Beyond the Reformer

Nic Lenny
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

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…

  1. DEC 15

    Inside the Growth of an Award Winning Pilates Studio with Angela Walker

    Some Pilates studios grow because of strategy. Others grow because of community. Angela Walker has built her studio through both. This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to grow a thriving, award winning Pilates studio outside of a big city. Angela, the owner of Align Pilates near Glasgow, shares the real story behind building a community led, wellness focused space. Angela opens up about so many important topics such as studio growth, dealing with burnout, setting boundaries with your teachers, teacher training, the pressure of social media and why community matters just as much as good teaching! Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Angela Walker 02:09 How Angela grew from teaching on one reformer at home to a full community studio 04:02 Building a wellness centred space that clients feel connected to 08:05 The realities of growth and the challenges facing modern Pilates studios 11:45 Creating a supportive, balanced team culture 17:34 Keeping clients engaged with classes 25:01 Why Angela moved into teacher training and how she develops new instructors 27:38 The community spirit behind Align 29:24 Angela’s take on the state of Pilates today 32:54 Social media pressures for studio owners 37:16 Balancing profit and quality while running a boutique studio 41:04 Being named Best Pilates Studio 43:26 The future of Align and the broader Pilates industry 48:04 Quick fire questions If you loved this conversation, follow or subscribe to Beyond the Reformer so you never miss an episode. It really helps the show reach more teachers, studio owners and Pilates lovers around the world. We will be back on the 29th of December with a new episode! Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you as always for the support on the podcast. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with Angela Align Pilates InstagramAlign Pilates Website Interested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.

    1 hr

  2. DEC 8

    What Is Fascia and Why Every Pilates Teacher Should Care About It with Kath Pentecost

    Once you learn what fascia really does, you can’t unsee it in every client you work with. In this conversation, Nic sits down with movement educator and fascia expert Katherine Pentecost for a deep dive into the world of fascia and why every Pilates teacher needs to understand it. Kath shares her journey about how discovering fascia changed absolutely everything about the way she moved, cued, programmed and taught. Nic and Kath explore what fascia actually is, the biggest misconceptions teachers still have, how fascia adapts to movement, why it’s so deeply connected to whole-body wellness, and how shifting your cueing and sequencing can unlock better results for every client you work with. This episode is full of ‘aha’ moments for Pilates teachers, studio owners and anyone curious about movement, anatomy and long-term wellbeing. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and intro to Kath 01:40 What fascia is and why it matters 04:48 How Kath first discovered fascia 08:42 Bringing fascia awareness into Pilates 13:03 Applying fascia concepts in real teaching 15:29 Fascia essentials for Pilates teachers 18:41 Helping clients build awareness and agency 28:48 What healthy fascia looks like in movement 31:34 Stories that show how adaptable fascia is 32:57 When fascia becomes restricted 34:38 Hydrating and releasing fascia in practice 35:29 Blending fascia work with Pilates 39:34 Teaching and sequencing for fascia health 49:01 Where fascia education is heading next 52:05 Training programmes and pathways with Kath 57:10 Quickfire questions Please hit subscribe and rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you loved today’s episode! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with Kath: WebsiteKath’s InstagramKath’s CoursesInterested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.

    1h 7m

  3. DEC 1

    Making Pilates Truly Inclusive for All Bodies with DK Ciccone

    Pain does not mean your body is broken. If you work with clients in pain or you have ever felt afraid to move, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Beyond The Reformer, Nic sits down with Pilates teacher, movement specialist and chronic pain educator Dana Karen (DK) Ciccone to explore what pain really is, how fear shapes the way we move, and why every body is meant to move. Drawing on DK’s personal journey of chronic pain, injury and rebuilding trust with her body, the conversation looks at the stories people carry into the studio and how much those stories influence their movement. Nic and DK share practical tools for teachers who work with clients in pain, including how to ask better questions, how to build psychological safety, and how to use springs and equipment intentionally to rebuild confidence. They discuss inclusivity, representation, the evolution of Pilates and the importance of teaching in a way that celebrates strength rather than limitation. Timestamps 00:00 Nic’s personal updates 02:07 Intro to today’s guest, DK Ciccone 03:36 DK opens up about her early experiences with pain and movement 07:09 How Pilates became a turning point in DK’s healing journey 13:44 DK’s path into teaching and rediscovering purpose 15:58 How to understand and support clients who arrive with pain 27:41 What creates a safe movement experience for every body 34:09 Helping clients build confidence with spring choices 35:28 Why inclusivity in Pilates studios matters 38:22 The boom of Pilates and how the industry is shifting 43:59 Pain, fear and how language influences the way we move 51:33 DK’s insights on Pilates in Scotland compared with America 56:21 What the future of Pilates education needs 01:03:13 Quickfire questions with DK 01:04:55 Where to connect with DK If you enjoyed this episode, follow Beyond The Reformer, share it with a friend or fellow teacher, and leave a rating so more people can discover these conversations. Nic also loves hearing your takeaways, so feel free to message on Instagram! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with DK Movement Remedies WebsiteCultivating Courage WorkshopMeant to Move FoundationsDK’s InstagramEmail DK: Interested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.

    1h 11m

  4. NOV 24

    How Movement Becomes Medicine with Christi Idavoy

    Movement becomes medicine when you learn how to truly feel it, and this conversation with Christi Idavoy shows you exactly how to teach from that place of depth, clarity and presence. Today, Nic sits down with senior Polestar Pilates educator Christi Idavoy for an inspiring conversation on movement, teaching, energy, intuition and the art of presence in the studio. Christi shares the story of how movement has shaped her life since childhood, the unexpected path that led her from yoga to Pilates, and the moment she met Brent Anderson which changed everything for her. She discusses the philosophy behind Polestar Pilates, why presence is a teachable skill, how to create safer and more transformative client experiences, and why knowing yourself always comes before guiding others. For any Pilates teacher, studio owner or movement educator, this episode will allow you to understand the deeper layers of teaching Pilates, beyond just the choreography. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro to Christi Idavoy 03:37 Exploring the idea of movement as medicine 05:47 Christi shares her early journey into Pilates 15:04 Discovering Polestar and meeting Brent Anderson 20:30 Christi’s teaching philosophy and approach to education 28:06 Understanding the power of presence in the studio 34:05 Self discovery through movement and embodiment 34:44 Balancing teaching, family life and the demands of the industry 36:01 Burnout, intuition and embracing personal growth 38:16 Presence, boundaries and honouring your energy 40:23 The heart brain connection 43:55 Practical guidance for Pilates instructors 50:42 How to create a meaningful and transformative client experience 56:34 Christi’s personal wellbeing and self care practices 01:02:36 How to work with Christi If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow Beyond The Reformer so you never miss a conversation. Share this episode with another Pilates teacher who would love this episode and if you have a moment, leaving a quick rating or review helps the show reach even more people in our growing global community. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with Christi Christi Idavoy WebsiteChristi’s InstagramInterested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.

    1h 12m

  5. NOV 17

    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! Timestamps 00:00 Meet today’s guest Nichole Zuckerman 02:53 Nichole’s role within Polestar Pilates 03:48 Growing up surrounded by Pilates 07:50 What defines the Polestar Pilates philosophy 13:08 Challenges and misconceptions in Pilates education 18:00 The value of holistic, individualised teaching 28:51 Bringing a personal touch to group classes 30:09 Why presence is a teacher’s most powerful skill 30:56 Cultivating mindfulness inside and outside the studio 35:55 Psychology, creativity, and movement freedom 42:58 The global growth of Polestar Pilates 51:34 Advice for aspiring Pilates instructors 53:53 Quick-fire questions If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow on your podcast app, share it with a fellow teacher, and leave a rating or review. Every share helps this community grow and keeps these conversations reaching more Pilates educators around the world. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with Nichole: Polestar Pilates' Website Interested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.

    1h 3m

  6. NOV 10

    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. Timestamps 00:00 – Understanding subtlety in Pilates teaching 01:32 – How to plan and structure a balanced class 03:54 – Why Nic starts most classes supine 09:20 – Bringing in spine articulation and extension 11:11 – Incorporating weightbearing and full-body integration 12:51 – Creating a full movement experience for every client 13:10 – How to layer full-body exercises effectively 14:10 – Avoiding burnout through smarter class planning 16:04 – Setting clients up for success, not perfection 17:18 – The importance of progressions and regressions 18:21 – Empowering clients to notice what feels good 19:46 – Techniques for clear, mindful cueing 21:51 – Finding ease even in challenging movements 24:19 – Why Pilates is about being good at life, not just good at Pilates If this episode helped you see your teaching in a new way, share it with another instructor who would love it too. You can also subscribe, leave a review, or send Nic a message with your biggest takeaway! She loves hearing how these conversations land with you. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassInterested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

    27 min

  7. NOV 6

    The Art of Simplicity in Pilates Cuing with LaBriece Ochsner

    In this bonus episode, Nic sits down with Balanced Body Educator LaBriece Ochsner at the Pilates Gathering in Scotland to explore how education, compassion, and clarity in teaching continue to shape the future of Pilates. LaBriece’s journey began over two decades ago in Zurich, where her first Pilates mat class revealed a method that would change her life. From teaching in Swiss fitness centres to running her own studio and becoming a global educator, she shares how her experience across cultures and languages has shaped her approach to teaching and mentoring others. Together, Nic and LaBriece dive into the emotional and psychological side of teacher training, the importance of teaching real people (not just perfect movers), and why confidence, patience, and curiosity matter more than perfection. LaBriece also opens up about balancing motherhood, studio ownership, and international education, and how Pilates can bridge the gap between fitness and deep movement work. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Labriece Ochsner, Balanced Body Educator 01:19 – Labriece’s first encounter with Pilates in Zurich 03:52 – From fitness instructor to certified teacher 05:19 – How Pilates teacher training has evolved 08:35 – The power of clear, simple cueing and communication 15:01 – Finding balance between work, teaching, and family 20:42 – The future of Pilates and integrating the fitness world 24:57 – Quick-fire questions If this episode inspired you, please follow or subscribe to Beyond the Reformer wherever you listen to podcasts! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with LaBriece: WebsiteLabriece’s InstagramInterested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

    32 min

  8. NOV 3

    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 and pain, why communication is the most under-taught skill in movement education, and how teachers can support clients in building awareness and confidence. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Cameron Angus 01:49 How the Pilates Gathering came about 03:48 From military life to Pilates studio owner 08:51 The influence of physiotherapy on Pilates 10:06 How Cameron got into military physio 12:30 Cameron’s Pilates studio 13:10 How Cameron’s teaching has evolved based on his experiences 17:28 Blending the sensory side of Pilates into the biomechanical side 18:01 Why a positive environment accelerates rehabilitation 20:32 How posture reflects belief systems and emotional states 23:38 Communication, cueing, and helping clients manage pain 28:25 Reflecting on growth and professional development 36:10 Quick fire questions If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with another teacher or movement professional who would love it too. Every listen helps this community grow and continue sharing powerful conversations that take us beyond the reformer. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates Class Connect with Cameron: Email: cameron@coneyhillstudio.comInterested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

    44 min
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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…

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  • Creator
    Nic Lenny
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Beyond the Reformer
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Reformer

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