Pilates Elephants

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 language, vocal tone, and emotional intelligence—and how each one helps you connect, lead, and inspire. Whether you’re naturally introverted or born with “resting Zen face,” this episode will teach you to be magnetic.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilatesDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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 like a pro.Summary:Raphael and Natalie break down simple, actionable strategies for Pilates instructors when faced with unknown client conditions moments before class. Learn how to stay calm, ask the right questions, simplify your programming, and empower clients without overcomplicating.Key Takeaways:Let go of being the “expert fixer”Ask: “When did it start?” and “How did it happen?”Teach simple, layered exercises (think In-N-Out Burger style)Focus on strength, range, and control — not diagnosesTreat clients like everyone else and let them self-regulateDo homework afterward using trusted sources, not random GooglingConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilatesDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Heath and Raph unpack why good form isn’t always desirable.They break down the difference between skill and strength training, explain when “ugly” movement signals progress, and share how to program smarter by revisiting exercises with different loads. A must-listen for Pilates instructors who want results.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Heathon Instagram: @contrologycollectiveDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationTeaching Mastery ProgramMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

Still saying “engage your core” or “axial elongation”? In this episode, Raphael and Natalie break down why so many Pilates cues are confusing, ineffective—or just made up. Learn what makes a cue actually work and how to stop sounding like a Pilates thesaurus.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilatesDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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 now.In this episode, we unpack why group teaching feels so hard — and why it’s not your fault. You don’t need more confidence. You need the right tools.Whether you’re teaching 6 or 16, this convo with Heath Lander will show you how to teach large groups powerfully, effectively, and without burning out.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollectiveDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

A client fell off a reformer—and Instagram exploded. Raph and Natalie unpack what really causes falls, why blame isn’t helpful, and how instructors can prevent injuries without turning class into a snoozefest. Expect practical teaching tips, clear cueing advice, and no-punches-pulled commentary.See the IG post that sparked this episode here: https://www.instagram.com/share/__WA9aFjkConnect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderConnect with Natalie Wilson on IG hereDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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.If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and do that first. It covers all the foundational concepts about what strength actually is, and how it works in the body. This episode builds on those ideas and will make way more sense once you’ve got that base.Heads up: This one’s visual. To get the most out of it, download the lecture slides and follow along while you listen.Download the slides here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/Diploma%202024%20How%20to%20build%20strength.pdf In this episode you’ll learn:What actually creates strength — and why most Pilates programs miss itHow to deliver real change for clients without more time or harder workoutsThe simple cues and tweaks that turn “movement” into actual progressWhy exercises need to be hard enough to work — and how to know if they areHow often you really need to train to maintain, build, or maximize strengthWhy stability, long muscle lengths, and rest matter more than fancy choreographyHow to make Pilates-based sessions more effective — without changing your styleThe truth about core training and why it’s not what you thinkHow to use strength principles to get better results starting tomorrowWhether you’re a Pilates instructor, personal trainer, or movement nerd — this will open your eyes to what really drives results, and how to start applying it right away.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Find Breathe Education on Instagram and on FacebookDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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 it to actually make sense — and go deep — I highly recommend downloading the PDF lecture notes and following along while you listen.Download the notes here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/Diploma%202024%20Physiology%20of%20strength%20training.pdf In this episode you’ll learn:Why strength ≠ hypertrophyThe 5 actual mechanisms that make you strongerWhy lifting to failure builds muscle — even with light weightsWhy muscle activation, soreness, and “feeling the burn” don’t matterWhat you really need to do to build strength (and what to ignore)Whether you’re a Pilates instructor, personal trainer, or just a strength nerd — this one will probably blow your mind.Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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 beliefs, make the case for using simple compound movements, and share the top 6 movements I use with clients (and myself).Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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_raphaelbenderDownload a free course guide:Pilates CertificationMentioned in this episode:Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioGet 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy