Beyond the Reformer

Nic Lenny
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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…

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Teaching Pilates to Children: How to Make It Fun, Inclusive & Effective

    Nic is joined by Clarissa Shepherd, kids Pilates specialist, pre and postnatal educator, Club Pilates master trainer, and author of Sage Does Pilates and Babies & Barre. Clarissa's story is anything but conventional. From working in TV news and witnessing a live on-air shooting, to packing up her car with $600 and driving to Dallas, to funding her Pilates certification while working night shifts - her path to becoming a Pilates teacher is one of grit, resilience and pure determination. But what makes Clarissa's work truly unique is who she teaches. While the Pilates industry talks about being "for everyone," Clarissa noticed a glaring gap - children are almost always left out.  She shares why bringing Pilates into families' lives earlier is one of the biggest untapped opportunities in the industry, and how her own experience of an absent mother during childhood became the driving force behind her mission to connect families through movement. The conversation explores how to adapt Pilates for different ages - from babies and toddlers to teenagers and everything in between - and why storytelling, play and affirmations are just as important as the repertoire. Clarissa also shares how she's training other teachers to do this work and working towards licensing her kids Pilates framework so it can reach families around the world. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Clarissa  00:32 Why families are the missing piece in Pilates  02:51 Clarissa's backstory - news, Dallas and $600 to her name  05:43 Discovering Pilates and being inspired by female leadership  09:01 Funding her certification and the sacrifices she made  13:13 Moving to Germany, becoming a mother and finding her path  16:03 How pregnancy sparked her interest in pre and postnatal Pilates  17:30 Teaching children for the first time  17:40 How to adapt Pilates for different ages and stages  20:07 Using affirmations and mentorship with teenagers  22:52 Making Pilates a game for younger children  24:18 Mommy and me classes and incorporating babies into movement  25:41 The creativity and storytelling skills kids Pilates demands  25:41 Training teachers to teach kids Pilates  44:10 Who Clarissa works with - from ballerinas to retirees  45:04 What's next for Clarissa  46:24 Quick-fire questions  48:24 Where to connect with Clarissa Thanks so much to Clarissa for coming on the podcast and sharing such an honest and inspiring story. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you've been loving it - it helps the show more than you know. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic's InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Clarissa: Clarissa's InstagramPilates Mamii WebsiteYouTube: Pilates MamiiFacebook: Pilates MamiiClarissa’s Sage Does Pilates BookClarissa’s Babies & Barre Book Join the Soul Pilates Retreat in Cornwall on 19 June for a weekend of movement, rest and nourishment. Find all the details here. Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order. Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here. Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    54 min

  2. 11 MAY

    Beyond Classical: Ron Fletcher's Pilates Legacy With Kyria Sabin

    "The body floats on the breath. Without the breath, we don't have a core. We don't have a centre." - Kyria Sabin In this episode, we are joined by Kyria Sabin, director of Fletcher Pilates International and one of the most respected custodians of a first-generation Pilates lineage in the world. Kyria worked directly with Ron Fletcher - a first-generation teacher who studied with Joseph and Clara Pilates and danced with Martha Graham - and has dedicated her career to preserving and evolving his approach to the method. Her path into Pilates was never planned; she was heading towards law school when a session at the Ron Fletcher Studio changed everything. Kyria and Nic explore what it truly means to carry a lineage forward, why the "classical vs contemporary" debate misses the point, and what made Ron Fletcher's approach so unique - from his movement-based philosophy to his breath-centred teaching. They take an honest look at the current state of Pilates education, the dangers of watered-down training, the rise of reformer-only studios, and what it actually takes to establish meaningful standards for the industry. And they go deeper into the spiritual dimension of Pilates - why client transformation so often shows up in relationships and sense of self first, and what Ron Fletcher would likely say if he saw where Pilates is today. (Spoiler: it's one word.) Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Kyria Sabin 00:10 Carrying Ron Fletcher's legacy - responsibility and blessing 04:47 What makes the Fletcher approach unique 08:31 Classical vs contemporary - why the conversation misses the point 12:42 Kyria's journey: from art world to Pilates 15:38 How Kyria trained - the apprenticeship model 17:24 Life in Tucson and accidentally staying for 35 years 18:39 The gift of seeing bodies and learning to teach 21:57 Taking over Fletcher Pilates International 23:13 Building a cohesive studio culture and team 26:35 Creating the Fletcher Pilates teacher training programme 28:39 What goes into a quality Pilates education 32:39 The 12-step framework that underpins the Fletcher programme 34:02 Why Pilates transformation shows up in clients' lives, not just bodies 38:45 What defines a high-quality teacher training programme 43:55 Should reformer teachers still be comprehensively trained? 56:29 What excites Kyria about the future of Pilates 58:21 What concerns her about where the industry is heading 01:00:22 Quick-fire questions 01:02:26 Where to find Kyria If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic's InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our NewsletterConnect with Kyria: Fletcher Pilates InstagramFletcher Pilates WebsiteFletcher Pilates FacebookKyria’s Instagram Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    1hr 7min

  3. 7 MAY

    A Year of Pilates Conversations Changed How I Think About Teaching

    Beyond the Reformer turns 1!! 🥳 In this special solo anniversary episode, Nic marks one full year of Beyond the Reformer by sharing her honest reflections on everything she has learned over the past year. She opens up about nearly quitting the podcast, the challenge of doing too much as a studio owner and educator, and how a year of conversations with some of the most respected Pilates professionals in the world has genuinely changed her perspective. A huge thank you to every single one of you who has supported the podcast over the past year. The community that has been built is more than anything Nic could have imagined, and she cannot wait to continue bringing you these conversations. Timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on one year of the podcast 07:08 The reality of doing too much 10:13 Bringing a journalism mindset into podcasting 14:31 Putting yourself out there and asking for opportunities 18:30 Understanding classical vs contemporary Pilates 22:39 Why your personality is your superpower 24:16 Finding your reason for teaching Pilates 26:01 How to choose the right teacher training 30:28 What presence really means in teaching 35:35 Humility and the importance of continuous learning 41:01 Rethinking failure and challenge in classes 45:07 What’s next for the podcast and community Make sure to subscribe to continue hearing these conversations every week, and send Nic a DM on the Beyond the Reformer Instagram page with your thoughts on this week’s episode. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    52 min

  4. 4 MAY

    Rethinking Pilates for Runners, Pain, and Performance with Juan Nieto

    Nic is joined by Juan Nieto, a physical therapist, Polestar educator, founder of the Reformer Flow Collective and co-creator of Runty. Juan brings a completely different perspective to Pilates, movement, and coaching. Rather than focusing on perfect technique or choosing the “right” exercises, he challenges the idea that there even is a single correct way to move. Instead, he shares why expanding movement options, building awareness, and increasing variability is what truly helps people move better, reduce pain, and build resilience. The conversation explores how Pilates can act as a foundation for everything else, from running to strength training, and why it should be seen as part of a bigger movement ecosystem rather than a standalone solution. Juan shares why group classes can be more powerful than privates, how play and task-based learning can transform the way people move, and why teachers need to shift from instructing to creating environments where real learning can happen. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Juan 00:37 Why Pilates should be seen as a starting point, not the end goal 04:58 The challenge of getting runners into Pilates 08:16 Using Pilates as effective cross-training 11:30 Juan’s journey into movement and physical therapy 12:27 Moving away from hands-on treatment to building client independence 14:30 The opportunity for Pilates teachers in modern rehab 20:33 Understanding pain, beliefs, and the nervous system 23:01 Assessing movement through tasks and tendencies 25:45 Why group classes can be more powerful than privates 29:03 Building agency and independence in your clients 31:57 Why Pilates teachers need to stop over-cueing 35:03 Using play and games to improve movement and learning 37:44 The Reformer Flow Collective and creative teaching 45:41 Quick-fire questions 49:31 Where to connect with Juan Thanks so much to Juan for coming on the podcast. Please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you’ve been loving it, it helps the show more than you know. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Juan Juan Nieto InstagramEmail: juan@postpilates.esReformer Flow CollectivePolestar Pilates Spain Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    56 min

  5. 27 APR

    Stop Copying Other Pilates Teachers and Start Being Yourself with Lesley Logan

    In this episode, Nic is joined by Lesley Logan, a classical Pilates teacher, international presenter, fellow podcaster, and founder of Profitable Pilates and Online Pilates Classes. They explore what it really takes to become a great Pilates teacher, from developing the ability to observe bodies and cue effectively, to navigating imposter syndrome and finding your unique voice in the industry. They unpack the importance of having boundaries and also the current state of the Pilates industry, including gaps in teacher training, the need for mentorship, and why rushing into teaching too quickly can hold people back long term. They also go deeper into the business side of Pilates, from pricing and profitability to building a career that actually supports your life. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Lesley Logan 01:32 Boundaries, burnout, and learning to say no 09:59 What’s happening in the Pilates industry right now 13:22 Gaps in teacher training and education 15:25 Learning how to truly see bodies as a teacher 18:49 Lesley’s journey into Pilates 26:09 Helping clients build autonomy in their practice 30:52 Owning your unique method and voice 40:26 Pricing for sustainability and growth 45:37 What accessibility really means in Pilates 50:52 Why mentorship keeps great teachers 54:05 Building multiple revenue streams 57:35 Quick-fire questions 59:15 Where to find Lesley If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Lesley: Lesley Logan InstagramProfitable Pilates WebsiteOnline Pilates ClassesLesley Logan Podcast Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    1hr 6min

  6. 20 APR

    How to Become a Great Pilates Teacher with Polestar UK Owner Andre Santaella

    In this episode, Nic sits down with Andre Santaella, COO of Polestar Pilates and now leading Polestar UK, to explore her journey from discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio to stepping into a global leadership role. Nic and Andre discuss what truly makes a great Pilates teacher beyond just their qualifications. They also explore how to choose the right training provider, why mentorship is essential, and the importance of continuous education. To finish off they chat about how we should be viewing other studios, teachers and trainings as an opportunity to collaborate instead of think of it as competition and and how shifting this mindset can completely change your experience within the Pilates industry. Timestamps 00:00 Introd to Andre 01:41 Taking on Polestar UK 04:53 Discovering Pilates through her mum’s studio 10:55 The path from studio manager to COO 16:16 What actually makes a great Pilates teacher 20:52 Questions to ask when hiring teachers 26:05 Learning from observing different teaching styles 27:14 Choosing the right Pilates training provider 33:05 The role of continuing education in Pilates 37:34 Why collaboration beats competition 44:02 Differences in the global Pilates industry 50:22 Quick fire questions If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss a conversation! Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Andre: Andre Santaella InstagramPolestar Pilates UK InstagramPolestar Pilates UK Website Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    57 min

  7. 16 APR

    Rael Isacowitz: The Basi Block System, Industry Standards and Crediting in Pilates (PART 2)

    Welcome back to Part 2 of this conversation with Rael Isacowitz, founder of Basi Pilates, where Nic and Rael go deeper into the evolution of the method, the role of equipment, and what it really takes to become a great teacher in today’s industry. Rael shares the story behind designing Basi equipment and how it was created to reflect both form and function. He breaks down the Basi block system, explaining how structure can actually unlock creativity in teaching rather than limit it. The conversation also explores what it means to continue learning as a teacher, from Rael’s legacy programme to the importance of staying connected to your own practice. To finish, they have a powerful discussion around standards in the Pilates industry, the challenges of accreditation, and why crediting others in this work is essential for growth. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back to Part 2 01:19 Designing equipment with both form and function in mind 05:59 How the Basi equipment first came to life 09:08 The origins of the Basi block system 13:49 Why structure actually fuels creativity in teaching 15:14 The idea behind marathon mat sessions 19:21 The legacy programme 26:08 The difference between advanced work and performance 28:25 Why Pilates needs stronger standards 30:02 Attempts at accreditation in the industry 35:32 The importance of crediting 40:44 Changing your mind and evolving as a teacher 44:49 Favourite exercises and staying connected to the work 47:21 Why teachers often overdo it in their classes 48:54 Habits that support a long career in Pilates 52:34 Community and relationships in Pilates If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a conversation like this. Share this episode with a fellow teacher or studio owner who would benefit from hearing this, and if you haven’t already, we’d really appreciate you leaving a rating or review. It helps more people discover the show and be part of this community. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Rael: Rael Isacowitz InstagramBasi Pilates InstagramBasi Pilates Website Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    1hr 4min

  8. 13 APR

    Rael Isacowitz: Teaching With Purpose, Precision And Flow At Basi Pilates (PART 1)

    There are very few people in the Pilates world who have shaped the industry in the way Rael Isacowitz has. In part 1 of this conversation, Nic sits down with the founder of Basi Pilates to explore the real foundations of the method, what it means to teach with purpose, and why the future of Pilates depends on more than just choreography. From building one of the first curriculum-based teacher training programmes in the late 80s to creating a global community of educators, Rael shares the story behind Basi and the approach that continues to guide it today. This episode goes deep into the art and science of movement, the importance of flow, and how great teaching can create real change in people’s lives. Rael also shares his perspective on cueing, precision, and what separates a good instructor from a truly impactful teacher. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Rael Isacowitz 01:57 The early vision behind creating a structured Pilates curriculum 04:17 What Pilates looked like in the late 80s 05:05 The very first Basi teacher training group 08:16 How Rael first discovered Pilates and his movement background 14:08 Opening one of the first Pilates studios in California 18:55 The story behind the name Basi Pilates 21:26 How the Basi platform and education evolved over time 25:05 The influence of yoga, dance, and giving credit in the industry 30:07 Creating joyful, athletic Pilates experiences 34:53 Pilates as a tool for positive change in the world 39:02 What the mind body connection really means in practice 42:51 Why cueing is one of the most important teaching skills If you loved this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss part two coming later this week. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassSign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Rael: Rael Isacowitz InstagramBasi Pilates InstagramBasi Pilates Website Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

    49 min
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About

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…

Information

  • Creator
    Nic Lenny
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond the Reformer
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Reformer

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