Pilates Elephants
Episodes
359. How to Train Great Pilates Instructors Fast
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Train instructors faster by focusing on “good enough to start”, not perfection.Most studio owners overwhelm new instructors by trying to teach eve...
358. Is your studio a Food Hall or a Restaurant?
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 exp...
357. Live Lecture: Foundations of Rehab
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
356. Are contraindications actually real?
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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, inj...
355. Great instructors DO fill classes - here's why
29 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why I don't believe there is a better definition of a good instructor than a&nbs...
334. What to do if your classes are not full
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This is for instructors AND studio owners.It's the exact troubleshooting process I use to help studio owners fill their classes - based on the best pr...
353. Don't confuse giving information with teaching
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Many Pilates instructors make the same mistake when introducing an exercise: they give too much information. Instead of helping clients move, long exp...
352. Adam McAtee - We Don't Get to Redefine Physics
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 teachi...
351. Nathan Ross Rees - Total Instructor Accountability
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 person...
350. The Law of the Spring:
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A common mistake is assuming that two Pilates exercises are the same just because they look identical.However, the actual "exercise" depends on where ...
349. Great Instructors Fill Classes
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
348. Progressing Strength, Flexibility & Skill In Pilates
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every Pilates exercise trains strength, range of motion, and skill. We explore how to progress your clients intelligently by adjusting one dimension a...
347. Why “Quiet the Big Muscles” Is Wrong
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Special shout out to Adam McAtee for this postCitations in these episodes:ep 278 Does Pilates strengthen your little muscles?ep 216 Why knowing which ...
346. Why Dallas sold half her studio - then bought it back
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dallas Noerdlinger (Core Pilates, Oklahoma City) shares why she sold 50% of her studio during pregnancy, what changed in the business and culture, and...
345. Where Should I Be Feeling This?
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The most useful kind of body awareness is mostly unconscious and automatic control, like a cat. This is built through practice, not narration.Links:Gl...
344. Text Neck Isn’t Causing Your Neck Pain
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Studies mentioned in this episode:2025 longitudinal study finds text neck is not associated with future neck pain here2023 systematic review of interv...
343. Why Your Clients Don’t Show Up (Even When They Want To)
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
342. 3 Pilates exercises walk into a bar...
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
341. There's a grape under your back
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Pilates cue goes off the rails and exposes everything we get wrong about “perfect form.” Expect heresy, biomechanics, and a very small grape tha...
340. What's the minimum effective dose of Pilates for strengthening?
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much Pilates do you need to do to get stronger?Probably less than you think!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdB...
339. Is Pilates Education Increasing Our Risk Of Injury?
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Resources:Strength training reduces injury risk substantially here and here and hereResistance training itself is a very safe activity here and hereFo...
338. The 3 Skills That Differentiate Average Pilates Instructors From Superstars
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What to look for when coaching your team - or critiquing your own classes.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker ...
337. What are lunges for?
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
336. How Build A Studio That Attracts VIP Clients with Patricia Robinson
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Patricia Robinson from Pilates Vita, London, breaks down how she built a boutique, premium-priced Pilates studio serving VIP clients i...
335. How Ana is making €100k+ teaching Pilates in a Tiny Dutch Town
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
334. Leaving Classpass with Sari Sadhati
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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) he...
333. What To Cue (It's Not What You Think)
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
332. You're using layers wrong, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many instructors use layers, but most miss the most powerful part of this amazing programming tool.Mentioned in this episode:Get our help to grow your...
331. 100 First Visits/Month With $0 Ads - Cassie & Henry from Sunny Space studio
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
330. How this husband & wife team built 2 thriving studios in 1 year - Laura & Sam from Form & Flow UK
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tea...
329. Boundaries protect culture - with Alison Ward of Pilates Process Vancouver
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pilates Process Vancouver co-owner Alison Ward shares how clear boundaries protect studio culture, staff morale, and client respect. We dive into sett...
328. Why You Shouldn't Offer Mat, Yoga or Barre In Your Studio
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most studio owners think offering more types of movement classes will attract more clients.In this episode, I explain why those formats actually hurt ...
327. What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Pilates Studio, with Laura Saggers and Raphael Bender
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wo...
326. How a 23-Year-Old Built a Waitlisted Pilates Studio in Just 1 Year, with Chelsea McBride and Raphael Bender
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 thi...
325. How to build a loyal community, with Sara Leach and Raphael Bender
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Leach, owner of Downtown Pilates in Mississippi, shares how she built a thriving reformer studio serving mostly 50+ clients, scaled to six teache...
324. The Biggest Hiring Mistake Studio Owners Make - And How To Fix It
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss:How to tell if you've made this hiring mistake (you almost certainly have)How to properly filter potential hiresPractical steps to get your...
323. Why the best instructors encourage messy form, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heath and Raphael challenge the myth that flawless form makes for safe, effective Pilates. They discuss why, and when, form should “fall apart” in...
322. From Zero to $23K/mo in 34 Days: Jennifer Tan’s Pilates Studio Launch in the Philippines
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Tan opened Bacolod’s first reformer Pilates boutique, Madila Pilates, and hit $23K revenue with 87% margins in her first month. She shares ...
321. When did Pilates become so obsessed with specific cues? With Raphael Bender
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fac...
320. The 5 stages of Pilates studio business, with Raphael Bender
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 g...
319. How to make your Pilates studio stand out in a sea of competitors, with Raphael Bender
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
318. The Myth of Hands-on, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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' he...
317. New Prenatal Guidelines with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ACSM's new pre and postnatal exercise guidelines just came out, and there are several substantial changes. We talk through them, the evidence behind e...
316. Why Simplicity Wins in the Studio, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raph and Heath share their journey from rigid STOTT Pilates rules to a science-backed, minimalist approach to teaching. Discover why doing less—fewe...
315. Can Pilates Make You Stronger? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Raphael and Heath challenge the myth that Pilates doesn’t build strength. They break down the science of strength adaptations, clar...
314. From Zero to $30k/Month in 5 Months – Brian’s Story, with Brian Darsie and Raphael Bender
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Five months ago, Brian Darsie opened the doors to his Pilates studio. He had never taught a group Pilates class outside his certification course. Sinc...
313. ‘True Strength Comes From Control’ — Really? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
312. Change Is Good – If You Do It Right, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
311. Do it scared, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Raphael talks with Natalie—a Pilates instructor who faced her fears, took imperfect action, and built a new life teaching Pilates.T...
310. Strengthening: Simpler (but not easier) than you think, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Raphael and Nicole cut through the noise around strength training—and explain why it’s way simpler than most Pilates instructors ...
309. Why Some Instructors Light Up The Room - and How You Can Too, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 lan...
308. What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do, with Natalie Wilson & Raphael Bender
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
307. Why Pilates Should Look Ugly Sometimes, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heath and Raph unpack why good form isn’t always desirable.They break down the difference between skill and strength training, explain when “ugly”...
306. The Jibber-Jabber Episode - Why Your Cues Aren't Landing, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Still saying “engage your core” or “axial elongation”? In this episode, Raphael and Natalie break down why so many Pilates cues are confusing,...
305. Tonight We're Gonna Teach Reformer Like It's 1996, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 no...
304. Reformer Faceplant! Who’s to Blame, and What to Do Instead, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A client fell off a reformer—and Instagram exploded. Raph and Natalie unpack what really causes falls, why blame isn’t helpful, and how instructor...
303. The Science of Results: How to Design Sessions That Actually Work, with Raphael Bender
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
302. Everything you know about strengthening is probably wrong, with Raphael Bender
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
301. Why Isolation Exercises Are A Waste Of Time, with Raphael Bender
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
300. What is the Scope of Practice of a Pilates Instructor? With Raphael Bender
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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_raphaelbe...
299. How to 5x Profit In Your Studio In 90 Days, with Raphael Bender
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Instagr...
298. Hypermobility & Scoliosis: What Science Actually Says, with Raphael Bender
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the key research on hypermobility and scoliosis, cutting through myths and weak evidence. Learn how hypermobility affec...
297. The Biggest Back Pain Myth, with Raphael Bender
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Probably everything you were taught in your certification about back pain is wrong. Lifting heavy doesn’t wreck your spine. “Bad posture” isn’...
296. Why Can't I Find Good Staff For My Pilates Studio? With Raphael Bender
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 - th...
295. Stop focussing on minutae, with Raphael Bender
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
294. The case for loaded spinal flexion, with Raphael Bender
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. Pl...
293. Building an Online Pilates Business: From Pain to Purpose, with Bernadett Gazsi and Raphael Bender
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Raphael Bender chats with Bernadett Gazsi, a Dallas-based Pilates instructor who transitioned her business online to help moms overco...
292. Is strict form necessary for results? With Raphael Bender
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I talk through a recent study looking at whether strict form gives better results from exercise.Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cit...
291. Is reciprocal inhibition a thing? With Raphael Bender
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you reduce activation of one muscle, by increasing activation of another? Find out in this episode.Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the pa...
290. Get Out Of Overwhelm - 3 Simple Metrics To Fix Your Pilates Studio, with Raphael Bender
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You can watch this episode on YouTube hereFree workshop on how to track these KPIs plus a free Google Sheet hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_rap...
289. Do Biomechanics Matter For Running Injury Prevention? with Raphael Bender
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do biomechanics predict running injuries? Learn how to move beyond single-factor thinking, the 80/20 of injury prevention, and why simple changes like...
288. Is Too Much Flow Hurting Your Classes? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 tr...
287. My Christmas Gift To You - A Proven Promo To Boost Your Studio Revenue
14 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
286. All-time top 5 group reformer exercises, with Raphael Bender
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The most versatile, valuable exercises to know (like the back of your hand) to master group reformer programming and teaching.Connect with me on Insta...
285. Simple, Not Easy: What Separates Great Pilates Teachers, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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....
284. How to REALLY progress your Pilates clients, with Raphael Bender
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raphael Bender and Heath Lander break down how to truly progress your Pilates clients for long-term health, happ...
283. The surprisingly nuanced link between movement quality and back pain, with Kevin Wernli and Raphael Bender
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raphael Bender and Dr. Kevin Wernli dive into the surprisingly nuanced relationship between movement and pa...
282. How to Make Your Clients Feel the Burn EVERY Class (4 Science-Based Tips), with Raphael Bender
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pri...
281. Pilates or Cardio for Weight Loss? With Raphael Bender
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resources mentioned in the episode: Watch this episode on YouTube hereDownload the slides as a PDF hereConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbende...
280. Prenatal Pilates Myths, with Charlotte Brooks and Raphael Bender
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resources mentioned in the episode: Charlotte’s IG @aurorapilates hereCorkinetic post on “compensations” hereConnect with me on Instag...
279. Do slow controlled reps build more strength? With Raphael Bender
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’ll have to listen to find out!Resources mentioned in the episode: Systematic review on repetition tempo effects on strength, power and hypertrop...
278. Does Pilates strengthen your little muscles? With Raphael Bender
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Well yes, but not how you might think!Resources mentioned in the episode:Direction specific recruitment pattern of the rotator cuff in shoulder flexio...
277. How to be more evidence based, with Emily Walker & Raphael Bender
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resources mentioned in the episode: Emily’s study hereAll major high quality clinical guidelines recommend person centered care hereAdding...
276. Rehab is just graded exercise - updated, with Raphael Bender
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rehab really is simple. Most people over-complicate it IMO. Here is my framework to rehab any injury.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderD...
275. How to put the client at the center of the session, with Emily Walker and Raphael Bender
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resources mentioned in the episode: All major high quality clinical practice guidelines recommend client centered care hereChanges in TrA thickne...
274. How to progress any exercise, with Raphael Bender
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is my process for making any exercise harder - or easier.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates Cer...
273. How to build a $100k Pilates business at home - updated, with Raphael Bender
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Step by step instructions to build a $100k Pilates business at home and quit your 9-5.Resources mentioned in the episode: How to get Pilates clients w...
272. Magical Thinking, with Raphael Bender
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is axial elongation real? What about rib-hip connection? Here’s my takeConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:...
271. Does hand position in the pushup change which muscles are working? with Raphael Bender
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resources mentioned in the episode: Higher levels of both pec and triceps in narrow (diamond) compared to wide pushups here and hereIn fact,...
270. How to lead without micromanaging, with Raphael Bender
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 S...
269. 11 Mistakes Pilates Studio Owners Make, with Raphael Bender
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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: Learn ...
268. How to confidently program mixed-ability classes, with Raphael Bender
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 al...
267. Which KPIs to track in your Pilates studio, with Josh Richardson and Raphael Bender
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After analyzing the financials of over a hundred Pilates studios, these are the metrics that set the top performing studios apart. Track them and impr...
266. How important are running biomechanics? with Raphael Bender
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resources mentioned in the episode: Relationship between running biomechanics and running economy hereEffect of strength training on running econ...
265. How to navigate the Pilates industry as a newcomer, with Gemma Downing and Natalie Wilson
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gemma Downing is a recent graduate of Breathe Education's pilates certification course. She and Natalie have a conversation about how she went fr...
264. Is exercise good or bad for your discs? With Claire Samanna and Raphael Bender
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
263. How to build a 2-month waitlist, with Stacey Pine and Raphael Bender
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Stacey Pine on Facebook and online hereLearn more about the Studio Owner Mastermind hereD...
262. Do exercise intensity and duration affect back pain? With Chris Neason and Raphael Bender
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ac...
261. Is running safe for people with back pain? With Claire Samanna & Chris Neason
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New research on running for people with chronic low back pain.Resources mentioned in the episode: Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConn...
260. Just do the thing - with Raphael Bender
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...