The Pilates Lounge

• Bursitis and How Pilates Can Help

  Bursitis is one of those conditions that's often brushed aside with a cortisone shot and a pat on the back. But is that really healing—or just a quick way to silence symptoms? In this episode of The Pilates Lounge Podcast, Katie Crane takes a bold look at how the Pilates community can do better for clients by addressing the real root causes of bursitis: poor mechanics, lack of movement variability, and ignoring the body's natural signals. Katie challenges the over-reliance on cortisone injections, unpacks the critical difference between natural and synthetic cortisol, and makes the case for fascia hydration, movement diversity, and listening to pain as valuable feedback. Beyond the physical, she digs into why community and emotional support are just as essential in the healing process. This conversation is part education, part reality check—inviting Pilates professionals to step away from band-aid solutions and lean into the body's wisdom, resilience, and true capacity for recovery. Key Takeaways Healing doesn't come from quick fixes—it comes from addressing root causes. Cortisone injections may shut you up, but they don't set you free. Bursitis is less about "bad luck" and more about mechanics and movement. Pilates offers a powerful path to restore function and resilience. Pain is not the enemy—it's feedback the body needs us to hear. Fascia health depends on hydration and varied movement. Community and emotional support are non-negotiable in recovery. Educated decisions—not shortcuts—lead to lasting change.   Special Offers Just for You! FREE Gift Workshop: Start deepening your practice today! 👉 Claim it here Discover Your Pilates Personality: Take our quick 60-second quiz! 👉 Start the quiz Join Our Pilates Muse Newsletter: Get biweekly insights, inspiration, and exclusive updates. 👉 Subscribe here  

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• Polyvagal Theory and Pilates in Practice

  Have you ever wondered why some clients struggle to stay present during class? Or why certain movements, even when modified, feel like "too much" for someone? You might be seeing more than just tight hips or shallow breath—you might be witnessing a nervous system response. In this episode, Katie Crane invites you into a deeper understanding of the Polyvagal Theory, a game-changing framework developed by Stephen Porges that explains how our nervous system responds to safety, threat, and connection. Katie shares how learning about the vagus nerve reshaped her approach to teaching. It's not just about alignment and muscle engagement—it's about seeing the whole person, understanding their internal state, and using movement and breath to create safety and healing.     In This Episode, You'll Learn: The three autonomic nervous system states: • Dorsal vagal (shutdown/freeze) • Sympathetic (fight/flight) • Ventral vagal (connection/safety) How these states show up in Pilates sessions—and what we can do as teachers to meet clients where they are Why language, tone, and choice matter more than we think How breath and stillness can be just as therapeutic as movement How to create a space that invites trust, empowerment, and nervous system regulation   Why It Matters: Pilates isn't just about better movement—it's about better connection. When we understand the nervous system, we realize that offering someone a sense of safety in their body is one of the most profound gifts we can give. This episode is a gentle nudge to look beyond the exercise and into the human experience—to teach from a place of compassion, curiosity, and consciousness.     🎁 Resources & Support: ✨ Free Gift Workshop: https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au/free-gift-workshop   📬 Subscribe to The Pilates Muse Newsletter: https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au/the-pilates-muse-publication     Connect with Us! 🌐 Discover more resources or sign up for updates: https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au 📩 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow Pilates professional who needs to hear this! 👋 Follow us on social media for more tips, reflections, and behind-the-scenes inspiration.     Thanks for listening! Be kind with your words—and we'll catch you next week for another meaningful conversation on The Pilates Lounge.    

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• Pilates For Back Pain

  Back pain is one of the most common physical challenges people face—yet it's often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mismanaged. In this eye-opening episode, Katie Crane breaks down the myths, fears, and practical strategies surrounding back pain in the Pilates studio. With over 80% of people likely to experience back pain at some point in their lives, Katie explores how labels and diagnoses can sometimes do more harm than good. She shares her insights into how Pilates instructors can shift their approach to support healing—by meeting clients with empathy, education, and movement experiences that restore confidence and connection to the body. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Why structural abnormalities don't always equal pain 🔹 How fear and mindset play a big role in chronic pain 🔹 The importance of trust, body awareness, and regulation techniques 🔹 Practical tools: neutral spine, breathwork, traction, and core engagement through footwork Whether you're a Pilates teacher or someone dealing with back pain yourself, this episode is packed with powerful reminders: every body is different, and healing starts with listening, moving, and empowering. Perfect For: Pilates instructors, movement professionals, rehab specialists, and anyone living with or supporting someone with back pain.     Resources & Extras: ✨ Want to dive deeper into Pilates for back pain? Subscribe to our newsletter and grab free training resources at thepilatesprofessional.com.au 🎁 Take our FREE 60-second quiz: What's Your Pilates Personality? 👉 Take the quiz here 💌 Subscribe to The Pilates Muse biweekly newsletter for expert tips, inspiration, and exclusive updates. 👉 Join here  

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• Pilates For Back Pain

  Back pain is one of the most common physical challenges people face—yet it’s often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mismanaged. In this eye-opening episode, Katie Crane breaks down the myths, fears, and practical strategies surrounding back pain in the Pilates studio. With over 80% of people likely to experience back pain at some point in their lives, Katie explores how labels and diagnoses can sometimes do more harm than good. She shares her insights into how Pilates instructors can shift their approach to support healing—by meeting clients with empathy, education, and movement experiences that restore confidence and connection to the body. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Why structural abnormalities don't always equal pain 🔹 How fear and mindset play a big role in chronic pain 🔹 The importance of trust, body awareness, and regulation techniques 🔹 Practical tools: neutral spine, breathwork, traction, and core engagement through footwork Whether you’re a Pilates teacher or someone dealing with back pain yourself, this episode is packed with powerful reminders: every body is different, and healing starts with listening, moving, and empowering. Perfect For: Pilates instructors, movement professionals, rehab specialists, and anyone living with or supporting someone with back pain. Resources & Extras: ✨ Want to dive deeper into Pilates for back pain? Subscribe to our newsletter and grab free training resources at thepilatesprofessional.com.au Special Offers Just for You! FREE Gift Workshop: Start deepening your practice today! 👉 Claim it here Discover Your Pilates Personality: Take our quick 60-second quiz! 👉 Start the quiz Join Our Pilates Muse Newsletter: Get biweekly insights, inspiration, and exclusive updates. 👉 Subscribe here  

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• When does Reformer stop being Pilates?

   Ever walked into a "Pilates" class and thought… Is this actually Pilates? You're not alone. In this episode, host Katie Crane dives into the heart of what true Pilates is—and why that distinction matters more than ever. With 18 years of teaching under her belt, Katie breaks down the real difference between a reformer fitness class and the full Pilates method. She shares why slapping on some weights or trendy labels doesn't evolve the method—it risks watering it down. If you're craving more depth, more clarity, and more purpose in your Pilates practice or teaching, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're an instructor, a dedicated client, or just Pilates-curious, Katie brings the truth, the passion, and the clarity you didn't know you needed. What You'll Walk Away With: ✔️ Why lumping everything under "Pilates" can dilute its impact ✔️ The real difference between reformer fitness and the full Pilates system ✔️ Why learning on real bodies—not just manuals—is essential for teachers ✔️ When props and weights help (and when they distract from the work) ✔️ How clearer language can unify and elevate the Pilates community ✔️ A reminder that Pilates is not just a workout—it's a long-term relationship with your body   Special Offers Just for You! FREE Gift Workshop: Start deepening your practice today! 👉 Claim it here Discover Your Pilates Personality: Take our quick 60-second quiz! 👉 Start the quiz Join Our Pilates Muse Newsletter: Get biweekly insights, inspiration, and exclusive updates. 👉 Subscribe here

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