Nic is joined by Juan Nieto, a physical therapist, Polestar educator, founder of the Reformer Flow Collective and co-creator of Runty.

Juan brings a completely different perspective to Pilates, movement, and coaching. Rather than focusing on perfect technique or choosing the “right” exercises, he challenges the idea that there even is a single correct way to move. Instead, he shares why expanding movement options, building awareness, and increasing variability is what truly helps people move better, reduce pain, and build resilience.

The conversation explores how Pilates can act as a foundation for everything else, from running to strength training, and why it should be seen as part of a bigger movement ecosystem rather than a standalone solution.

Juan shares why group classes can be more powerful than privates, how play and task-based learning can transform the way people move, and why teachers need to shift from instructing to creating environments where real learning can happen.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Juan

00:37 Why Pilates should be seen as a starting point, not the end goal

04:58 The challenge of getting runners into Pilates

08:16 Using Pilates as effective cross-training

11:30 Juan’s journey into movement and physical therapy

12:27 Moving away from hands-on treatment to building client independence

14:30 The opportunity for Pilates teachers in modern rehab

20:33 Understanding pain, beliefs, and the nervous system

23:01 Assessing movement through tasks and tendencies

25:45 Why group classes can be more powerful than privates

29:03 Building agency and independence in your clients

31:57 Why Pilates teachers need to stop over-cueing

35:03 Using play and games to improve movement and learning

37:44 The Reformer Flow Collective and creative teaching

45:41 Quick-fire questions

49:31 Where to connect with Juan

Thanks so much to Juan for coming on the podcast. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you’ve been loving it, it helps the show more than you know.

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
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• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class
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Connect with Juan

• Juan Nieto Instagram
• Email: juan@postpilates.es
• Reformer Flow Collecti

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

In this episode, Nic is joined by Lesley Logan, a classical Pilates teacher, international presenter, fellow podcaster, and founder of Profitable Pilates and Online Pilates Classes.

They explore what it really takes to become a great Pilates teacher, from developing the ability to observe bodies and cue effectively, to navigating imposter syndrome and finding your unique voice in the industry.

They unpack the importance of having boundaries and also the current state of the Pilates industry, including gaps in teacher training, the need for mentorship, and why rushing into teaching too quickly can hold people back long term.

They also go deeper into the business side of Pilates, from pricing and profitability to building a career that actually supports your life.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Lesley Logan

01:32 Boundaries, burnout, and learning to say no

09:59 What’s happening in the Pilates industry right now

13:22 Gaps in teacher training and education

15:25 Learning how to truly see bodies as a teacher

18:49 Lesley’s journey into Pilates

26:09 Helping clients build autonomy in their practice

30:52 Owning your unique method and voice

40:26 Pricing for sustainability and growth

45:37 What accessibility really means in Pilates

50:52 Why mentorship keeps great teachers

54:05 Building multiple revenue streams

57:35 Quick-fire questions

59:15 Where to find Lesley

If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it.

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class
• Sign up to Our Newsletter

Connect with Lesley:

• Lesley Logan Instagram
• Profitable Pilates Website
• Online Pilates Classes
• Lesley Logan Podcast

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

In this episode, Nic sits down with Andre Santaella, COO of Polestar Pilates and now leading Polestar UK, to explore her journey from discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio to stepping into a global leadership role.

Nic and Andre discuss what truly makes a great Pilates teacher beyond just their qualifications.

They also explore how to choose the right training provider, why mentorship is essential, and the importance of continuous education.

To finish off they chat about how we should be viewing other studios, teachers and trainings as an opportunity to collaborate instead of think of it as competition and and how shifting this mindset can completely change your experience within the Pilates industry.

Timestamps

00:00 Introd to Andre

01:41 Taking on Polestar UK

04:53 Discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio

10:55 The path from studio manager to COO

16:16 What actually makes a great Pilates teacher

20:52 Questions to ask when hiring teachers

26:05 Learning from observing different teaching styles

27:14 Choosing the right Pilates training provider

33:05 The role of continuing education in Pilates

37:34 Why collaboration beats competition

44:02 Differences in the global Pilates industry

50:22 Quick fire questions

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss a conversation!

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class
• Sign up to Our Newsletter

Connect with Andre:

• Andre Santaella Instagram
• Polestar Pilates UK Instagram
• Polestar Pilates UK Website

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

Welcome back to Part 2 of this conversation with Rael Isacowitz, founder of Basi Pilates, where Nic and Rael go deeper into the evolution of the method, the role of equipment, and what it really takes to become a great teacher in today’s industry.

Rael shares the story behind designing Basi equipment and how it was created to reflect both form and function. He breaks down the Basi block system, explaining how structure can actually unlock creativity in teaching rather than limit it.

The conversation also explores what it means to continue learning as a teacher, from Rael’s legacy programme to the importance of staying connected to your own practice.

To finish, they have a powerful discussion around standards in the Pilates industry, the challenges of accreditation, and why crediting others in this work is essential for growth.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome back to Part 2

01:19 Designing equipment with both form and function in mind

05:59 How the Basi equipment first came to life

09:08 The origins of the Basi block system

13:49 Why structure actually fuels creativity in teaching

15:14 The idea behind marathon mat sessions

19:21 The legacy programme

26:08 The difference between advanced work and performance

28:25 Why Pilates needs stronger standards

30:02 Attempts at accreditation in the industry

35:32 The importance of crediting

40:44 Changing your mind and evolving as a teacher

44:49 Favourite exercises and staying connected to the work

47:21 Why teachers often overdo it in their classes

48:54 Habits that support a long career in Pilates

52:34 Community and relationships in Pilates

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a conversation like this.

Share this episode with a fellow teacher or studio owner who would benefit from hearing this, and if you haven’t already, we’d really appreciate you leaving a rating or review. It helps more people discover the show and be part of this community.

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class
• Sign up to Our Newsletter

Connect with Rael:

• Rael Isacowitz Instagram
• Basi Pilates Instagram
• Basi Pilates Website

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

There are very few people in the Pilates world who have shaped the industry in the way Rael Isacowitz has.

In part 1 of this conversation, Nic sits down with the founder of Basi Pilates to explore the real foundations of the method, what it means to teach with purpose, and why the future of Pilates depends on more than just choreography.

From building one of the first curriculum-based teacher training programmes in the late 80s to creating a global community of educators, Rael shares the story behind Basi and the approach that continues to guide it today.

This episode goes deep into the art and science of movement, the importance of flow, and how great teaching can create real change in people’s lives.

Rael also shares his perspective on cueing, precision, and what separates a good instructor from a truly impactful teacher.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Rael Isacowitz

01:57 The early vision behind creating a structured Pilates curriculum

04:17 What Pilates looked like in the late 80s

05:05 The very first Basi teacher training group

08:16 How Rael first discovered Pilates and his movement background

14:08 Opening one of the first Pilates studios in California

18:55 The story behind the name Basi Pilates

21:26 How the Basi platform and education evolved over time

25:05 The influence of yoga, dance, and giving credit in the industry

30:07 Creating joyful, athletic Pilates experiences

34:53 Pilates as a tool for positive change in the world

39:02 What the mind body connection really means in practice

42:51 Why cueing is one of the most important teaching skills

If you loved this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss part two coming later this week.

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class
• Sign up to Our Newsletter

Connect with Rael:

• Rael Isacowitz Instagram
• Basi Pilates Instagram
• Basi Pilates Website

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

Are you feeling pressure to make your Pilates classes more creative but not sure where to start?

We’ve seen how much you’ve been loving the solo episodes, so Nic is back today to discuss how to be more creative in your classes without losing structure or purpose.

With so much inspiration coming from social media, it’s easy to feel like you need to constantly reinvent your teaching. But Nic challenges this idea and brings it back to what really matters, which is strong foundations, clear intention, and teaching that actually serves your clients.

She shares how creativity in Pilates is not about adding more complexity, but about understanding movement patterns, building from the fundamentals, and creating a class experience that feels purposeful and connected.

This episode will help you rethink creativity in Pilates and give you simple ways to make your classes feel fresh without losing what makes Pilates so powerful.

Timestamps

00:00 Why creativity in Pilates teaching is such a big topic right now

02:24 Why do you feel the need to be creative?

03:10 The impact of social media on Pilates classes

06:18 Letting your personality shape your teaching style

08:06 Teaching with intention and clear class outcomes

13:06 How to break down complex exercises into simple steps

16:11 Creating flow and storytelling in your classes

17:44 How to layer progressions and regressions for clients

20:09 Simple ways to adapt and evolve Pilates exercises

24:09 Taking clients on a journey over multiple weeks

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss a new one. And let Nic know if you took anything away from this episode, she loves receiving your DMs!

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class
• Sign up to Our Newsletter

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Most Pilates studios are sitting on far more revenue potential than they realise.

With the right pricing, membership strategy and business model, a single studio can grow into a multi-million-pound business without needing more space or more classes.

In this episode, Nic sits down with Pilates business expert Lise Kuecker, founder of Studio Grow, to discuss what actually drives profitable Pilates studios.

Lise works with hundreds of boutique fitness studios around the world and shares the real numbers behind successful studios.

From pricing psychology and memberships to team structure and sales metrics, this conversation reveals the systems that help studio owners turn passion into a sustainable and scalable business.

They discuss the most common mistakes studio owners make in their early years, why many studios unknowingly leak profit, and how simple adjustments to pricing or membership structure can dramatically increase revenue.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Lise

01:57 How Lise first got started in Pilates and the fitness industry

04:11 Early mistakes many studio owners make in their first year

09:45 How successful studios protect themselves from competition

11:53 The story behind how Studio Grow was created

12:54 Understanding memberships and how studios actually sell them

18:55 Where studios often lose money without realising

22:29 How labour models and organisational structure impact profit

24:12 The financial metrics every studio owner should track

24:44 Pricing strategies that guide clients towards the right option

27:40 Why memberships work and the psychology behind commitment

29:03 What the most successful Pilates studios do differently

34:22 Global boutique fitness trends and the rise of niche studios

40:03 Quick-fire questions

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here for a FREE masterclass!

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Lise:

• Studio Grow Website
• Studio Grow Podcast
• Studio Grow Instagram
• Studio Grow Free Trainings

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

Too often Pilates teachers feel pressure to diagnose, label or overcomplicate movement.

In reality, the most powerful thing we can do is help people move with confidence.

In this episode, Nic speaks with clinician, Pilates educator and biomechanics specialist Sarah Jane Walls about the role of clinical reasoning in Pilates and why simplicity is often the most effective approach.

SJ shares her journey from competitive runner to Pilates teacher and clinic owner, explaining how Pilates quite literally changed her life after a serious injury in her early twenties.

Since then she has spent nearly three decades studying the body, completing multiple degrees including sports therapy, podiatry and public health, and is currently completing a PhD focused on biomechanics and diagnostic ultrasound.

Together they discuss what Pilates teachers really need to know when working with injuries or in rehabilitation settings.

SJ explains why communication and curiosity matter more than having every answer, how to assess movement by simply getting people moving, and why the feet often hold the key to understanding pain elsewhere in the body.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to SJ

02:33 What clinical reasoning actually means in Pilates

04:08 Trusting the Pilates method when working with complex cases

05:30 SJ’s journey into Pilates

10:26 Why lifelong learning is essential for movement professionals

13:14 Mentors, business skills and building a successful studio

15:50 Helping runners understand why they need Pilates

19:40 Personalising group classes so every client feels seen

27:28 Partnering with clinics and building referral relationships

30:22 The value of shadowing clinicians and building referrals

31:56 The most important skills for Pilates teachers working in rehab

34:18 Assessing clients by getting them moving first

38:57 What Pilates teachers should look for when assessing feet

46:35 Correcting movement patterns from the ground up

50:11 Orthotics, rehabilitation and when they are actually useful

53:22 Quick-fire questions

If you found this conversation helpful, make sure you subscribe to Beyond the Reformer so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with SJ

• SJ Walls Instagram
• The Rehab Hub Website
• SJ Walls LinkedIn

Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here.

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.