Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates

kimpaxtonpilates
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In this podcast, me and my special guests are going to be sharing with you the things that have worked in our businesses, the failures and setbacks, the aha moments, and the hard work that goes into following your passion for helping people move and feel better with Pilates Running a Pilates business is so much more than following your passion and hoping for the best. It takes hard work, tenacity and a commitment to staying true to your vision. We’ll be diving deep into the barriers that might be holding you back: Self doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure and lack of resources as well as celebrating the amazing self development and personal growth that comes from running your own business. I can’t wait to dive deep with you into the real deal of owning and operating a Pilates business with my friends and colleagues from around the Pilates world. And don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay up to date with the latest!

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 27 - Sonia Ahmed - The Pilates Physio

    Episode 27: Starting Again — Trusting Your Judgement in Pilates with Sonia Ahmed In this episode of Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates, Kim speaks with Sonia Ahmed — Physiotherapist, Classical Pilates teacher, and founder of The Pilates Physio. Sonia shares her journey from clinical mat classes in a small English village hall to building a fully equipped home studio in South Australia. Along the way, she reflects on: Beginning Pilates “through the back door” as a physio Teaching nervous first classes (and surviving them!) Recognising gaps in her training and investing again Transitioning into the classical system Navigating imposter syndrome and online divisiveness Leaving a full client list to move countries Rebuilding from scratch — twice This conversation is an honest look at growth, intuition, business resilience, and what it really takes to evolve in the Pilates industry. If you’ve ever questioned your judgement, your training, or your direction — this episode is for you.

    1h 5m

  2. 11/10/2025

    Unlocking your Pilates Studio's Competitive Advantage

    Unlocking Your Pilates Studio’s Competitive Advantage How do boutique Pilates studios stand out in a crowded market? In this episode of Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates, I share practical insights on how to uncover and strengthen your competitive advantage — the qualities that make your studio truly irreplaceable. Drawing on my own experience as a studio owner and business coach, I explore: Why your small-studio environment can be your greatest strength The difference between transactional and relational client experiences How genuine connection drives loyalty and long-term success Simple ways to identify and amplify your unique studio strengths I also introduce my new coaching program, From Burnout to Balance, created to help Pilates studio owners build sustainable, fulfilling businesses that reflect their values and bring joy back into their work. If you’re ready to move beyond survival mode and lead with clarity, confidence, and connection, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now to discover how to build a Pilates business that thrives — not just survives. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Overview 01:09 – Understanding Your Competitive Advantage 02:49 – Transactional vs Relational Clients 04:37 – Building Strong Client Relationships 07:01 – Identifying Your Unique Strengths 09:13 – Conclusion & Coaching Program Announcement 👉 Learn more about my coaching programs at www.kimpaxtoncoaching.com/work-with-kim-paxton Follow on Instagram @kim_paxton_coaching

    13 min

  3. 08/31/2025

    Episode 25 -Turning the Tables - Helen Fletcher interviews Kim Paxton

    Episode Description: In this special episode, the tables are turned as Helen Fletcher interviews me! From my beginnings as a young dancer to becoming a Pilates and Gyrotonic® practitioner, studio owner, Teacher Trainer, business coach, and podcast host, I share some pivotal moments that have shaped my career to date. In this conversation, we explore the realities of the Pilates industry—its challenges, rewards, and the vital role of community and the privilege of the work we do with clients. Helen chats with me about my evolution from teacher to mentor, the inspiration behind her coaching business and Podcast, and why building sustainable businesses matters for Pilates professionals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Kim’s early dance training shaped her love of movement Her path from dancer to Pilates and Gyrotonic® teacher The leap into studio ownership, business coaching, and podcasting Insights into industry challenges, burnout, and resilience Why community and mentorship matter in the Pilates world Kim’s personal reflections and advice for the next generation of instructors Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 00:47 – Kim's Early Dance Journey 02:18 – Transition to Teaching and Pilates 04:50 – Discovering Gyrotonic® 08:33 – Business Coaching and Podcasting 15:47 – Challenges and Burnout 24:07 – Overcoming Challenges in Pilates Training 25:19 – Current State of the Pilates Industry 29:33 – Personal Reflections and Career Advice 31:41 – Lightning Round: Influences and Inspirations 39:47 – Words of Wisdom for New Instructors 42:19 – Upcoming Conference and Contact Information

    49 min

  4. 06/13/2025

    Episode 24 - Joanne Chong, Altum Pilates Singapore

    Episode 24 – Going Deep with Pilates in Singapore with Joanne Chong of Altum Pilates Welcome to Episode 24 of Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates. In this episode, I’m joined by Joanne Chong, founder of Altum Pilates in Singapore. Joanne’s Pilates journey began in 2012 when she was searching for relief from debilitating plantar fasciitis. What started as a personal healing journey quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Today, she runs a boutique Classical Pilates studio in the heart of Orchard Road and hosts a Classical Pilates Teacher Training program in her studio. In our conversation, Joanne shares her business journey, her perspective on the Pilates industry in Singapore, and the thoughtful, intentional approach that underpins Altum Pilates. We also discuss navigating business partnerships, the realities of pricing and paying teachers fairly, and the unique characteristics of the Singapore Pilates client. This episode is a must-listen if you're a studio owner or teacher considering developing your own training program, navigating client education around pricing, or simply curious about how Pilates is evolving in other parts of the world. In this episode, we cover: How Joanne discovered Pilates through a personal health challenge Her early years as a teacher and the decision to open her own studio The experience of building a business in Singapore’s competitive Pilates market Transitioning out of a business partnership and moving forward with clarity The development of Altum’s in-house Classical Pilates teacher training Educated and discerning Pilates clients in Singapore – and how to meet their expectations Pricing transparency, fair teacher pay, and communicating the value of quality Pilates The impact of a viral social media moment on Joanne’s brand Navigating burnout, isolation, and uncertainty as a business owner What’s next for Joanne and Altum Pilates Reflections on the current state and future of the Pilates industry Connect with Joanne Chong and Altum Pilates: 🌐 altumpilates.com 📍 Orchard Road, Singapore 📷 @altumpilates Connect with Kim Paxton: 🌐 kimpaxtoncoaching.com.au 🎙️ Subscribe to Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates wherever you get your podcasts 📷 @kimpaxton.coaching

    1h 8m

  5. 03/28/2025

    Episode 23 - Kirsti Vitala - KPTY, Melbourne

    Episode 23: From Mobile Pilates to DNS – Kirsti Vitala on Building a Flexible, Evolving Career Welcome to Episode 23 of Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates. Today, I’m speaking with Kirsti Vitala of KPTY – Kirsti Pilates To You. Kirsti discovered Pilates while working in the corporate world, initially as a way to stay active. It was her own teacher who first suggested she consider becoming an instructor. But it wasn’t until a corporate reshuffle that she decided to take the leap, certifying as a Pilates teacher in 2013. She went on to build a thriving mobile Pilates business, bringing Pilates directly to her clients rather than working from a fixed studio. If you’ve ever thought about running a mobile business—or are curious about how it works—this episode is full of insights on making it a sustainable and rewarding model. More recently, she has transitioned to a home base at ME Pilates in Bentleigh, founded by Eve Fairbairn, who was one of my very first guests on this podcast. Kirsti’s approach to teaching has also evolved over the years. While her foundation is in Classical Pilates, she now integrates Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), a method based on developmental kinesiology and infant movement patterns. We’ll explore how she blends these two approaches and how DNS has helped both her clients and her own body. Beyond the studio, Kirsti has a real talent for connecting with clients through marketing. She communicates Pilates in a way that feels engaging and accessible—something many instructors find challenging. Let’s dive in. Welcome to the podcast, Kirsti. What We Cover in This Episode: Kirsti’s journey from corporate life to Pilates teacher The early years of her teaching career How she built and ran a mobile Pilates business Balancing business and family life What Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is and how it benefits clients How she integrates DNS with Classical Pilates Transitioning from a mobile business to a studio-based model Her approach to social media and marketing in the Pilates industry Overcoming burnout, isolation, and self-doubt Thoughts on the current state of the Pilates industry Kirsti and Kim Mention: Brooke Siler - Big Book of Women’s Health Brooke Siler - The Pilates Body Flow - The Psychology of Optimal Experience The Prague School of Rehabilitation Reclaim Your body through Pilates and DNS - Podcast with Chris Lavelle How to get a hold of Kirsti: To learn more about Kirsti and her work, you can find her here: 📍 Website: https://www.kirstipilatestoyou.com.au/ 📍 Instagram: @kirsti_pilates_plus More about Kirsti: In my old life, I worked nearly ten years in an awesome Government role where I was sure I would make my way up the corporate ladder, collecting sick leave and long service leave, have some holidays and do the standard work/life thing. I was a longtime client at a Pilates studio at the time (as a lover of dance and movement my whole life, I was hooked after my very first Pilates session!) and my teacher would often say that I’d make a great teacher. I would laugh and scoff to myself at the idea of this. I’d worked my butt off to get this corporate job and I wasn’t going to “throw it all away” to wear leggings all day. It was after an organisation-wide restructure that I started to (seriously) evaluate what I wanted from my professional working career. I always knew that I wanted to have kids and do more Pilates, and the teacher’s schedule suddenly looked more appealing to me family-wise. I took the leap. Fast forward several years and I quit my corporate job, completed my 600-hour classical Pilates teaching certification, had two sons (Maddox and Levy), and started KPTY. I built my then, mobile Pilates business, out of my own experiences of finding it hard to get out of the house and do exercise once I had kids. I strongly believe that Pilates is for everybody, and I wanted to do whatever I could to take the guesswork and hassle out of it for my clients, whether they be stay at home Mums and Dads, corporate employees working long hours, or retired grandparents. Fast forward to 2020 and COVID. Like the rest of the world, I had to stop my Pilates classes with my teacher at her studio. I wasn’t too sad though, I mean, I teach Pilates, I know Pilates, I know my body, I’ll just continue doing all my Pilates at home. But something wasn’t right, I was in pain, a lot. My shoulder and neck hurt, my back hurt. I thought I needed to do more Pilates, but more Pilates was making it worse. Something was missing, what wasn’t I getting from this exercise anymore? Enter DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation), the missing link, the functional puzzle piece that my body needed to get out of pain. I’ve now been teaching Pilates for over 12 years, and have 5 years of experience with the DNS method. While there are good and bad days (as all small business owners and mothers know!), I wouldn’t trade what I’m doing for anything. A big thank you to Kirsti for sharing her journey and insights. If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

    57 min

  6. 03/14/2025

    Episode 22 - Katie Agnew - Authentic Pilates and Physiotherapy - Auckland, NZ

    Episode 22: A Conversation with Katie Agnew – From Rhythmic Gymnastics to Classical Pilates Episode 22 is now live! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be talking to my friend and fellow Kiwi, Katie Agnew of Authentic Pilates and Physiotherapy in Rothesay Bay, Auckland. Katie and I have known each other for several years, having first met through Olga Tamara of Authentic Pilates Sydney. With an impressive background in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Katie competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games and multiple international events, earning numerous national awards along the way. Since becoming a physiotherapist in 1994 and a Pilates teacher in 2001, Katie has built a thriving career. She opened her first studio in 2003 before expanding into a larger space in 2017. She is also a faculty member of Authentic Pilates Education International (APEI) and has presented at various conferences throughout her career. Katie’s Pilates journey took her to the U.S., where she studied under Romana Kryzanowska in New York and Florida, gaining invaluable insights into the Classical Pilates system.  In this episode, we explore her journey, her experiences training with Romana, and her insights into the NZ Pilates industry. Here’s what we talked about: Katie’s journey from Rhythmic Gymnastics to Pilates and Physiotherapy. Her commitment and experience of moving to the U.S. to study Pilates. Firsthand stories about studying with Romana Kryzanowska. Her work with Cirque de Soleil as a Physiotherapist and Pilates teacher. How Katie navigated the small but growing Classical Pilates community in New Zealand. How she balances and integrates physiotherapy and Pilates within her studio. Her approach to teacher training and mentoring. How she’s managed her her business while recovering from major surgery. Katie’s perspective on the current state of the Pilates industry in New Zealand. Katie’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and passion for movement. Her journey offers inspiration to Pilates professionals and studio owners alike.This episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

    1h 8m

  7. 02/28/2025

    Episode 21 - Ash Berry and Rob Carruthers - Movementality Pilates - Perth

    Episode 21: Building a Pilates Business & Family Life with Ash and Rob of Movementality Welcome back to Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates! In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Ash and Rob of Movementality Pilates in Perth. This dynamic husband-and-wife team has built a thriving Pilates business while navigating the challenges of family life—and I know you're going to love this conversation! Ash comes from a dance background, while Rob has a sports science background. They met in London in 2015 and later returned to the Southern Hemisphere—Rob hailing from New Zealand and Ash from Perth. In 2017, they purchased an established studio in Melbourne and successfully ran it until 2024, all while growing their family. Now, they’ve relocated to Perth to start Movementality from the ground up—again! And to top it all off, they recently welcomed their second child, four-month-old Gus. In addition to running their studio, Ash and Rob offer online classes and teacher education programs. This candid and insightful interview is packed with wisdom for anyone juggling business, family, and the pursuit of work-life balance. Their ambition, teamwork, and strategic mindset shine through in everything they do. In this episode, we discuss: ✔️ Their early days in London—how they discovered their complementary skills and started working together ✔️ Ash’s journey from professional dance to Barre to Pilates, and Rob’s background in Sports Science ✔️ The experience of purchasing their first studio in Melbourne—making it their own while leading a team of instructors ✔️ How they navigated the challenges of Covid lockdowns and ultimately decided to move to Perth for a fresh start ✔️ The reality of running a Pilates studio while growing a young family and balancing personal and professional roles ✔️ How reopening their studio in Perth gave them a chance to refine their values and prioritize work-life balance ✔️ How they started their teacher education programs and how they expanded it nationally. ✔️Their thoughts about the current state of the industry.   Rob and Ash Mentioned: The Imperfects Podcast Bruce Hildebrand and Trimio Phillip Beach Tracey Nicolson - Somatics and Dance Movement Therapy   How to get a hold of Ash and Rob: https://www.movementality.com.au/ @movementality_aus   More about Ash and Rob: Rob Carruthers Rob completed his degree Sport Science degree in New Zealand back in 2011. After graduating and a period of travel, he fell into teaching fitness-based Reformer Pilates classes in some of central London’s most popular studios, managing a number of them. After 12 months, he retrained to focus on injury rehabilitation, and leveraged his sport science background to begin working in several physiotherapy clinics, and supported the medical staff at the Brentford Football Club by delivering Pilates. It was during this time, that he also began studying the world of Functional Neurology and finding avenues to bring it into the Pilates world. Upon moving to Melbourne in 2016, Rob and Ash worked together for the same company before opening Movementality in 2017.  Over the next 7 years, Rob refined his teaching focus to develop strategies enabling a ground-up rehabilitative process for the Pilates side of his focus, and a top-down approach for those with more complex movement and pathological considerations.   Ash Berry Ash is an ex-professional dancer, comprehensively trained level 3 PAA Pilates practitioner and Somatic Movement Therapist. She has been teaching Pilates for 10 years having run Movementality in Melbourne with Rob for 7 years prior to their move to Perth. During their time in Melbourne, Ash & Rob built their national reputations as industry thought leaders. They have been invited to present nationally for several conferences and have built their own workshop platform, Movementality Education, where they have been facilitating educatiing for other Pilates teachers since 2018. In 2021, Ash joined the Australian Ballet School’s Health Team as a conditioning specialist and in 2023 she presented her research on Pilates in pregnancy for the Pilates Association Australia Conference. She has also presented for Microsoft, Myotherapy Association Australia and Tensegrity Training.

    1h 21m

  8. 02/07/2025

    Linda Rhodes and Sarah Liston - EQ Pilates - UK

    Welcome back to Episode 20 of Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates! I’m beyond thrilled to be sitting down with my first international guests—Sarah and Linda from EQ Pilates in Staffordshire, UK. Sarah and Linda are a mother-daughter duo who opened their studio in 2001. Together with their team, they offer a blend of Contemporary, Clinical, and Classical Pilates, including group equipment classes, Joe’s Gym-style sessions, and private sessions—all in their absolutely stunning studio. Linda originally came from a yoga background and discovered Pilates in 2000. Sarah joined her mum in the business in 2007, and incredibly, Linda still teaches some of the same clients she had 40 years ago when she was a yoga instructor! EQ Pilates is not just a studio—it’s also a hub for Pilates teachers in the Midlands, offering mentoring and ongoing education to help instructors deepen their knowledge and skills. In this episode, we dive into: How Sarah and Linda got started in Pilates How Linda’s first mat studio was in such high demand she could barely keep up How Sarah joined the business a few years later The teacher education programs they offer to certified instructors How they integrate Classical, Clinical, and Contemporary Pilates at their studio The current landscape for Pilates studios in the UK and how education standards have evolved over the years How they’ve grown their business, continued to invest, and adapted over time   In the podcast, they mention: ‘Caged Lion’ by John Howard Steel https://www.amazon.com.au/Caged-Lion-Joseph-Pilates-Legacy/dp/1733430709   To get a hold of Sarah and Linda at EQ Pilates: https://www.eq-pilates.co.uk/ @eq.pilates   More About Sarah and Linda:  Linda: Linda’s journey into movement and wellness began long before she became a Pilates instructor. With a successful career as a hairdresser, working long hours on her feet, she became increasingly aware of the importance of alignment and mindful movement to maintain a healthy body. It was through her dedicated yoga practice, particularly Lotus and Rose Pranayama Yoga, that she first discovered how movement could be a powerful tool for both strength and longevity. Her passion for movement eventually led her to Pilates, and in 2000, she became a fully certified instructor. Recognizing a need for expert-led Pilates training in her community, Linda took a bold step and opened her own Pilates studio in Sutton Coldfield in 2001—the first and only dedicated Pilates studio in the area at the time. Her vision was to create a space where people of all backgrounds could experience the transformative benefits of Pilates, whether through matwork, Reformer training, or full studio apparatus sessions. Over the years, Linda has continued to expand her expertise. Her commitment to movement education led her to become a YAMUNA Body Rolling Practitioner, a unique bodywork practice that enhances mobility, releases tension, and improves body alignment. With over 30 years of experience in movement, her teaching blends the discipline of Pilates, the mindfulness of yoga, and the therapeutic benefits of body rolling, offering her clients a truly comprehensive approach to strength, mobility, and overall well-being.   Sarah: Sarah Liston is Master Teacher & 3rd Generation Classical Pilates Instructor Sarah is a dedicated and passionate Master Teacher, proudly carrying the lineage of classical Pilates as a 3rd Generation instructor. Trained by Lesley Logan who studied under Jay Grimes, Sarah is deeply rooted in the authentic practice of the Pilates method. Her Pilates journey began in 2007, when she joined her mum’s studio, immersing herself in the method and developing a deep appreciation for its transformative power. Inspired by the way Pilates made her feel stronger, more balanced, and more connected to her body Sarah pursued formal training and became a certified instructor in 2011 with Body Control Pilates. Over the years, Sarah and her mum evolved from teacher and student to business partners, co-owning and running their family studio together. Their shared passion for Pilates and commitment to excellence has made their studio a rare gem, a space where clients experience the highest standard of teaching in an environment that feels welcoming, supportive, and deeply personal. Now, as a highly skilled instructor and studio co-owner, Sarah continues to share her expertise, helping clients build strength, confidence, and a deeper connection to their bodies through the power of Pilates.   Thanks Linda and Sarah! Kim Paxton

    47 min
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In this podcast, me and my special guests are going to be sharing with you the things that have worked in our businesses, the failures and setbacks, the aha moments, and the hard work that goes into following your passion for helping people move and feel better with Pilates Running a Pilates business is so much more than following your passion and hoping for the best. It takes hard work, tenacity and a commitment to staying true to your vision. We’ll be diving deep into the barriers that might be holding you back: Self doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure and lack of resources as well as celebrating the amazing self development and personal growth that comes from running your own business. I can’t wait to dive deep with you into the real deal of owning and operating a Pilates business with my friends and colleagues from around the Pilates world. And don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay up to date with the latest!

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