Art of Pilates

Louise Taube

"Art of Pilates" explores the intelligence, nuance and humanity behind great movement — through conversations with teachers, clinicians, researchers and women navigating change. Season two of the re-imagined Art of Pilates returns in 2026!

  1. Sep 30

    Lipoedema, Exercise & Pilates: Understanding the Condition with Carlie Chilco

    Book into the Mastering Menopause course here: https://www.taubepilates.com/mastering-menopause-with-pilates-matwork-online-course-for-teachers Discount code HOTFLUSH25 for 25% off What is lipoedema, how is it different from obesity and lymphoedema, and what role can exercise and Pilates play in managing it? In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by physiotherapist and accredited lymphoedema therapist Carlie Chicofor an insightful conversation about lipedema — a condition that remains widely misunderstood despite affecting many women. Carlie shares her professional experience working with women with lipoedema, as well as her own personal experience of living with the condition. We explore what lipoedema is, the common signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and why it can be so easily confused with obesity or lymphoedema. We also talk about the relationship between lipoedema and hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and the importance of early recognition and appropriate management. Most importantly, we discuss exercise and lipoedema. Carlie explains why exercise cannot simply "remove" lipoedema fat, but can still play an incredibly important role in strength, mobility, bone health, circulation, function and quality of life. We discuss Pilates, strength training, walking, hydrotherapy, compression and how to avoid doing too much too soon. In these two episodes, we cover: What lipoedema is and how it affects the body The common signs and symptoms of lipoedema How lipoedema differs from obesity and lymphoedema Why lipoedema can be painful and sensitive to touch The role of genetics and hormonal changes Lipoedema during puberty, pregnancy and menopause How lipoedema is diagnosed and whether there is a specific test Why early recognition and management are important Conservative treatment options, including compression The role of physiotherapy and lymphatic therapy Manual lymphatic drainage and compression pumps How Pilates can support women with lipedema Strength training and bone health Walking, cardiovascular exercise and hydrotherapy Whether exercise can make lipedema symptoms worse How to approach exercise without triggering excessive inflammation Compression during exercise When surgery may be considered The importance of working with a healthcare team Body image, mental health and the emotional impact of lipedema Why consistency and self-compassion matter If you have lipoedema, suspect you may have it, or are a Pilates teacher or exercise professional working with women with lipoedema, this episode offers a practical and compassionate conversation about understanding the condition and supporting movement for life. Lipoedema Australia: Incredible resource, find a practitioner page, and loads of great quality information.  https://www.lipoedema.org.au/ Australasian Lymphology Association: Accdredited Lymphatic Therapistshttps://www.lymphoedema.org.au/accreditation-nlpr/find-a-practitioner/ or more information about Lymphoedema (often a co-morbidity):https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/ https://www.platinumphysio.com.au/locations/brighton/ Practice address: 2/643 Nepean HighwayBrighton East VIC 3187 Ph: 03 8554 0111 Carlie's email cchilko@platinumphysio.com.au Connect with Louise Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠louise@taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pilates Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Teacher Training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠

  2. Sep 23

    Part 2 : What Is Your Pelvic Floor Telling You? with Genia Barmakov & Cherry de Crespigny

    In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by pelvic health physiotherapists Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny from Health Canvas Clinic for an important and fascinating conversation about pelvic floor health. As Pilates teachers, we often hear about the importance of a “strong pelvic floor”, but pelvic floor health is much more complex than simply being strong or weak. Genia and Cherry help us understand what the pelvic floor is actually telling us and why symptoms can sometimes be linked to an overactive or tight pelvic floor rather than weakness. We talk about pelvic health throughout different stages of life, including pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal recovery and menopause, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes and the role that stress and our nervous system can play. Why a pelvic floor isn't simply “weak” or “strong” — an overactive or tight pelvic floor can also contribute to leaking, pain and other symptoms.Pelvic floor health and menopause — including changes that can occur and why symptoms shouldn't simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing.Pregnancy and postnatal care — when women should consider seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist and why you don't necessarily need to wait until six weeks postpartum if you're experiencing symptoms.Pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes — including why pelvic floor issues are surprisingly common among high-level athletes.The connection between stress, the nervous system and pelvic floor tension — and why our pelvic floor can respond to what is happening throughout the rest of our body.Bladder and bowel habits — including toilet positioning, straining and how everyday habits can influence pelvic health.Pelvic floor-friendly exercise — how breathing, load, movement and appropriate pelvic floor engagement can be incorporated into Pilates without excessive bracing or breath holding.When Pilates teachers should refer — understanding our scope of practice and recognising when a client may benefit from assessment by a pelvic health physiotherapist.Pelvic health through the lifespan — and why having open conversations about these issues can help people seek support earlier.I particularly loved this conversation because it reminds us that pelvic floor health isn't about simply telling everyone to “do their pelvic floor exercises”. It's about understanding the individual, listening to their symptoms and considering the whole person. For Pilates teachers, I hope this episode gives you a greater understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction, helps you recognise when referral may be appropriate, and gives you some practical ideas for creating a more supportive approach to movement and exercise. And for anyone listening who has ever wondered whether something they're experiencing is “normal” — I hope this conversation encourages you to listen to your body and seek the right support. So, what is your pelvic floor telling you? Join me for this insightful conversation with Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny. In this episode, we discuss:

  3. Sep 16

    What Is Your Pelvic Floor Telling You? with Genia Barmakov & Cherry de Crespigny

    In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by pelvic health physiotherapists Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny from Health Canvas Clinic for an important and fascinating conversation about pelvic floor health. As Pilates teachers, we often hear about the importance of a “strong pelvic floor”, but pelvic floor health is much more complex than simply being strong or weak. Genia and Cherry help us understand what the pelvic floor is actually telling us and why symptoms can sometimes be linked to an overactive or tight pelvic floor rather than weakness. We talk about pelvic health throughout different stages of life, including pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal recovery and menopause, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes and the role that stress and our nervous system can play. Why a pelvic floor isn't simply “weak” or “strong” — an overactive or tight pelvic floor can also contribute to leaking, pain and other symptoms.Pelvic floor health and menopause — including changes that can occur and why symptoms shouldn't simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing.Pregnancy and postnatal care — when women should consider seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist and why you don't necessarily need to wait until six weeks postpartum if you're experiencing symptoms.Pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes — including why pelvic floor issues are surprisingly common among high-level athletes.The connection between stress, the nervous system and pelvic floor tension — and why our pelvic floor can respond to what is happening throughout the rest of our body.Bladder and bowel habits — including toilet positioning, straining and how everyday habits can influence pelvic health.Pelvic floor-friendly exercise — how breathing, load, movement and appropriate pelvic floor engagement can be incorporated into Pilates without excessive bracing or breath holding.When Pilates teachers should refer — understanding our scope of practice and recognising when a client may benefit from assessment by a pelvic health physiotherapist.Pelvic health through the lifespan — and why having open conversations about these issues can help people seek support earlier.I particularly loved this conversation because it reminds us that pelvic floor health isn't about simply telling everyone to “do their pelvic floor exercises”. It's about understanding the individual, listening to their symptoms and considering the whole person. For Pilates teachers, I hope this episode gives you a greater understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction, helps you recognise when referral may be appropriate, and gives you some practical ideas for creating a more supportive approach to movement and exercise. And for anyone listening who has ever wondered whether something they're experiencing is “normal” — I hope this conversation encourages you to listen to your body and seek the right support. So, what is your pelvic floor telling you? Join me for this insightful conversation with Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny. In this episode, we discuss:

  4. Sep 9

    Cancer Rehabilitation & Exercise: Finding Strength, Confidence and Hope with Hope Spencer

    Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ —I’d love to hear from you. In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Hope Spencer, founder of the Positive Health Project and an oncology and lymphoedema physiotherapist. We talk about the important role of exercise and rehabilitation before, during and after cancer treatment, and how movement can help people maintain strength, mobility, confidence and quality of life. Hope explains lymphoedema, cancer-related fatigue, scar rehabilitation, peripheral neuropathy and the impact cancer treatment can have on muscle and bone health. We also discuss where Pilates and Reformer Pilates fit into cancer rehabilitation and how Pilates instructors can safely and confidently support clients living with or recovering from cancer. One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was Hope’s message that exercise should be seen as part of cancer care. We also bust some common myths around cancer, exercise and lymphoedema and talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment where people feel empowered rather than restricted. This is an incredibly informative and inspiring conversation, and I hope it helps Pilates teachers and movement professionals feel more confident supporting people throughout their cancer journey. Listen in to learn more about cancer rehabilitation, lymphoedema, Pilates and the power of movement. Connect with Hope Instagram - ⁠@thepositivehealthproject⁠ website - ⁠thepositivehealthproject⁠ Connect with Louise Email⁠⁠⁠⁠louise@taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pilates Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Teacher Training⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠

  5. Sep 2

    Cancer Rehabilitation & Exercise: Finding Strength, Confidence and Hope with Hope Spencer

    Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ —I’d love to hear from you. In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Hope Spencer, founder of the Positive Health Project and an oncology and lymphoedema physiotherapist. We talk about the important role of exercise and rehabilitation before, during and after cancer treatment, and how movement can help people maintain strength, mobility, confidence and quality of life. Hope explains lymphoedema, cancer-related fatigue, scar rehabilitation, peripheral neuropathy and the impact cancer treatment can have on muscle and bone health. We also discuss where Pilates and Reformer Pilates fit into cancer rehabilitation and how Pilates instructors can safely and confidently support clients living with or recovering from cancer. One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was Hope’s message that exercise should be seen as part of cancer care. We also bust some common myths around cancer, exercise and lymphoedema and talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment where people feel empowered rather than restricted. This is an incredibly informative and inspiring conversation, and I hope it helps Pilates teachers and movement professionals feel more confident supporting people throughout their cancer journey. Listen in to learn more about cancer rehabilitation, lymphoedema, Pilates and the power of movement. Connect with Hope Instagram - @thepositivehealthproject website - thepositivehealthproject Connect with Louise Email⁠⁠⁠louise@taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠ Pilates Studio⁠⁠⁠https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠ Teacher Training⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠

  6. Aug 27

    Classical Pilates, Authenticity & the Future of the Method with Olga Tamara

    Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/osteoporosis-and-osteopenia-free-ebook-for-pilates-teachers A fascinating conversation with one of Australia’s most respected Pilates educators, Olga Tamara, founder and Principal Trainer of Authentic Pilates Education International (APEI) and director of Authentic Pilates Studio. With a career spanning more than five decades, Olga shares her journey from professional dancer with the Australian Ballet to becoming a leading educator and advocate for Classical Pilates. In this episode, we explore what authenticity really means in Pilates, why understanding Joseph Pilates’ original method matters, and how teachers can balance precision, tradition and creativity. Olga shares her insights on teacher training, mastery, tactile cueing, developing an eye for movement, the importance of comprehensive education and why becoming a great Pilates teacher takes years of experience. We also discuss the changing Pilates industry, the impact of social media and short teacher-training courses, the future of the profession, and the importance of continuing education and community. Olga shares some wonderful stories from her career, including an inspiring lesson about the importance of footwork, as well as her thoughts on teaching with purpose, adapting the repertoire and helping clients discover what their bodies are capable of. Whether you're a Classical Pilates teacher, a contemporary instructor, a studio owner or simply passionate about the method, this episode is filled with wisdom, experience and inspiration. Listen to The Art of Pilates with Louise Taube and special guest Olga Tamara for a fascinating conversation about Classical Pilates, authenticity, teaching, mastery and the future of the Pilates profession. Connect with Olga Instagram - ⁠⁠olgatamara2  email - olga@authenticpilates.com.au  website for education www.authenticpilateseducation.com Website for studio ⁠⁠⁠authentic pilates studio Book into the September 2026 Classical conference here: https://authenticpilateseducation.com/event/apei-classic-pilates-conference/ Connect with Louise Email ⁠⁠⁠louise@taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠ Pilates Studio ⁠⁠⁠https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠ Teacher Training ⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Art of Pilates and share it with a Pilates or fitness professional Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/osteoporosis-and-osteopenia-free-ebook-for-pilates-teachers

    Classical Pilates, Authenticity & the Future of the Method with Olga Tamara
  7. Aug 19

    Supporting the Woman, Not Just the Baby: Rethinking Pregnancy Pilates & Postnatal Recovery with Peta Titter

    Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠⁠ Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ —I’d love to hear from you. In this episode of Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Peta, from the Women’s Health Education Network (WHEN), for an insightful conversation about supporting women through pregnancy and the postnatal period. We explore some of the common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy exercise, abdominal exercise and diastasis recti, and discuss why Pilates and fitness professionals need to look beyond simply “protecting the baby” to consider the health, wellbeing and individual needs of the woman. We talk about: ✨ Exercise recommendations during pregnancy ✨ Diastasis recti and abdominal exercise ✨ What the evidence tells us about movement during pregnancy ✨ Supporting women through postnatal recovery ✨ Returning to exercise after having a baby ✨ Pelvic health and the importance of appropriate education ✨ Common myths and misconceptions around pregnancy exercise ✨ Why Pilates instructors need evidence-based resources and education ✨ How we can better support women with confidence throughout pregnancy and beyond Peta also shares some fantastic free, evidence-based resources from WHEN for Pilates and fitness professionals. Exercise and Pregnancy Instructors Workshop⁠Women's Health Education Network (WHEN)⁠ Diastasis Position Statement – Abdominal Exercise and Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy⁠WHEN Diastasis Position Statement⁠ Exercise and Pregnancy Guidelines⁠WHEN Exercise & Pregnancy Guidelines⁠ Exercise During Pregnancy – Full Education Section⁠Exercise During Pregnancy – WHEN⁠ Postnatal Health: What Nobody Tells You⁠WHEN Postnatal Health Resources⁠ Pregnancy Body Changes: What Nobody Tells You⁠WHEN Pregnancy Resources⁠ The Women's Health Education Network (WHEN) is a registered not-for-profit with charitable and tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. WHEN creates free, evidence-based women's health education and resources, including diastasis and pregnancy guidelines, to help Pilates and fitness professionals access trusted information and support their clients with confidence. As a not-for-profit, WHEN relies on the generosity of the industry it serves. When studios give back, it directly funds the next round of education and resources for the instructors and clients who benefit from them. Connect with Peta Instagram - ⁠when.womenshealth⁠ Website - ⁠⁠https://when.org.au/⁠ Connect with Louise Email⁠⁠louise@taubepilates.com⁠⁠ Pilates Studio⁠⁠https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠⁠ Teacher Training⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com⁠⁠ 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Art of Pilates and share it with a Pilates or fitness professional who works with women during pregnancy or the postnatal period. Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠⁠⁠

  8. Aug 12

    Supporting the Woman, Not Just the Baby: Rethinking Pregnancy Pilates & Postnatal Recovery with Peta Titter

    Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠ Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form ⁠here⁠ —I’d love to hear from you. In this episode of Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Peta, from the Women’s Health Education Network (WHEN), for an insightful conversation about supporting women through pregnancy and the postnatal period. We explore some of the common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy exercise, abdominal exercise and diastasis recti, and discuss why Pilates and fitness professionals need to look beyond simply “protecting the baby” to consider the health, wellbeing and individual needs of the woman. We talk about: ✨ Exercise recommendations during pregnancy ✨ Diastasis recti and abdominal exercise ✨ What the evidence tells us about movement during pregnancy ✨ Supporting women through postnatal recovery ✨ Returning to exercise after having a baby ✨ Pelvic health and the importance of appropriate education ✨ Common myths and misconceptions around pregnancy exercise ✨ Why Pilates instructors need evidence-based resources and education ✨ How we can better support women with confidence throughout pregnancy and beyond Peta also shares some fantastic free, evidence-based resources from WHEN for Pilates and fitness professionals. Exercise and Pregnancy Instructors Workshop Women's Health Education Network (WHEN) Diastasis Position Statement – Abdominal Exercise and Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy WHEN Diastasis Position Statement Exercise and Pregnancy Guidelines WHEN Exercise & Pregnancy Guidelines Exercise During Pregnancy – Full Education Section Exercise During Pregnancy – WHEN Postnatal Health: What Nobody Tells You WHEN Postnatal Health Resources Pregnancy Body Changes: What Nobody Tells You WHEN Pregnancy Resources The Women's Health Education Network (WHEN) is a registered not-for-profit with charitable and tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. WHEN creates free, evidence-based women's health education and resources, including diastasis and pregnancy guidelines, to help Pilates and fitness professionals access trusted information and support their clients with confidence. As a not-for-profit, WHEN relies on the generosity of the industry it serves. When studios give back, it directly funds the next round of education and resources for the instructors and clients who benefit from them. Connect with Peta Instagram - when.womenshealth Website - ⁠https://when.org.au/ Connect with Louise Email⁠louise@taubepilates.com⁠ Pilates Studio⁠https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠ Teacher Training⁠https://www.taubepilates.com⁠ 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Art of Pilates and share it with a Pilates or fitness professional who works with women during pregnancy or the postnatal period. Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠⁠

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

"Art of Pilates" explores the intelligence, nuance and humanity behind great movement — through conversations with teachers, clinicians, researchers and women navigating change. Season two of the re-imagined Art of Pilates returns in 2026!

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