Beyond the Reformer
Welcome to Beyond the Reformer, the podcast where Pilates professionals and enthusiasts come together for thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories. Join Nic every Monday morning to feel more connected, inspired, and empowered in your Pilates practice, teaching, and beyond…
Bridging the Gap Between Physiotherapy and Pilates with Cameron Angus
Nic is back with another conversation recorded live at the Pilates Gathering in Scotland. Cameron Angus and Nic explore how the worlds of physiotherapy and Pilates intertwine to create more resilient, mindful, and connected movers and teachers.
With decades of experience spanning the battlefield, physiotherapy clinics, and now his own Pilates studio, Cameron shares the fascinating evolution of his work and how Pilates became central to helping people move better, recover from injury, and reconnect with their bodies.
He and Nic discuss the emotional and psychological dimensions of posture...
The Stories, Legacy, and Lessons of a Lifetime in Pilates with Michael King
When Michael King started teaching Pilates nearly five decades ago, there was only one studio in London, and no one could have imagined how it would grow into the worldwide practice it is today.
In this inspiring conversation, Michael joins Nic live at the Pilates Gathering in Scotland to share his remarkable journey through 47 years of teaching, learning, and shaping the Pilates industry.
From his early days training under Alan Herman to managing studios in London, Houston, and Los Angeles, Michael reflects on how Pilates has evolved and what...
How Joakim Valsinge Used Pilates to Help His Son Move and Thrive
Guided by first-generation teacher Lolita San Miguel, Joakim discovered how movement can shape not just stronger bodies, but stronger lives.
In this episode, Nic sits down with Joakim Valsinge, a former military instructor turned Pilates educator, at the stunning Pilates Gathering in Scotland.
Joakim shares how he first discovered Pilates not through pain or injury but through curiosity and vanity!
His early experience as a soldier taught him brute strength, but Pilates introduced him to a new kind of control, awareness, and resilience.
<...The Secret to Keeping Pilates Clients for Decades with Linda Rhodes and Sarah Liston
Building a Pilates business that thrives across generations, grows through change, and keeps clients coming back for decades doesn’t happen by accident.
In this inspiring conversation, Nic meets the powerhouse mother–daughter duo behind EQ Pilates, who have combined passion, community, and classical integrity to build one of the UK’s most respected studios.
Nic speaks with Linda and Sarah, the founders of EQ Pilates, about what it really takes to create a studio that stands the test of time.
They share how EQ beg...
It’s Time to Replace Outdated Pilates Cues with Ava Rodriguez
Outdated cues and generic fixes won’t create lasting mobility. Science-driven strategies will.
In this week’s episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic is joined by Ava Rodriguez, also known as The Joint Whisperer.
Ava is the founder of Move Beyond with Ava and the Mobility Fitness Academy, where she helps teachers and fitness professionals integrate joint mobility principles into their work.
Ava shares how her own injuries shaped her approach, why so many cues in Pilates and fitness need an upgrade, and what it t...
Lessons from Three Decades in Pilates with Alexander Bohlander
Pilates is more than a workout, it’s a philosophy and a way of life.
In this inspiring conversation, Nic is joined by world-renowned educator, physiotherapist and osteopath Alexander Bohlander who has spent over three decades shaping the future of Pilates through his teaching, clinics and work with Polestar Pilates.
Alex shares his journey into Pilates, from his first encounter with the method in Belgium to becoming a global leader in education.
He explains why Pilates is more relevant than ever in today’s well...
The Story Behind Soul Pilates, Overcoming Burnout and Healing Through Pilates
This week the tables are turned as Nic sits in the guest seat! Her best friend and journalist, Gemma, steps in to interview her and talk about the story behind Soul Pilates, opening three Pilates studios, launching teacher training, and creating this podcast.
Nic opens up about her first encounter with Pilates after a car accident, how movement transformed her chronic pain and burnout, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.
She shares honestly about the highs and lows of running studios and the lessons she’s learned ab...
Breaking Myths About Osteoporosis and Pilates With Gemma Pearson
Pilates has the power to transform lives especially when it comes to supporting women with osteoporosis.
In this episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic sits down with Gemma Pearson, founder of Osteoporosis Pilates, to explore how movement can rebuild strength, confidence, and resilience in a population often overlooked by traditional fitness.
Gemma shares her journey from professional dancer to educator and how she discovered her niche in bone health.
They discuss the myths and fear-based messaging around osteoporosis, offering Pilates teachers practical strategies for...
Rethinking Pilates Training and the Future of the Industry with Jenna Zaffino
The Pilates industry is evolving faster than ever, but not always in the right direction.
Nic is joined by educator, mentor, and business strategist Jenna Zaffino, who has been shaping conversations in Pilates for over two decades.
Jenna shares her journey from ballet to studio ownership, and how her personal challenges led her to pivot into mentorship and health coaching.
Nic and Jenna discuss the realities of running a Pilates studio today and the future of teacher training.
...
Diary of a Pilates Studio Owner
For our final episode of S1, Nic sits down for her first ever solo episode.
Nic knows what it’s like to be starting out running your own studio and feeling a little bit lost or alone, so she wanted to chat about everything that has been coming up for her recently about running multiple studios, launching a teacher training programme and trying to balance work and life without burnout.
She also shares the joy and challenges of running a growing team, staying committed to her own Pilates practice and why continuous learning is so vi...
How Pilates Helps Manage Chronic Conditions with Clara Farque
Nic sits down with Clara Farque, a Pilates instructor, medical doctor, and chronic illness advocate, to explore the role Pilates has played in managing rheumatoid arthritis, preventing burnout, and creating a more holistic future for healthcare.
Clara shares how a life-changing diagnosis at 18 led her to Pilates and how she balances her work as a doctor with teaching and mentoring.
This episode takes an honest look at the intersection of chronic illness, movement, and medicine.
They also chat about the realities of showing up authentically on Instagram, how Clara built a loyal online...
What Separates Good Pilates Teachers from Great Ones with Diane Nye
Introducing our new Teaching Tips series! We have Diane Nye back on the podcast, chatting about what makes a truly great teacher.
Having mentored hundreds of Pilates instructors over the past 16 years, Diane shares her insights on confidence, presence, and the art of bringing your personality into your teaching.
Together, we explore why knowledge alone doesn’t make a great teacher, how to build authentic connections with clients, and the importance of curiosity and observation in the early years of teaching.
Diane also offers advice for overcoming imposter syndrome, avoiding over-cueing, and making th...
Creating a pilates studio that lasts, grows, and stays profitable with Chelsea Streifeneder
Maintaining your Pilates studio’s equipment is a necessity if you want to ensure you are making a profit.
And no one understands that better than Chelsea Streifeneder, founder of Body Be Well Pilates and an expert in Pilates equipment maintenance and studio sustainability.
In this episode, Chelsea joins Nic to share what she’s learned in 16 years of studio ownership, including how she’s seen other opportunities outside of classes to make a profit in the Pilates world, and how to scale without burnout.
They discuss the recurring issues that cause equipment to bre...
Understanding hypermobility and its impact on the body with Jeannie Di Bon
The pain, fatigue and anxiety you’ve been living with isn’t in your head, it’s a sign of something deeper your body has been trying to tell you.
Nic is joined by movement therapist and Pilates educator Jeannie Di Bon to explore the realities of living with hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Jeannie was diagnosed later in life after years of unexplained symptoms, and her journey led her to create The Zebra Club, an online platform supporting hypermobile people around the world.
They talk about what hypermobility really means, the misunderstandings that exist even i...
Teaching classical Pilates in a trend-driven industry with Amy Kellow
Today, Nic is joined by Amy Kellow, founder of Everybody Pilates, second-generation teacher, and educator with studios across the UK and the Netherlands.
They talk about what classical Pilates really means, how to balance structure with intuition, and why understanding the origins of the work is essential, no matter what style you teach.
Amy explores the challenges of scaling a Pilates business, managing a team across locations, and how to keep evolving as a teacher while staying rooted in the original system.
Timestamps:
00:00 Amy’s first encounter with Pilates an...
How Platinum Pilates was built without compromising on depth with Milena Jaksic
The secret to growing a successful Pilates business isn’t about chasing trends on Instagram or TikTok. You need to stay curious and always being open to learning!
In this inspiring episode, Nic sits down with Milena Jaksic, the founder of Platinum Pilates, to look at the story behind one of Ireland’s most respected studios.
They explore how she went from cleaning gym machines to opening six studios, the curiosity that’s kept her evolving over more than two decades, and the challenges of being a leader in an unregulated industry.
Milena also s...
Using neuroscience to transform the way we teach Pilates with Heba Abdel Gawad
Want to know how to combine Pilates and neuroscience?
In this episode, Nic is joined by Heba Abdel Gawad, who is a two-time Olympic synchronised swimmer turned Pilates educator and founder of the Neuro Pilates method.
They explore Heba’s fascinating transition from elite athlete to pioneering educator, how her sporting background shaped her teaching style, and how neuroscience has deepened her understanding of movement.
You’ll hear about how Heba discovered Pilates and later integrated applied neuroscience into her classes, and why she believes the future of movement education lies in understanding the...
Understanding the Franklin Method and building an online Pilates community with Rachael Hall
Pilates is a business of energy and this is what Nic and Rachael go deep into in this weeks episode.
Rachael Hall is a former Royal Ballet dancer, Franklin Method educator, Pilates teacher of 24+ years, and founder of the global online platform Aligned.
She shares her incredible story that has led her to running her own grounded, heart-led business.
She opens up about what it takes to truly listen to your body, how to grow a soulful movement platform online, and why embodiment, energetics, and community matter more than ever.
They...
Learning to walk again and teaching equestrian Pilates with Julie Driver
Today we’re talking about the power of equestrian Pilates!
Nic chats with Julie Driver, award-winning Pilates educator, international presenter, and equestrian Pilates specialist.
Julie shares her unique journey from acting and modelling into the world of Pilates, how a skiing accident changed her career path, and the moment Monty Roberts asked her, “Why aren’t you following your dream?”
They discuss what horse whispering really is, the power of understanding your own movement as a rider, and how Pilates can serve both teacher and client through life’s injuries and transitions.Â
Julie als...
What no one teaches us about hormones and movement with Dinah Siman
In this week’s episode, Nic is joined by Dinah Siman, founder of Menopause Pilates, author, educator and a powerful advocate for women’s health.
Dinah opens up about the real experience of perimenopause, the chronic pain that nearly ended her teaching career, and the frustrating lack of education she encountered, even as a movement professional.
They explore why Pilates teachers are uniquely positioned to support women through midlife, how to recognise the overlooked symptoms of menopause in your clients, and what movement and teaching adaptations actually help.
This is a must listen for...
What it really takes to grow a values-led Pilates studio with Leah Hart
You can build a successful Pilates business without burning out or losing yourself in the process!
In this week’s episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic is joined by Leah Hart, founder of Glow Pilates in Limerick, Ireland, podcast host, and Polestar educator.
Leah shares her journey from dance and academia to studio ownership and becoming a mentor to the next generation of Pilates teachers.
Nic and Leah have an honest and insightful conversation about what it really looks like to run a Pilates business, including learning to lead a team, navigating burnout, mo...
The hidden signs of burnout and the holistic path to healing with Audrey O’Connor
Audrey O’Connor joins Nic for a powerful conversation about healing, burnout, identity, and following your gut into a more aligned life.
Audrey shares her journey from the corporate construction industry to discovering Pilates, then expanding into reiki, sound healing, and wellness education.
She opens up about experiencing burnout not once, but twice, and how she now integrates sound healing and nervous system regulation into her own life and the lives of her clients.
They talk about the realities of working in the wellness industry and what it means to truly listen to yo...
The way you cue in Pilates matters more than you think with Diane Nye
Pilates isn’t just about teaching the movements. It’s about a whole-body, holistic approach to the practice. Nic is joined today by Diane Nye, Polestar Pilates educator, Franklin Method teacher and a deeply respected voice in the Pilates world. Diane reflects on her 30-year journey from high-intensity fitness instructor to movement mentor and shares the lessons that changed the way she teaches and lives. They explore how true transformation in Pilates comes from creating space for clients to feel, notice and unravel. Diane shares insights into nervous system regulation, the myth of “engaging your core,” how the body compensa...
The importance of knowing your numbers as a Pilates studio owner with Catherine Hebb
If you’re looking to open your first Pilates studio, this episode is packed with the advice you need to hear!
Nic sits down with Catherine Hebb, founder of Runway Pilates, a three-studio collective based in the UK and business coach to movement professionals worldwide. Catherine’s journey from a high-performing corporate career to grounded, values-led studio owner is filled with lessons for anyone navigating growth in the wellness space.
They talk honestly about what scaling a studio really involves- systems that support your team, boundaries that protect your energy, and the identity shift from teac...
Learning to trust your body again through Pilates with Claire Sparrow
Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Reformer! Nic is joined by renowned educator, author, and studio owner Claire Sparrow.
Claire shares her inspiring journey from growing up surrounded by strong, inspiring women, to discovering Pilates during her time as a contemporary dancer, to eventually becoming an internationally recognised teacher and bestselling author of Hope for Your Pelvic Floor.
Nic and Claire have a deep chat about how Pilates transforms people far beyond the physical, why proper education matters in the industry, and how we can reclaim the power to trust our bodies...
Welcome to Beyond the Reformer!
Welcome to Beyond the Reformer, the podcast where Pilates professionals and enthusiasts come together for thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories.
Make sure to subscribe so you can join Nic every Monday morning to feel more connected, inspired, and empowered in your Pilates practice, teaching, and beyond...
