Beyond the Reformer – Details, episodes & analysis

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Beyond the Reformer

Nic Lenny

Health & Fitness

Education

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 59

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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https://www.springthree.com/thrive
653 shares
https://soulpilates.tv/
109 shares
https://www.soulpilates.co.uk/our-timetable.html
109 shares

https://www.instagram.com/seran_spring_three
679 shares
https://www.instagram.com/beyond_reformer_pod
109 shares
https://www.instagram.com/soul_pilates
109 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 78%

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The Art of Simplicity in Pilates Cuing with LaBriece Ochsner

Season 3 · Episode 26

jeudi 6 novembre 2025 • Duration 30:40

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!

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Bridging the Gap Between Physiotherapy and Pilates with Cameron Angus

Season 3 · Episode 25

lundi 3 novembre 2025 • Duration 42:31

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:

Connect with Cameron:

Email: cameron@coneyhillstudio.com

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

The Stories, Legacy, and Lessons of a Lifetime in Pilates with Michael King

Season 3 · Episode 24

lundi 27 octobre 2025 • Duration 01:07:15

When Michael King started teaching Pilates nearly five decades ago, there was only one studio in London, and no one could have imagined how it would grow into the worldwide practice it is today.

In this inspiring conversation, Michael joins Nic live at the Pilates Gathering in Scotland to share his remarkable journey through 47 years of teaching, learning, and shaping the Pilates industry.

From his early days training under Alan Herman to managing studios in London, Houston, and Los Angeles, Michael reflects on how Pilates has evolved and what has stayed the same.

He shares his philosophy on education, mentorship, and the importance of keeping Pilates accessible while upholding its integrity.

Nic and Michael explore how the method continues to adapt, why staying curious is the secret to longevity, and how teachers can build confidence through community and continued learning.

If you have ever wondered what it was like to witness the birth of Pilates in the UK or what it takes to keep teaching for nearly 50 years, this episode will remind you why we fell in love with the method in the first place!

If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe to Beyond the Reformer, rate the show, and share this episode with another teacher or Pilates lover who would be inspired by Michael’s story.

Connect with Nic:

Connect with Michael King

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

How Joakim Valsinge Used Pilates to Help His Son Move and Thrive

Season 3 · Episode 22

lundi 20 octobre 2025 • Duration 55:29

Guided by first-generation teacher Lolita San Miguel, Joakim discovered how movement can shape not just stronger bodies, but stronger lives.

In this episode, Nic sits down with Joakim Valsinge, a former military instructor turned Pilates educator, at the stunning Pilates Gathering in Scotland.

Joakim shares how he first discovered Pilates not through pain or injury but through curiosity and vanity!

His early experience as a soldier taught him brute strength, but Pilates introduced him to a new kind of control, awareness, and resilience.

As he trained and opened his own studios, he discovered how the discipline’s subtlety could heal injuries, strengthen the body, and transform how people move through life.

He reflects on his time studying with Lolita San Miguel, one of Joseph Pilates’ elders, and how she helped him embrace his unique background to become the teacher he is today.

Joakim shares how Pilates became a form of therapy, communication, and connection for his family as his son Albie, was born with Prader-Willi syndrome.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a fellow teacher or mover who believes in the power of authentic Pilates.

Connect with Nic:

Connect with Joakim:

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

The Secret to Keeping Pilates Clients for Decades with Linda Rhodes and Sarah Liston

Season 2 · Episode 22

lundi 13 octobre 2025 • Duration 55:15

Building a Pilates business that thrives across generations, grows through change, and keeps clients coming back for decades doesn’t happen by accident.

In this inspiring conversation, Nic meets the powerhouse mother–daughter duo behind EQ Pilates, who have combined passion, community, and classical integrity to build one of the UK’s most respected studios.

Nic speaks with Linda and Sarah, the founders of EQ Pilates, about what it really takes to create a studio that stands the test of time.

They share how EQ began as a single mat studio over twenty years ago and evolved into a thriving multi-space destination blending contemporary and classical Pilates.

They explore how they’ve maintained a loyal client base for decades, the importance of creating an uplifting community, and why having genuine care for your clients and teachers always pays off.

Linda and Sarah also open up about expanding with reformer and Cadillac classes long before they were trendy, and their refreshing honesty about the business challenges of pricing and profitability.

They discuss their recent shift toward the classical Pilates system, the lessons learned from mentorships with Leslie Logan, and why self-practice is the key to staying inspired as a teacher.

If you loved this episode, make sure to follow and subscribe to Beyond the Reformer on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Share it with another Pilates teacher or studio owner who’d find inspiration in Linda and Sarah’s journey, and don’t forget to leave a rating or review. It really helps the show reach more listeners.

Connect with Nic:

Connect with the Linda and Sarah:

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

It’s Time to Replace Outdated Pilates Cues with Ava Rodriguez

Season 2 · Episode 21

lundi 6 octobre 2025 • Duration 55:06

Outdated cues and generic fixes won’t create lasting mobility. Science-driven strategies will.

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic is joined by Ava Rodriguez, also known as The Joint Whisperer.

Ava is the founder of Move Beyond with Ava and the Mobility Fitness Academy, where she helps teachers and fitness professionals integrate joint mobility principles into their work.

Ava shares how her own injuries shaped her approach, why so many cues in Pilates and fitness need an upgrade, and what it truly takes to help clients move beyond pain and restriction.

She shares insights on sticky shoulders, neck pain, and the nervous system’s role in mobility, while explaining how to assess joints effectively and help clients progress.

She also talks about her journey as an international educator, the sacrifices behind building a global business, and how continuing education can transform the way teachers show up for their clients.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Ava Rodriguez

01:58 Breaking down outdated movement cues

04:47 Ava’s journey into movement and mobility

08:20 Beginning a career in Pilates

15:01 The creation of the Mobility Fitness Academy

19:55 Bringing science-based strategies into teaching

26:20 Sticky shoulders, neck pain and common misconceptions

29:18 Healing through movement

30:40 Challenges within the education industry

33:54 The nervous system’s role in mobility

38:59 Setting client expectations in mobility work

41:44 Balancing travel and teaching

44:59 Sacrifices and lessons from building a business

48:03 Quick fire round questions

If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a conversation.

Share this episode with a colleague or friend who would love it, and don’t forget to rate and review the show to help us reach more teachers around the world.

Connect with Nic:

Connect with Ava

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

Lessons from Three Decades in Pilates with Alexander Bohlander

Season 2 · Episode 20

lundi 29 septembre 2025 • Duration 01:01:39

Pilates is more than a workout, it’s a philosophy and a way of life.

In this inspiring conversation, Nic is joined by world-renowned educator, physiotherapist and osteopath Alexander Bohlander who has spent over three decades shaping the future of Pilates through his teaching, clinics and work with Polestar Pilates.

Alex shares his journey into Pilates, from his first encounter with the method in Belgium to becoming a global leader in education.

He explains why Pilates is more relevant than ever in today’s wellness culture, how it integrates seamlessly with rehabilitation and manual therapy, and why assessment and mindfulness are essential to effective teaching.

From launching Polestar India to co-authoring a widely used teacher’s manual, Alex brings a unique perspective on what it means to embody Joseph Pilates’ original vision of health, balance and community.

He also opens up about meditation, creating ease in movement, and the qualities that define a truly great Pilates teacher.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Alex

01:54 The global rise of Pilates and its appeal

03:32 The philosophy and principles behind Pilates

07:45 Alex’s personal journey into Pilates and therapy

16:06 The challenges and rewards of teaching Pilates

17:40 How Pilates integrates with rehabilitation practices

20:26 Why assessment is crucial for Pilates teachers

29:52 The key qualities of an outstanding Pilates teacher

33:02 Building Pilates in India

35:27 Misconceptions about Pilates in the fitness industry

38:30 Creating a mindful, supportive studio environment

41:00 Writing a teacher’s manual to inspire instructors

43:31 The role of mindfulness in Pilates practice

45:43 How meditation deepens Pilates teaching

48:21 The global community and reach of Pilates

49:07 The philosophy of ease in movement and life

56:52 Connect with Alex

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a fellow teacher or Pilates lover, and don’t forget to rate and review the show. It helps us reach more people in the global Pilates community.

Connect with Nic:

Connect with Alex

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

Interested in joining the July Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.

The Story Behind Soul Pilates, Overcoming Burnout and Healing Through Pilates

Season 2 · Episode 19

lundi 22 septembre 2025 • Duration 57:03

This week the tables are turned as Nic sits in the guest seat! Her best friend and journalist, Gemma, steps in to interview her and talk about the story behind Soul Pilates, opening three Pilates studios, launching teacher training, and creating this podcast.

Nic opens up about her first encounter with Pilates after a car accident, how movement transformed her chronic pain and burnout, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

She shares honestly about the highs and lows of running studios and the lessons she’s learned about business, mentorship, and finding ease in movement.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to today’s episode

01:34 Nic’s first encounter with Pilates and the impact on her health

06:33 How Nic went from practising Pilates to teaching it

11:50 The leap from marketing to opening her first studio

16:50 The early years of Soul Pilates and the realities of being a solo studio owner

19:45 Shifting from teacher to business owner and the challenges of growth

22:25 Opening her second studio while starting a family and navigating COVID

27:01 Financial struggles and transition to a membership model

28:28 Lessons learned from masterminds and the importance of mentoring

34:40 Burnout, efficiency, and finding ease in movement

41:45 What’s next for Soul

44:59 The biggest shifts in the industry over the last 10 years

48:28 Quick-fire questions

As always, thank you so much for the support! Nic will continue to do some solo episodes, so if you have any specific questions you would like her to answer, please send her a message!

Connect with Nic:

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

Breaking Myths About Osteoporosis and Pilates With Gemma Pearson

Season 2 · Episode 18

lundi 15 septembre 2025 • Duration 01:02:29

Pilates has the power to transform lives especially when it comes to supporting women with osteoporosis.

In this episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic sits down with Gemma Pearson, founder of Osteoporosis Pilates, to explore how movement can rebuild strength, confidence, and resilience in a population often overlooked by traditional fitness.

Gemma shares her journey from professional dancer to educator and how she discovered her niche in bone health.

They discuss the myths and fear-based messaging around osteoporosis, offering Pilates teachers practical strategies for adapting movement safely and effectively.

Whether you are a Pilates teacher wanting to upskill, a studio owner looking to better serve your clients, or simply curious about how movement impacts bone density and wellbeing, this conversation is packed with insights that you can take away.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Gemma Pearson

02:26 Realising the need for osteoporosis Pilates

04:19 Why teachers are nervous about this population

05:43 Gemma’s journey with Pilates

13:25 Strategies for teaching clients with osteoporosis

17:34 Adapting Pilates for special populations

25:40 Communicating effectively with clients

29:50 Building an online presence with purpose

30:09 The role of evidence-based practice

32:32 Moving from studio to online teaching

33:32 Creating community in the online space

34:59 Keeping clients engaged and empowered

41:30 Marketing strategies and client acquisition

50:31 Collaborations with medical professionals

53:28 Future goals and teacher training plans

56:56 Quick-fire questions

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit follow so you never miss a new release and if you are listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, a five-star review would mean the world in helping us reach more Pilates teachers and movement professionals.

Connect with Nic:

Connect with Gemma:

Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES

How to Build a Pilates Class That Transforms Your Clients Without Burning You Out

Season 3 · Episode 27

lundi 10 novembre 2025 • Duration 26:26

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