Beyond the reformer

The Pilates World's No1 Podcast by Nic Lenny

Exploring the Real World of Pilates.

A Pilates podcast from Soul Founder and Pilates Educator Nic Lenny - a space where we can connect, share stories, and learn from each other in the Pilates world.

​A podcast for Pilates teacher and enthusiasts alike. 

EP27: Inside Polestar Pilates’ Approach to Teaching with Depth with Nichole Zuckerman

Few people have shaped modern Pilates education like Nichole Zuckerman.

As one of Polestar Pilates’ most senior educators, Nichole has dedicated her career to deepening how teachers understand movement, presence, and the human body.

Nic sits down with Nichole to explore the philosophy that has made Polestar Pilates one of the most respected education schools in the world.

Nichole shares her upbringing surrounded by reformers and studio life, what it was like growing up as Brent Anderson’s daughter, and how Polestar has evolved into a global leader in Pilates education.

They talk about teaching with presence, the psychology behind movement, and why developing awareness, empathy, and curiosity are essential for every Pilates teacher.

​This is a rich, insightful conversation for anyone who wants to teach with more depth and meaning!

EP26: How to Build a Pilates Class That Transforms Your Clients Without Burning You Out

Behind every powerful Pilates class is a teacher who understands subtlety. In this solo episode, Nic shares how to create classes that help clients find ease, awareness, and lasting change.

After years of teaching and now educating other Pilates instructors, Nic has noticed a recurring question from listeners: what does it mean to teach with subtlety?

In this episode, she breaks down the art and science of structuring a Pilates class that helps clients move with more awareness, ease, and confidence.

​Nic explores why starting supine allows students to unwind tension and reset their nervous system, how to layer exercises to set them up for success, and why spine articulation and standing integration are essential for taking Pilates beyond the studio and into everyday life.

​She also shares her philosophy on mindful cueing, unlearning old teaching habits, and how to guide clients towards noticing change.

EP25:bRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PILATES

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 and pain, why communication is the most under-taught skill in movement education, and how teachers can support clients in building awareness and confidence.

EP24: The Stories 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 has stayed the same.

He shares his philosophy on education, mentorship, and the importance of keeping Pilates accessible while upholding its integrity.

Nic and Michael explore how the method continues to adapt, why staying curious is the secret to longevity, and how teachers can build confidence through community and continued learning.

If you have ever wondered what it was like to witness the birth of Pilates in the UK or what it takes to keep teaching for nearly 50 years, this episode will remind you why we fell in love with the method in the first place!

EP23: 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.
As he trained and opened his own studios, he discovered how the discipline’s subtlety could heal injuries, strengthen the body, and transform how people move through life.

He reflects on his time studying with Lolita San Miguel, one of Joseph Pilates’ elders, and how she helped him embrace his unique background to become the teacher he is today.

​Joakim shares how Pilates became a form of therapy, communication, and connection for his family as his son Albie, was born with Prader-Willi syndrome.

EP22: THE SECRET TO KEEPING PILATES CLIENTS FOR DECADES

Building a Pilates business that thrives across generations and keeps clients coming back for decades doesn’t happen by accident.

In this episode of Beyond the Reformer, I sit down with Linda Rhodes and Sarah Liston - the powerhouse mother–daughter team behind EQ Pilates, one of the UK’s most respected studios. Together, we explore what it really takes to create a Pilates business that stands the test of time.

We talk about how EQ grew from a single mat class more than 20 years ago into a thriving multi-space studio, blending classical integrity with a contemporary approach. Linda and Sarah share their honest insights into running a sustainable studio - from pricing and profitability to maintaining genuine connection with clients and staff.

​We also discuss the importance of mentorship, self-practice, and leading with care - values that have helped EQ Pilates build a loyal community and a business that continues to evolve.

EP21: IT'S TIME TO REPLACE OUTDATED PILATES CUES

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 truly takes to help clients move beyond pain and restriction.

She shares insights on sticky shoulders, neck pain, and the nervous system’s role in mobility, while explaining how to assess joints effectively and help clients progress.

​She also talks about her journey as an international educator, the sacrifices behind building a global business, and how continuing education can transform the way teachers show up for their clients.

ep20: Lessons from three decades of pilates 

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 wellness culture, how it integrates seamlessly with rehabilitation and manual therapy, and why assessment and mindfulness are essential to effective teaching.

From launching Polestar India to co-authoring a widely used teacher’s manual, Alex brings a unique perspective on what it means to embody Joseph Pilates’ original vision of health, balance and community.

​He also opens up about meditation, creating ease in movement, and the qualities that define a truly great Pilates teacher.

Ep19: If you're feeling burnt out, pilates will change your life

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 about business, mentorship, and finding ease in movement.

EP18: bREAKING myths about OSTEOPOROSIS AND PILATES

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 adapting movement safely and effectively.

Whether you are a Pilates teacher wanting to upskill, a studio owner looking to better serve your clients, or simply curious about how movement impacts bone density and wellbeing, this conversation is packed with insights that you can take away.

EP17: tHE CAPITALIST SIDE OF PILATES 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.

EP16: Diary of a pilates studio owner

For our final episode of S1, Soul Pilates founder 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 vital in the Pilates world.

She finishes up talking about marketing strategy, sales recruitment and building the right support structure for sustainable growth.

EP15: How Pilates Helps Manage Chronic Conditions

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 community, and what Pilates teachers need to do to prevent burnout.

ep14:What Separates Good Pilates Teachers from Great Ones

​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 the most of your practice and observation hours.

EP13: Creating a pilates studio that lasts, grows, and stays profitable 

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 break down, how Chelsea created a certified 8-week online course to train Pilates technicians worldwide, and how investing in maintenance can actually make you money.

Chelsea also talks about building a standout team, staying passionate about teaching, and why it’s crucial for instructors to be fully certified across all equipment.

EP12: understanding hypermobility and its impact on the body 

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 in the movement space, and how Jeannie’s Integral Movement Method helps people regain strength, stability and trust in their bodies.

EP11: Teaching classical Pilates in a trend-driven industry 

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.

EP10:How Platinum Pilates Was Built Without Compromising on DePTH

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 shares her thoughts on poor-quality training and what it means to build a brand with real substance.

EP9: USING NEUROSCIENCE TO TRANSFORM THE WAY WE TEACH PILATES

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 brain!

She also opens up about burnout, business growth, and her passion for raising the next generation of teachers.

Ep8: Understanding the Franklin Method and building an online Pilates community

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 talk about the evolution of teaching, healing through prolapse recovery, building an online Pilates membership, and integrating nervous system work and the Franklin Method into everyday classes.

​​ep7: Learning to walk again and teaching equestrian Pilates

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 doing 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, transitions, and revelations.

​Julie also explores her teacher training philosophies, the changing landscape of Pilates education, and why understanding the classical foundations is essential.

​EP6: WHAT NO ONE TEACHES US ABOUT HORMONES AND MOVEMENT

In this 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 anyone working with women in their thirties or forties, or navigating their own changing body and seeking some support.

EP5: WHAT OWNING A PILATES STUDIO REALLY LOOKS LIKE

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, motherhood, and the industry’s ever-evolving trends.

EP4: THE HIDDEN SIGNS OF BURNOUT

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 your body.

EP3: THE WAY YOU CUE IN PILATES MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK​

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 compensates around imbalance, and why less is often more.

EP2: The importance of knowing your numbers as a Pilates studio owner

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 teacher to leader.

Ep:1 Learn to trust your body again

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, even when the experts are telling us otherwise. Whether you’re a teacher, student, studio owner, or simply a Pilates lover, this episode is a must-listen for anyone craving more depth and connection in their Pilates practice!