Breaking Myths About Osteoporosis and Pilates With Gemma Pearson
Pilates has the power to transform lives especially when it comes to supporting women with osteoporosis.In this episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic sits down with Gemma Pearson, founder of Osteoporosis Pilates, to explore how movement can rebuild strength, confidence, and resilience in a population often overlooked by traditional fitness.Gemma shares her journey from professional dancer to educator and how she discovered her niche in bone health.They discuss the myths and fear-based messaging around osteoporosis, offering Pilates teachers practical strategies for adapting movement safely and effectively.Whether you are a Pilates teacher wanting to upskill, a studio owner looking to better serve your clients, or simply curious about how movement impacts bone density and wellbeing, this conversation is packed with insights that you can take away.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Gemma Pearson02:26 Realising the need for osteoporosis Pilates04:19 Why teachers are nervous about this population05:43 Gemma’s journey with Pilates13:25 Strategies for teaching clients with osteoporosis17:34 Adapting Pilates for special populations25:40 Communicating effectively with clients29:50 Building an online presence with purpose30:09 The role of evidence-based practice32:32 Moving from studio to online teaching33:32 Creating community in the online space34:59 Keeping clients engaged and empowered41:30 Marketing strategies and client acquisition50:31 Collaborations with medical professionals53:28 Future goals and teacher training plans56:56 Quick-fire questionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please hit follow so you never miss a new release and if you are listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, a five-star review would mean the world in helping us reach more Pilates teachers and movement professionals.Connect with Nic:Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassConnect with Gemma:Osteoporosis Pilates WebsiteOsteoporosis Pilates InstagramGet 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES Ready to take the next step in your Pilates journey? Enrol in our 12-month Teacher Training before 31st October and save £300 on our January intake.
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Rethinking Pilates Training and the Future of the Industry with Jenna Zaffino
The Pilates industry is evolving faster than ever, but not always in the right direction.Nic is joined by educator, mentor, and business strategist Jenna Zaffino, who has been shaping conversations in Pilates for over two decades.Jenna shares her journey from ballet to studio ownership, and how her personal challenges led her to pivot into mentorship and health coaching.Nic and Jenna discuss the realities of running a Pilates studio today and the future of teacher training.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Jenna Zaffino02:23 What is broken within the Pilates industry06:51 Challenges in the Pilates community08:05 The evolution of Pilates training12:56 How Jenna discovered Pilates17:16 Going from studio owner to mentor and coach21:10 Balancing business with personal life26:17 Why the traditional studio model is flawed29:15 Building client relationships and tracking progress30:29 Profitability of Pilates studios31:55 Defining and communicating your value proposition35:31 The power of authenticity and connection36:07 Common struggles for studio owners40:40 How Jenna got into business coaching50:16 Mental health, inclusivity, and the future of Pilates56:10 Quick fire questionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond the Reformer, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. It really helps us bring more incredible conversations to the podcast!Connect with Nic:Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassConnect with JennaJenna Zaffino WebsiteJenna’s InstagramPilates Unfiltered PodcastGet 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES Ready to take the next step in your Pilates journey? Enrol in our 12-month Teacher Training before 31st October and save £300 on our January intake.
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Diary of a Pilates Studio Owner
For our final episode of S1, Nic sits down for her first ever solo episode.Nic knows what it’s like to be starting out running your own studio and feeling a little bit lost or alone, so she wanted to chat about everything that has been coming up for her recently about running multiple studios, launching a teacher training programme and trying to balance work and life without burnout.She also shares the joy and challenges of running a growing team, staying committed to her own Pilates practice and why continuous learning is so vital in the Pilates world.She finishes up talking about marketing strategy, sales recruitment and building the right support structure for sustainable growth.Timestamps00:00 Nic’s first solo episode00:31 Early challenges and lessons from starting a Pilates studio01:01 How launching the podcast has impacted her03:27 Balancing studio life with personal time and family05:34 Making a renewed commitment to her own health and Pilates practice08:22 Creating a comprehensive teacher training programme11:12 The importance of ongoing learning and CPD12:30 The value of mentorship in teaching and studio growth13:46 Why movement efficiency is central to her teaching philosophy15:22 Building and structuring the right studio team17:02 The role of marketing in sustaining and growing a studio22:42 Rethinking sales recruitment and interview processes26:12 End of Season 1A HUGE thank you to everyone that has supported the podcast for Season 1. The response has been incredible and we have big plans for the future of the podcast.Before we come back with Season 2, if you have enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and rate the show 5 stars as that would be amazing.See you soon.Connect with Nic:Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassGet 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES
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How Pilates Helps Manage Chronic Conditions with Clara Farque
Nic sits down with Clara Farque, a Pilates instructor, medical doctor, and chronic illness advocate, to explore the role Pilates has played in managing rheumatoid arthritis, preventing burnout, and creating a more holistic future for healthcare.Clara shares how a life-changing diagnosis at 18 led her to Pilates and how she balances her work as a doctor with teaching and mentoring.This episode takes an honest look at the intersection of chronic illness, movement, and medicine.They also chat about the realities of showing up authentically on Instagram, how Clara built a loyal online community, and what Pilates teachers need to do to prevent burnout.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Clara01:11 Clara’s journey to discovering Pilates01:27 Living with arthritis and its challenges03:47 Practising Pilates during university04:18 Training to become a Pilates instructor07:09 Balancing a medical career with teaching Pilates09:34 How Pilates has impacted Clara’s life and career12:33 Clara’s philosophy on teaching and adapting Pilates21:19 Insights into holistic health and chronic illness33:38 Specialising in elderly care38:00 The importance of injury checks40:02 Empowering clients and encouraging self-awareness42:16 Mentoring new teachers and tackling imposter syndrome52:01 Juggling life as a doctor, mum, and Pilates teacher53:33 The challenges of growing on social media56:54 Embracing authenticity as a Pilates instructor01:03:45 Quick-fire questionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with your Pilates friends. It really helps us reach more people with thoughtful conversations like this.Connect with Nic:Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassConnect with Clara:Pilates with ClaraWebsiteMentoring for teachersGet 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES Ready to take the next step in your Pilates journey? Enrol in our 12-month Teacher Training before 31st October and save £300 on our January intake.
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What Separates Good Pilates Teachers from Great Ones with Diane Nye
Introducing our new Teaching Tips series! We have Diane Nye back on the podcast, chatting about what makes a truly great teacher.Having mentored hundreds of Pilates instructors over the past 16 years, Diane shares her insights on confidence, presence, and the art of bringing your personality into your teaching.Together, we explore why knowledge alone doesn’t make a great teacher, how to build authentic connections with clients, and the importance of curiosity and observation in the early years of teaching.Diane also offers advice for overcoming imposter syndrome, avoiding over-cueing, and making the most of your practice and observation hours.If you haven’t listened to the first episode with Diane, you can check it out hereTimestamps00:00 Welcome back Diane Nye!00:40 What makes a truly successful teacher02:12 Bringing personality and confidence into your teaching04:29 Learning from experience and continuous improvement05:16 Letting go of perfection and being present10:40 What sets successful teachers apart12:21 Advice for your first year of teaching13:52 Common pitfalls for trainee teachers19:21 Class planning challenges22:37 Client expectations and teaching strategies26:06 Mentoring in studios29:20 Advice for studio owners30:40 Putting your all into teaching33:44 Continuous learning and developmentIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with your Pilates friends. It really helps us reach more people with thoughtful conversations like this.Connect with Nic:Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassConnect with Diane:Polestar Pilates CoursesGet 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES Ready to take the next step in your Pilates journey? Enrol in our 12-month Teacher Training before 31st October and save £300 on our January intake.
Welcome to Beyond the Reformer, the podcast where Pilates professionals and enthusiasts come together for thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories. Join Nic every Monday morning to feel more connected, inspired, and empowered in your Pilates practice, teaching, and beyond…
Ireland