The Pilates Lounge

Katie Crane
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  • Fitness
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Welcome to the Pilates & Movement Journey, a show tailored for Pilates Professionals, movement educators, and enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in transformative content that connects mind, body, and spirit. Explore holistic wellness, gain expert insights, and foster a vibrant community. Ignite your passion for Pilates with engaging discussions, practical tips, and a focus on overall well-being. Join us on this journey to elevate your spirit and embrace a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au/

  1. 4 days ago

    How to Thrive and not just survive as a Pilates pro

    Got your Pilates certification and dreaming of opening your own studio? Before you sign a lease or start buying reformers, Katie shares the realities she wishes she had considered before becoming a studio owner. In this episode, Katie explores: The real cost of building and marketing a Pilates studio Why social media is now essential for small businesses The shift from being an instructor to becoming a leader Why your team's problems become your problems The importance of knowing your numbers The realities of profitability, stress, and business longevity Why working for someone else might actually be the better choice for some instructors What it really takes to build a studio that thrives long term Opening a studio can be incredibly rewarding—but it's not the easy path to success. If you're considering taking the leap, this episode is your reality check before you do. Thinking about opening your own Pilates studio—or already wondering what you've gotten yourself into? Don't try to figure it all out alone. Katie's Thrive Program is designed to help Pilates professionals build a business that doesn't just survive, but actually thrives. Join the Thrive Program waitlist and get the support, strategy, and guidance you need to build your studio with intention. And while you're there, subscribe to the Pilates News newsletter for free resources, handouts, and practical insights for Pilates professionals, movement educators, and Pilates lovers. Your studio can be more than a business. Build it to last.

  2. 27 Aug

    How to Avoid Burnout as a Pilates Instructor

    Why do passionate Pilates instructors burn out and leave an industry they love? In this episode, Katie Crane shares what she has learned from more than 20 years of teaching and running a studio about creating a sustainable career in Pilates. From protecting your energy and setting boundaries with clients to diversifying your skills beyond teaching, Katie explores practical ways instructors can avoid burnout and build careers that last. In This Episode Why teaching Pilates alone may not be sustainable long term How to protect your energy and maintain professional boundaries Why oversharing with clients can contribute to burnout What "spiritual hygiene" means for Pilates instructors Why instructors need to diversify beyond teaching Ways to add value through marketing, social media, administration, mentoring and more How finding your own strengths can create a more sustainable career The Big Question Who are you going to be besides a Pilates instructor? Katie encourages instructors to think beyond teaching hours and consider what other skills they can develop to create longevity in the industry. Katie's Takeaway Protect your energy. Keep learning. Diversify your skills. Build a career you can sustain. Work With Katie Refine Mentoring Program — Develop and refine your Pilates teaching skills. Thrive Mentoring Program — Build a stronger, more sustainable career and business. Connect With Katie The Pilates Professional https://thepilatesprofessional.com.au Don't forget to subscribe to the Pilates newsletter for free resources connected to the topics discussed on the podcast. Keywords Pilates, Pilates instructor, Pilates burnout, Pilates teacher, Pilates career, Pilates business, Pilates education, Pilates mentoring, sustainable Pilates career

    How to Avoid Burnout as a Pilates Instructor

  3. 18 Aug

    Is This the End of Pilates?

    What happens when the Pilates industry changes so much that you no longer recognise the Pilates you've spent 20 years teaching? In this episode of The Pilates Lounge, Katie Crane reflects on the last 18 years of her life and career and the huge changes she has witnessed within the Pilates industry. From the rise of Pilates in Australia to the growing popularity of heavily loaded reformer classes, shorter teacher training pathways, and the pressure for everything to be faster and easier, Katie asks a big question: Is this the end of Pilates as we know it? Katie shares honestly about mourning the Pilates she once knew, accepting that the industry is changing, and deciding that instead of fighting the change, she will focus on what she knows to be true: helping people move better, feel better, and develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies. In This Episode Why the 18-year eclipse cycle prompted Katie to reflect on her own life and career What Pilates looked like in Australia when Katie first started teaching How the Pilates industry has changed over the past 18 years Why Katie believes the meaning of "Pilates" has become blurred The growing focus on strength and heavy loading in modern reformer classes Why Pilates, in Katie's view, is about much more than strength or equipment The importance of listening to your body and developing self-awareness Why more people are looking for shortcuts in Pilates education Katie's decision to offer three different pathways to becoming a Pilates instructor The tension between traditional Pilates education and what today's market wants What it means to stop fighting industry change and focus on what you believe in Katie's thoughts on the future of Pilates and her own place within it The Big Question Who are you becoming as the industry around you changes? Katie reflects on how easy it is to hold onto the way things used to be, even when the world has already moved forward. For her, the answer isn't to fight the evolution of Pilates anymore. It is to continue teaching what she knows works. Katie's Takeaway Pilates isn't about simply performing exercises or following repertoire. For Katie, the deeper purpose is helping people understand their bodies well enough to know what they need. As she puts it, controllogy isn't simply about controlled movement — it's about having control of your body because you understand what your body needs. A Conversation for Pilates Professionals This episode is intentionally provocative. Katie openly questions where the industry is heading, what should still be considered Pilates, and whether the profession is losing some of the depth that once defined it. You may agree with her. You may disagree. Either way, she wants you to think about it. Is Pilates changing — or are we simply seeing the next evolution of the method? Connect With Katie Find Katie and learn more about her work at: The Pilates Professional https://thepilatesprofessional.com.au You can also find the podcast on YouTube at The Pilates Professional. And don't forget to subscribe to the Pilates News newsletter for free handouts and resources connected to the topics discussed on the podcast. Share This Episode Know a Pilates teacher, educator, or movement professional who has been thinking about where the industry is heading? Share this episode with them and keep the conversation going. Keywords Pilates, Pilates industry, Pilates instructor, Pilates teacher training, Pilates education, reformer Pilates, Pilates professional, Pilates teaching, Pilates methodology, Pilates trends, future of Pilates, Pilates certification, movement education, controllogy

    Is This the End of Pilates?

  4. 11 Aug

    Progressive Load, the buzz word that misses the mark

    In this thought-provoking episode, Katie Crane explores whether Pilates instructors have always been progressively loading their clients, or whether the recent emphasis on heavy resistance training has shifted the conversation. Katie unpacks the definitions of progression and load, examines why the term has become so popular, and questions whether chasing heavier weights aligns with the true purpose of Pilates. Rather than rejecting strength training, Katie encourages Pilates professionals to understand where progressive loading belongs, how Pilates naturally develops strength, and why mobility, stability, and movement quality should never be sacrificed in the pursuit of heavier resistance. In This Episode You'll Learn What "progressive load" actually means. Why Pilates has always included progressive loading—even without adding dumbbells. How spring tension, repetitions, tempo, range of motion, and exercise progressions all contribute to loading. Why progressive overload has become a popular marketing term in the Pilates industry. The connection between women's health, aging, and resistance training. Why Pilates plays an important role alongside strength training rather than replacing it. How excessive loading can reduce mobility, flexibility, and movement quality. Why Pilates should continue to prioritize functional movement over simply lifting heavier. Key Takeaways Progressive loading is not new—it has always been part of Pilates. More weight doesn't automatically mean better outcomes. Pilates develops strength through intelligent progression, movement quality, and control. Mobility and stability are just as important as muscular strength. Heavy resistance training and Pilates complement each other when used appropriately. Great Pilates teaching is about building resilient, functional bodies—not simply increasing load. Memorable Quotes "Progressive load is what we do in Pilates—but we don't need to overload people if they aren't getting the Pilates principles right." "The magic of Pilates is joint health, better alignment, improved posture, proprioception, and dynamic stability." Resources Mentioned Thrive Business Program for Pilates studio owners Refined Teacher Training Program Pilates Professional Newsletter Pilates Lounge Podcast YouTube Channel Connect with Katie Crane Ready to continue your Pilates education? Join Katie's community for practical education, business mentoring, and movement insights designed to help you become a more confident teacher and build a thriving Pilates career. Subscribe to the Pilates Professional Newsletter Join the waitlist for Thrive Learn more about the Refined Teacher Training Program Follow The Pilates Lounge Podcast for weekly episodes If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with another Pilates instructor or movement professional. Conversations like these help elevate the industry and encourage thoughtful, evidence-informed teaching.

  5. 4 Aug

    Neutral Spine Is not the goal

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:d19eb336-7ee1-4dae-90cf-d37bf08dcac0-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:d19eb336-7ee1-4dae-90cf-d37bf08dcac0-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant"> For years, Pilates instructors have been taught to cue clients to "maintain a neutral spine." But what if neutral spine isn't actually the goal? In this episode, Katie Crane revisits one of the most common concepts in Pilates education and challenges the idea that every body should move the same way. Drawing on years of teaching, continued study, and clinical definitions, Katie explains why neutral spine is best understood as a reference point—not a rigid position to hold throughout every movement. Instead of chasing perfect alignment, Katie encourages Pilates professionals to become better observers of movement, adapt their teaching to the individual in front of them, and use neutral spine as information rather than a rule. In This Episode You'll Learn What "neutral spine" actually means from an anatomical and clinical perspective. Why every person's neutral alignment looks slightly different. The difference between stability and rigidity. Why breathing naturally moves the spine—and why that's a good thing. How forcing neutral spine can sometimes increase tension and discomfort. Why observation is one of the most important skills a Pilates teacher can develop. Practical ways to help clients move more comfortably without chasing perfect posture. How understanding movement is more valuable than memorizing textbook cues. Key Takeaways Neutral spine is a starting point, not the destination. Movement should adapt to the individual—not the other way around. Stability allows movement; it doesn't eliminate it. Every client brings a unique body, history, and movement pattern into the studio. Great Pilates teachers observe first, cue second. The goal isn't perfect posture—it's helping people move with greater ease, awareness, and confidence. Memorable Quote "Neutral spine is not the goal. Neutral spine is a reference point. It's information. It's an understanding." Resources Mentioned Previous podcast episode: Neutral Spine vs. Natural Alignment Pilates Professional Newsletter Pilates Lounge Podcast YouTube Channel Connect with Katie Crane Stay connected for more education, resources, and practical teaching insights: Join the Pilates Professional Newsletter Subscribe to The Pilates Lounge Podcast Follow Katie for ongoing education and updates If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another Pilates teacher or movement professional. Together we can continue improving the way we teach, move, and support the people we serve.

  6. 23 Jul

    Pilates patriarchy

    Welcome to another episode of The Pilates Lounge Podcast with host Katie Crane. This week, Katie tackles a topic that keeps popping up in Pilates circles: the idea that Pilates only serves a narrow, "skinny white woman" demographic. She unpacks where this perception comes from, why it doesn't match what she sees in her own studio, and what it really means to market with clarity.   In This Episode, We Discuss The Washington Post article claiming Pilates studios cater to a narrow, overwhelmingly white, thin, wellness-aesthetic demographic Why social media creates a skewed perception of who Pilates actually serves Who really walks through the door at Katie's studio — and why it's not the "skinny white woman" stereotype Why niching down (not trying to serve everybody) is what allows a business to grow and improve How clear, consistent marketing builds trust — using the Porsche vs. Honda and best restaurant vs. buffet analogies Why it's okay for a studio or instructor to say "this isn't for you" How creating an environment of like-minded clients helps people feel like they belong Why chasing everyone on social media is often driven by fear of missing out, not strategy   Key Takeaways ✨ A perceived pattern isn't the whole picture What shows up on Instagram reflects the algorithm and what's aesthetically pleasing, not the full range of who Pilates actually serves. ✨ You can't serve everybody well Trying to be for everyone lowers your standard of service. Niching down sharpens your expertise and strengthens your community. ✨ Clarity in marketing builds trust Studios that are clear and consistent about who they serve attract the right people faster and build deeper trust than studios trying to appeal to everyone. ✨ Saying "this isn't for you" is a strength, not a weakness Businesses that own who they serve — and who they don't — are the ones that thrive.   About Katie Crane Katie Crane is the host of The Pilates Lounge Podcast and owner of Encore Pilates and Wellness in Darwin, Australia. With 21 years of studio ownership and two decades of experience working with clients through pain, rehabilitation, and complex conditions, Katie brings a grounded, real-world perspective to conversations about movement, business, and the Pilates industry.   Resources Mentioned Washington Post article by Yasmin Reid, referenced regarding demographics in Pilates studios Follow Katie's studio: Encore Pilates and Wellness — Instagram: @encorepilatesandwellness_nt   Listen & Subscribe Listen to The Pilates Lounge Podcast on your favourite podcast platform.   Continue the Conversation in The Pilates Muse Join the conversation here: https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au/the-pilates-muse-publication   Prefer to Watch? This episode is also available on YouTube.   About The Pilates Lounge The Pilates Lounge is a space for Pilates professionals, movement educators, and curious learners to explore meaningful conversations around movement, teaching, health, and the evolving Pilates industry.

    Pilates patriarchy

  7. 13 Jul

    The difference between a good class and a fabulous class (and how you can improve)

    What makes a truly exceptional Pilates instructor? Is it the perfect sequence? The smoothest transitions? The most advanced repertoire? In this solo episode, Katie Crane explores one of the most important skills every Pilates teacher should develop—the ability to teach the people in front of you, not simply the class you planned. Inspired by a conversation with her teacher training students, Katie unpacks why regressions, modifications, and progressions aren't optional extras—they're the foundation of quality teaching. She challenges the growing focus on choreography and "flow" while reminding us that great Pilates education is built on critical thinking, understanding movement, and knowing the "why" behind every exercise. Whether you're a student, a newly qualified instructor, or an experienced teacher, this episode is a powerful reminder that every person in your class deserves to participate, grow, and succeed at their own level. In This Episode Why teaching a sequence is not the same as teaching Pilates The difference between a good class and a truly exceptional class Why regressions and modifications should be part of every lesson How to teach the room instead of sticking rigidly to your plan The importance of understanding the purpose behind every exercise Why critical thinking is one of the most valuable skills a Pilates teacher can develop The problem with memorizing choreography without understanding movement How comprehensive education builds confident, adaptable instructors What new teachers should start practicing immediately to improve their teaching Key Takeaways ✨ A good class runs the sequence. A fabulous class runs the room. ✨ Every exercise should have a regression, progression, and clear purpose. ✨ Teaching is about responding to the people in front of you—not simply delivering choreography. ✨ If a client cannot perform an exercise, it's the teacher's responsibility to help them access the movement safely. ✨ Great Pilates instructors continually ask one question: Why? Understanding why an exercise belongs in a class creates better movement, better outcomes, and better teachers. Resources Mentioned Pilates Pro Academy Refine Mentorship Program The Pilates Professional Learn more at: https://thepilatesprofessional.com.au Enjoying The Pilates Lounge? If you found this episode valuable: Subscribe to The Pilates Lounge Podcast Leave a review on your favourite podcast platform Share this episode with another Pilates instructor or student who would benefit from hearing it Together, we can continue raising the standard of Pilates education. Connect with Katie Crane Website: https://thepilatesprofessional.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepilatesprofessional Subscribe to the Pilates News Newsletter for exclusive resources, handouts, and educational content designed for Pilates professionals and movement educators.

    The difference between a good class and a fabulous class (and how you can improve)

  8. 6 Jul

    Why The Financial Crisis Is Not Your Problem

    What if the way you talk about hard times online is actually pushing your clients away? Welcome back to The Pilates Lounge Podcast with your host, Katie Crane. In this solo episode, Katie shares an honest, off-the-cuff take on a trend she's noticed across social media: Pilates studio owners and instructors posting about how hard business is right now. She unpacks why that messaging can hurt your business, and what to say instead if you want to become the safe, steady place your community turns to when life feels hard. In This Episode, We Discuss The social media trend of studio owners posting fear-based messages about the cost of living crisis Why being in business is a rollercoaster, not a ladder, and always has been How your social media messaging either attracts or repels your ideal client Why "the sky is falling" posts don't help your business, even when they're true How to speak to your ideal client's fears while offering them a solution Why Pilates helps reset the nervous system during stressful times Katie's morning reading habit and two book recommendations for mindset The difference between people who survive hard times and people who suffer through them Why you get to choose how you show up, and it's okay to walk away if you need to Key Takeaways ✨ Be the roof, not the storm People aren't looking for someone to confirm that life is hard. They're looking for a safe, steady place to turn to. Show up as that place. ✨ Speak to fears with solutions, not more fear Your ideal client already feels stressed. The most useful thing you can post is how Pilates helps them, not a list of everything that's going wrong. ✨ Business is a rollercoaster, not a ladder Business was never meant to be easy or linear. Every business owner has hard days. The difference is in the story you choose to tell your community. ✨ Protect your mornings Reading for fifteen minutes each morning, instead of scrolling social media, can shift your mindset and help you show up stronger for your clients. About Katie Crane Katie Crane is the host of The Pilates Lounge Podcast and the owner of Encore Pilates and Wellness in Darwin, Australia. With twenty-one years in business, Katie shares real, honest insight into building a Pilates studio, leading a community, and staying resilient through the ups and downs of small business ownership. Resources Mentioned Katie's studio: Encore Pilates and Wellness NT, Darwin Katie's Instagram: @encore_pilates_and_wellness_nt The Pilates Professional Instagram: @thepilatesprofessional Book: a book on the All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team) and their "no dickheads" culture rule Book: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl Listen & Subscribe Listen to The Pilates Lounge Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Continue the Conversation in The Pilates Muse Join the conversation here: https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au/the-pilates-muse-publication Prefer to Watch? This episode is also available on YouTube. About The Pilates Lounge The Pilates Lounge is a space for Pilates professionals, movement educators, and curious learners to explore meaningful conversations around movement, teaching, health, and the evolving Pilates industry.

    Why The Financial Crisis Is Not Your Problem
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About

Welcome to the Pilates & Movement Journey, a show tailored for Pilates Professionals, movement educators, and enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in transformative content that connects mind, body, and spirit. Explore holistic wellness, gain expert insights, and foster a vibrant community. Ignite your passion for Pilates with engaging discussions, practical tips, and a focus on overall well-being. Join us on this journey to elevate your spirit and embrace a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. https://www.thepilatesprofessional.com.au/

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Crane
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Pilates Lounge
  • Provider