diploma, an Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method, and a Bachelor of Science. In addition to Pilates, Dan is fond of running and swimming as parts of his personal movement practice.

How to Connect with Dan:

Find Dan on Instagram here
Find Dan on Facebook here

About Raphael Bender:

How to Connect with Raphael:

Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

80. Pilates Porn, with Anula Maiberg and Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

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:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

79. How to start a solo Pilates business and make great money, with Jean Campbell and Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

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 better, Jean has developed versions of the model for both online and brick-n-mortar businesses.

Raph asked Jean on the show to share her exact process, so you can copy her model and build your own highly profitable solo business, starting right now.

Jean doesn’t teach business, or run business training, or offer business coaching. She has nothing to sell you (unless you’re interested in yoga classes).

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Jean's Business Models here,
Example of private yoga sessions here

--------------------------------------

About Jean Campbell:

Jean designs and teaches Yoga trainings, courses, and workshops to help practitioners and teachers in their personal practice and teaching. Her anatomy courses and workshops combine practical anatomy with postures and sequencing, to provide knowledge in 3 areas: how to progress in asana practice, injury prevention and recovery from injury.

Over the last 27 years, Jean has taught classes, workshops, and trainings in various locations: Malaysia, China, Germany, Switzerland as well as my home country Australia.

Her qualifications include Certificate IV in Yoga Teacher Training (1200 hours), ERYT 500 (Yoga Alliance), YACEP (Yoga Alliance), Yoga Therapy (Ganesh Mohan, Svastha Yoga) and Pranayama and Yogic Mindfulness studies with A.G. and Indra Mohan.

How to Connect with Jean:

Find Jean online here
Find Jean's Dynamic Anatomy Courses here

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

78. What is best practice care for people with musculoskeletal pain? With Ivan Lin and Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

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 low back pain as an iatrogenic disorder: a qualitative study in Aboriginal Australians here
Clinical course and prognostic factors are the same across different musculoskeletal pain sites here
Stress can make pain better or worse depending on how you deal with it here
80% of pain-free 50 year olds have disc degeneration here
Low back pain patients who receive early MRI have higher costs,, more healthcare utilisation and worse outcomes here

The 11 common recommendations identified by Lin et al.. Think of these as the 11 commandments of high-quality care:

Give patient-centered care
Screen for red flags
Agree on outcome measures
Explain condition and management
Give a physical examination
Address physical activity & exercise
Assess psychosocial factors
Facilitate early return to work
Use imaging only if red flags are present, there is an unsatisfactory response to high-quality nonsurgical care, or it will change treatment
Use manual therapy only as an adjunct to active treatments
Offer high-quality non-surgical care before surgery

How to Connect with Ivan Lin

Find Ivan Lin online here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

77. The Ups and Downs of Living Your Dream, with Ashley Brien and Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

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:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

*Links may not work on some platforms. You’ll find all the info at https://breathe-education.com/podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

76. Helping People Change, with David Hartmann, Cloe Bunter, and Raphael Bender

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +1100

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

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

*Links may not work on some platforms. You’ll find all the info at https://breathe-education.com/podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

75. Pilates Pedagogy, with Kyle Marsh and Raphael Bender

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Did you learn how to teach like yourself, or like someone else in your Pilates teacher training program? In this episode, guest Kyle Marsh sheds light on the pedagogy of Pilates teacher education. Join us as we challenge authoritarian teaching styles, discover the power of good assessments, and more.

How to Connect with Kyle Marsh:

Find Kyle on Instagram
Find True II Form online here
Find True II Form on Instagram

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

74. How to Sell Your Sessions and Build a Successful Solo Business teaching Pilates, with Laura Cruz and Raphael Bender

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Being a solo Pilates instructor is a dream for many of us. But how can you build your business while holding on to self-doubt? Learn how to reframe rejection, sell your classes, and get more clients on this episode of Pilates Elephants with Laura Cruz.

---------------

About Laura Cruz:

Laura is a diversely-educated movement trainer and practitioner born and raised in NYC. She utilizes Pilates, mobility, and strength training to live life more fully and to support others in doing the same. From direct care for the disabled to movement coach, birth doula, and mentor for other wellness entrepreneurs, Laura has empowered others throughout her life. A lifelong student, she shares everything she embodies and learns with those around her to significantly impact lives. Her mission is to help people discover what autonomy looks like within their bodies, businesses, and lives.

How to Connect with Laura Cruz:

Find Laura on Instagram
Find Laura Cruz online here

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

73. Is Pilates the Best Exercise for Back Pain? With Cloe Bunter and Raphael Bender

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +1100

TLDR: Yes, it is.

Longer version - there is a bit of nuance so you should listen to the episode!

Resources and links to research mentioned in this episode:

Cochrane review finding exercise is effective for chronic back pain here
Some types of exercise are more effective than others in people with chronic low back pain: a network meta-analysis here
Pain centralizing is a positive prognostic indicator here
Joseph’s letter to President Kennedy - Shared by Jonathan Grubb FB here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

72. How to Motivate Your Clients, with Nathan Ross Rees and Raphael Bender

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +1100

How can we motivate clients and what should we focus on with different skill levels? Guest Nathan Ross Rees shares how instructors can get their clients to push their limits at every class.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

71. Real Men Do Pilates, with Martin Reid, Cloe Bunter, and Raphael Bender

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Pilates is for everybody… So where are all the men?! We challenge the Pilates paradigm today and explore how to make Pilates more welcoming to men- and everyone!

--------------------------------

About Martin Reid:

Martin is a Movement Specialist who has worked as a fitness trainer, worldwide speaker, and fitness model in the big-box and boutique fitness spaces since 2002. Martin earned his first Pilates certification in 2008 and has since continued to hone his skills. Martin realized the benefits of a consistent Pilates practice for his professional and everyday athletes after earning a complete Pilates certification with Peak Pilates in 2014. Martin began a 600-hour apprenticeship in 2019 after being inspired to learn more about Joseph Pilates' original name for the technique, Contrology, and the influence it can have on men's health. To underscore his case, he uses the hashtag #realmendopilates on social media.

Martin launched two enterprises in July 2020: Reid Method Pilates Studio, a micro business within the Reid Method Pilates Studio; and Reid Method Pilates Studio, a micro business within the Reid Method Pilates Studio.

How to Connect with Martin Reid:

Find Martin on Instagram
Find Personal Victory Website here

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

70. Embracing Change, with Raphael Bender and Cloe Bunter

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +1100

How do you know when it’s time to take action and make a change? How can you confidently leap into the unknown? Raph and Cloe share insights about personal transformation and explore how to embrace change, even when it’s scary.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Read my book: Strengthen the Person, Not Just the Body Part here.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

69. Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, with Heath Lander

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Simple doesn’t mean easy, and complicated doesn’t mean effective. In this episode, Heath Lander explains how to simplify your exercise programming to challenge clients and improve your teaching skills at the same time!

------------------------------

About Heath Lander:

Heath has been teaching movement for the last 20 years and Pilates for the last 13. He runs White Dog studio with his partner in Melbourne and also owns a virtual instructor-focused studio. With over 20,000 hours teaching large group reformer classes, small group clinical, and 1:1 sessions, his great passion as a movement educator is helping trainers to deepen their knowledge while simultaneously finding simplicity in their teaching and understanding.⁠

How to Connect with Heath:

Find Heath on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

68. Neutral Spine- What is it and Should We Care? with Raphael Bender & Cloe Bunter

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Neutral spine gets a lot of attention in the Pilates and fitness world, but where does it come from and what does it mean? Listen in to find out what the evidence says about neutral vs flexed spine during load bearing, our ability to assess neutral spine, as well as some practical tips for cueing your clients.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

67. Transform Yourself Through Pilates, with Dani Font

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health and eating disorders. If you or someone you know needs help please reach out to a qualified professional.

Australia: Butterfly National Helpline, Butterfly.org.au

USA: NEDA, NationalEatingDisorders.org

This raw yet uplifting chat with instructor Dani Font reminds us that there is always more than meets the eye. Join us as we explore the power of self-transformation through movement education.

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About Dani Font:

Dani Font is a Pilates instructor and Breathe Education grad. Dani had been involved in movement and sports all her life before entering the Pilates world soon after finishing high school. She has a background in dance, dance instruction, and acrobatics coaching. She has been candid about her personal transformation through Pilates, as it has been a major piece in her journey of recovery from an eating disorder. Throughout this journey, Dani has continued to place a high value on continued education and finding her own voice. Dani’s “why” is guiding clients through making small, daily gains in their physical health which lead to great improvement for their overall quality of life.

How to Connect with Dani:

Find Dani on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

66. Feel Comfortable & Let Go, with Sarah Michael

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Do you try to teach Pilates like someone else because you’re afraid you're not doing it right? Listen in to learn how to let go and facilitate a flow state for both your clients and yourself!

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About Sarah Michael:

Sarah began teaching Pilates ten years ago and has taught at several studios across Sydney. She is now at Vive Active where she advanced her career to head trainer and head of performance. In addition to Pilates, Sarah has a passion for music which has driven her to combine them both, creating a sensory workout like no other. These music-infused movement classes leave clients feeling restored, alive, and on top of the world. Sarah is dedicated to helping her clients progress on their journey, and it shows through the following she’s created for herself. The passion and enthusiasm she gives to each and every person who sets foot into her studio is unforgettable. Sarah’s goal for each client is to experience fearless movement, inspiring them to feel that their bodies are capable of anything.

How to Connect with Sarah:

Find Sarah on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

65. Is Body Awareness Always a Good Thing? With Raphael Bender & Cloe Bunter

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

What do we really mean when we say someone is “body aware”? Raph and Cloe explore the brain activity behind the mind-body connection and explain where we should focus our attention to maximise physical performance.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Read Raph's book: Strengthen the Person, Not Just the Body Part here

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

64. Inclusive Programming & Return to Instructing Postpartum, with Alice Scott

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

How can Pilates instructors design inclusive programs for clients with varied skill levels and experience? Alice Scott joins us for a candid talk about how to cultivate inclusivity and break down barriers to doing Pilates against the backdrop of her own postpartum Pilates experience.

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About Alice Scott:

Alice has been in the Health and Fitness industry since 2009. Based in Sydney, Australia, she is currently the Head Coach at Virgin Active Australia. Alice holds qualifications from Breathe Education, STOTT Pilates, and Elixr Pilates, along with a bachelor’s degree in applied science from the University of Western Sydney. She has international Pilates teaching experience, having taught in Dubai, UAE. Alice is keen on encouraging fearless movement and empowering her clients to experience their full capabilities in their Pilates practice. Aside from teaching Pilates, Alice is passionate about fitness, food, and being a mom to her lively two-year-old son.

How to Connect with Alice:

Find Alice on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

63. Working with Adaptive Clients: Thinking Outside the Box, with Cody Jussel

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Who is an adaptive client, and how should you work with them? Cody Jussel has extensive experience training adaptive athletes and shares her insights on thinking creatively, effective collaboration and knowing when to let go.

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About Cody Jussel:

Cody earned a Master's of Kinesiology from A.T. Still's Graduate School of Health Sciences with a double major in orthopedic rehab and adaptive sports. She has been teaching Pilates for 15 years in a variety of environments from large health clubs to small studios and accumulated over 500 hours of observation in clinical settings from outpatient rehab to acute care and pediatric PT.

In 2020, Cody opened her own studio focusing on adaptive athletes. She’s passionate about growing a network of Pilates professionals who are focused on redefining adaptive training and providing resources and access to high-quality training for adaptive athletes everywhere.

Cody holds certifications in Pilates from the Midwest Pilates Institute and the PMA and has CrossFit L1 as well as a certification in nutrition coaching from Precision Nutrition.

How to Connect with Cody:

Find Cody on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

If you like the podcast, now you can read the book!

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 18:10:00 +1100

Raphael Bender has written a book! It's called Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part, the surprisingly simple guide to rehabilitating any injury and feeling more genuine as a movement professional.

Find the book here

https://strengthentheperson.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

62. Can Avoiding Pain Actually Cause More Damage? With Greg Lehman

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

When is it okay to ‘poke into pain’? Do strengthening exercises need to be specific? Listen in for the facts surrounding pain during exercise and targeted workouts for conditions like osteoarthritis and more.

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About Greg Lehman:

Greg Lehman is a practicing physiotherapist, researcher, and educator in Toronto, Canada with over 20 years of experience in the rehabilitation field. Greg’s background includes an MSc in Spine Biomechanics, MSc in Physiotherapy, and a Chiropractic degree. Greg has published more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in the manual therapy and exercise science fields. He has a special interest in the multidimensional nature of pain and injury and believes that simple yet comprehensive approaches are a cornerstone of the biopsychosocial approach to patient care. Greg has taught the popular “Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science” course for 5 years to 1000s of therapists throughout the world. The course is about fundamentals and finding the common threads of many rehabilitation approaches

How to Connect with Greg:

Find Greg on Instagram @greglehman
Find Greg on Twitter @GregLehman
Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science online course
OA Optimism YouTube Channel
OA Optimism online

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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61. What it Takes to be a Serial Successful Pilates Business Owner, with James Trenerry

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

How can studio owners thrive during times of uncertainty? Learn how to successfully navigate changing Pilates markets with our guest, James Trennery.

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About James Trenerry:

James started in the health and fitness industry at KX Pilates as a Trainer and Studio Manager. In 2015 he moved to NSW to help launch the KX Pilates brand and took on the role of Master Trainer and Multi Studio Manager, and was awarded Trainer of the Year at two KX Pilates Studios and National Trainer of the Year.

He also completed his Diploma in Clinical Pilates with Breathe Education that year. After six years in the health and wellness arena, opening several additional branches of KX Pilates from Bali to Norwood, Unley, Magill, and Mile End, James has recently sold his studios and is now a silent investor, and an actioning investor in a few other businesses on the side.

How to Connect with James:

Find James on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

60. Pilates Body Shape: The Illusion of Perfection, with Laura Cruz

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Body shape and Pilates are tightly linked in many people’s minds. Well... it is time to grow past that outdated illusion, because it isn’t good for the industry or the people it intends to help. Listen in as Laura Cruz shares her insights on how to increase diversity and accessibility in Pilates.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Read Raph's book: Strengthen the Person, Not Just the Body Part here

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About Laura Cruz:

A lifelong student, she shares everything she embodies and learns with those around her to significantly impact lives. Her mission is to help people discover what autonomy looks like within their bodies, businesses, and lives.

How to Connect with Laura Cruz:

Find Laura online
Find Laura on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

59. Proper Squat Form- Does it Exist? With Raphael Bender and Cloe Bunter

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Many exercises, like squats, are described as being risky if you do them wrong, but is that true? Foot placement, knee placement and spinal alignment, we are diving into all of it!

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

58. How Dance Culture Continues to Influence Pilates, with Josselyn Levinson-Dustin

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Pilates has been heavily influenced by dance in terms of aesthetics and industry practices. What does this mean for instructors and clients? Raph and Josselyn discuss how to instruct clients of diverse movement backgrounds while keeping your Pilates business thriving.

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About Josselyn Levinson-Dustin:

Josselyn is a movement lover, anatomy geek, wife, mama, Pilates student and teacher, and the owner of Root & Limb Pilates in Berkeley, CA. She holds a BA in dance and an MFA in Performance and Choreography with an emphasis in the Alexander Technique. After dancing professionally for many years, Josselyn became certified through the Kane School of Core Integration in NYC and began teaching Pilates full time in 2010. Her mission as a Pilates teacher is to empower people to find strength, confidence, and joy in their Pilates practice and to move fearlessly through life.

How to Connect with Josselyn Levinson-Dustin:

Root & Limb Pilates
Root and Limb on facebook
Root and Limb on Instagram

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

57. What Studio Owners Are REALLY Looking For When Hiring New Instructors, with Raphael Bender and Cloe Bunter

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

What do studio owners really want from new hires? And what are new instructors looking for from a studio? We pull back the curtain on both Pilates instructors and studio owners to help you find the perfect match, whether you’re looking for a new job or a new team member, listen in!

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

56. Factors Which Influence Our Experience Of Pain, with Brendan Mouatt

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Is how I experience pain different than other people? The way people think, what they're told, and what they're exposed to, along with their biology, significantly impacts their pain. Listen in to forever change the way you see pain.

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About Brendan Mouatt:

Brendan is an accredited exercise physiologist and director of The Biomechanics—A multidisciplinary health practice in Footscray and Port Melbourne, Australia.

Brendan is also the founding director of The Knowledge Exchange, a continuing education business that delivers contemporary science-based education courses to healthcare professionals worldwide. The Knowledge Exchange courses provide updates in treatment approaches for low back pain, upper body and neck pain, widespread musculoskeletal pain, and lower limb rehabilitation. Brendan is currently based in Adelaide, where he also lectures at the University of South Australia (UniSA) on exercise, pain mechanisms, and treatment. He is also completing his Ph.D. at UniSA, investigating how perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors influence the recovery of those suffering from pain. Brendan has multiple peer-reviewed papers with others currently under review.

Brendan is motivated by the clear need for better healthcare for people living with pain and providing insight into the gaps in existing knowledge. When not working, Brendan can be found exploring the hills of Adelaide, cycling the wine regions, strength training, or reading a good book.

How to Connect with Brendan Mouatt:

Website here
Twitter: @Brendan Mouatt
Instagram The Knowledge Exchange
Facebook group for movement and health professionals here

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

55. Physio and Rehab - Not What You Think! with Adam Meakins

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Sometimes it can feel like outdated beliefs are rampant in the rehab world... Well, this episode is here to help change that. Adam Meakins is one of the most followed clinicians in the world on socials, and for good reason. He is open and informative, even sharing his own first-hand rehab experiences in full public gaze. His no nonsense, evidence-based approach is worth learning from.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Read Raph's book: Strengthen the Person, Not Just the Body Part here

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About Adam Meakins:

Adam Meakins is a physiotherapist, sports scientist, and strength & conditioning coach working in the NHS and private practice in the UK. He has worked in many roles throughout his career, including professional sport, and has been fortunate enough to work with and learn from some of the world’s leading experts.

Adam has lectured for Brunel University on their undergraduate physiotherapy program and teaches his own highly acclaimed international workshops worldwide. Adam is also actively involved in several clinical research projects and has published papers in numerous peer-reviewed journals, as well as authored a chapter for the latest edition of the best-selling Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine.

Adam is also one of the most followed clinicians across all social media platforms, known for his strong views, opinions, and occasionally stronger language.

How to Connect with Adam Meakins:

Adam Meakins at The Better Clinician Project
Adam Meakins The Sports Physio
Find Adam Meakins on Twitter here
Find Adam Meakins on Instagram here

About Raphael Bender:

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

54. Are Big Classes Unsafe? with Raphael Bender and Cloe Bunter

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Are small group classes really better than large group classes in Pilates? Are there injury risks with Pilates? And if so, how likely are they and what causes them? Class safety and mitigating risk are important for any instructor, so it’s important to make evidence-based decisions to facilitate an environment where your clients can flourish.

Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender

Download a free course guide:

Pilates Certification
Visualized Anatomy
Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy