Pilates Elephants

Train instructors faster by focusing on “good enough to start”, not perfection.
Most studio owners overwhelm new instructors by trying to teach everything upfront. This slows learning and reduces confidence.
Instead:
Define the minimum skill set needed to teach one class competently
Give instructors a clear, repeatable “recipe” (exact class plan)
Have them practice and teach the same class repeatedly
Layer in new skills only after mastery

Key ideas:
Prioritize depth over breadth
Use real teaching reps + feedback as the main learning driver
Standardize your class before trying to scale your team

Result: faster ramp, better classes, more consistent client experience
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

Studio owners often think they need a new trend, new machine, or new offer to stand out.
In this episode, Raphael and Heath argue the opposite.
They explain why the studios that win are not the ones chasing novelty. They are the ones with a clear style, a consistent client experience, and a team that delivers the same standard every time.
They also unpack the difference between running a food hall, where every instructor does their own thing under one roof. And running a restaurant, where the whole team delivers one clear product, as a team.
If your studio feels inconsistent, vulnerable to staff turnover, or harder to grow than it should, this episode is for you.
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

This lecture was delivered live for our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.
You'll also find it as a video on YouTube if you want to see the visuals. Here's the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/UATwStlLVWI

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

Short answer - mostly not. But in a few cases, yes.
I delve into a better way to think about contrainidications, and working with people with pain, injury and chronic conditions.
Links:
Brinjikji et al. 2015a - disc bulge is highly prevalent in pain-free people here
Brinjikji et al. 2015b - disc bulge is slightly MORE prevalent in people with back pain here
Painful exercises are slightly BETTER than non-painful exercises for people with chronic pain 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

Why I don't believe there is a better definition of a good instructor than a full class of strong clients.
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