Beyond the Reformer – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Beyond the Reformer, the podcast where Pilates professionals and enthusiasts come together for thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories.

Make sure to subscribe so you can join Nic every Monday morning to feel more connected, inspired, and empowered in your Pilates practice, teaching, and beyond...

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Reformer! Nic is joined by renowned educator, author, and studio owner Claire Sparrow.

Claire shares her inspiring journey from growing up surrounded by strong, inspiring women, to discovering Pilates during her time as a contemporary dancer, to eventually becoming an internationally recognised teacher and bestselling author of Hope for Your Pelvic Floor.

Nic and Claire have a deep chat about how Pilates transforms people far beyond the physical, why proper education matters in the industry, and how we can reclaim the power to trust our bodies, even when the experts are telling us otherwise.

Whether you’re a teacher, student, studio owner, or simply a Pilates lover, this episode is a must-listen for anyone craving more depth and connection in their Pilates practice!

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Claire Sparrow

01:17 Claire's background and inspiring women in her life

04:53 Discovering dance and Pilates

07:13 The journey to teaching Pilates

13:26 Listening to yourself instead of just the ‘experts’

17:10 The desire to help more people

19:10 Mentoring with Lolita

25:22 Balancing business, teaching and personal life

32:13 Shifts in Pilates over the years

37:12 Long-term benefits of Pilates and the value of it

40:18 What’s missing in the conversation about Pilates education

44:05 Holistic teaching approaches

46:37 Specialising in pelvic floor health

51:51 Writing a book as a dyslexic author

56:14 Balancing career and family

01:00:39 The future of Pilates

01:02:48 Quick-fire questions

Thank you for listening to the first ever episode of Beyond the Reformer!

If you enjoyed it, then please make sure to rate the show 5 stars and share it on your Instagram so that we can grow the show.

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Claire:

• Claire’s Instagram
• Whole Body Pelvic Health Website
• Hope for Your Pelvic Floor Book

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

If you’re looking to open your first Pilates studio, this episode is packed with the advice you need to hear!

Nic sits down with Catherine Hebb, founder of Runway Pilates, a three-studio collective based in the UK and business coach to movement professionals worldwide. Catherine’s journey from a high-performing corporate career to grounded, values-led studio owner is filled with lessons for anyone navigating growth in the wellness space.

They talk honestly about what scaling a studio really involves- systems that support your team, boundaries that protect your energy, and the identity shift from teacher to leader.

If you enjoyed this episode please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars!

Timestamps: 

00:00 Intro to Catherine Hebb 

01:45 Catherine's early journey with Pilates 

05:20 Opening the first studio in Manchester 

10:07 Challenges and strategies in studio expansion 

18:46 The importance of knowing your numbers 

21:07 Supporting and managing instructors 

24:52 Consistency in teaching and practice 

25:16 Supporting and onboarding new teachers 

27:21 Introducing new equipment to the studio 

32:17 Learning how to lead 

35:48 Preventing burnout and work–life balance 

38:50 Team connection and building culture 

40:20 Advice for running a successful studio 

40:52 Quick-fire questions

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Catherine:

• Runway Pilates Website
• Runway Pilates Instagram

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

Pilates isn’t just about teaching the movements. It’s about a whole-body, holistic approach to the practice. Nic is joined today by Diane Nye, Polestar Pilates educator, Franklin Method teacher and a deeply respected voice in the Pilates world. Diane reflects on her 30-year journey from high-intensity fitness instructor to movement mentor and shares the lessons that changed the way she teaches and lives. They explore how true transformation in Pilates comes from creating space for clients to feel, notice and unravel. Diane shares insights into nervous system regulation, the myth of “engaging your core,” how the body compensates around imbalance, and why less is often more. If you have ever questioned the way Pilates is taught or want to go deeper in your teaching, this episode will completely shift how you see your role as a teacher.

Timestamps: 

00:00 Intro to Diane 

01:55 Diane's journey into Pilates 

04:24 Teaching in community spaces and adapting studio work 

08:38 Becoming a Polestar educator 

11:31 The importance of continuous learning 

16:54 Common teaching myths and why they persist 

26:44 The role of safety in movement 

32:06 Incorporating mindfulness in Pilates 

35:43 Balancing awareness in Pilates 

36:21 The depth of simple movements 

37:26 The importance of noticing changes 

38:58 The trouble with traditional anatomy and outdated cues 

48:30 Holistic approach in Pilates 

54:57 Challenges in Pilates education 

01:01:17 Quick fire questions

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with your Pilates friends. It really helps us reach more people with thoughtful conversations like this.

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Diane:

• Polestar Pilates Courses

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

Audrey O’Connor joins Nic for a powerful conversation about healing, burnout, identity, and following your gut into a more aligned life.

Audrey shares her journey from the corporate construction industry to discovering Pilates, then expanding into reiki, sound healing, and wellness education.

She opens up about experiencing burnout not once, but twice, and how she now integrates sound healing and nervous system regulation into her own life and the lives of her clients.

They talk about the realities of working in the wellness industry and what it means to truly listen to your body.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Audrey O’Connor

01:36 From quantity surveying to Pilates

08:52 Signs of burnout and listening to your body

16:52 What led Audrey to teaching Pilates and her training

27:16 Integrating reiki, sound healing, and deeper emotional support

31:17 Working for corporate giants

35:32 Integrating this work into corporate wellness

41:14 Creating an online wellness platform

44:59 Sound healing and alternative practices

52:25 Daily wellness practice

01:04:39 Quick-fire questions

Thanks to Audrey for all the amazing insights! It was delightful having her on, and if you enjoyed it, please make sure to rate the show, subscribe, and send it to someone who needs it!

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Audrey:

• Corestate HQ website
• Sound bath membership
• Audrey’s Instagram

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

Today we’re talking about the power of equestrian Pilates!

Nic chats with Julie Driver, award-winning Pilates educator, international presenter, and equestrian Pilates specialist.

Julie shares her unique journey from acting and modelling into the world of Pilates, how a skiing accident changed her career path, and the moment Monty Roberts asked her, “Why aren’t you following your dream?”

They discuss what horse whispering really is, the power of understanding your own movement as a rider, and how Pilates can serve both teacher and client through life’s injuries and transitions. 

Julie also explores her teacher training philosophies, the changing landscape of Pilates education, and why understanding the classical foundations is essential.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Julie Driver

01:20 Julie’s first encounter with Pilates and transition from acting

05:51 Julie’s skiing accident and learning to walk again

08:51 Rediscovering her equestrian passion

11:21 Combining Pilates with equestrian training

15:15 What horse whispering really means

18:32 Techniques and benefits of Pilates for riders

25:41 The importance of feeling and feedback in Pilates

26:32 Teaching style and empowering clients

27:19 Niche teaching for equestrians

29:29 Julie’s teacher training journey

32:38 The value of classical Pilates

33:50 Challenges in Pilates education

44:57 Creating comprehensive teacher training programmes

50:23 Quick-fire questions

54:39 How to work with Julie

If you loved this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss a conversation.

Let us know your thoughts on Instagram. Tag us and share your biggest takeaway!

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Julie:

• Julie Driver Instagram
• Julie Driver Website
• Get in Touch with Julie

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

In this week’s episode, Nic is joined by Dinah Siman, founder of Menopause Pilates, author, educator and a powerful advocate for women’s health.

Dinah opens up about the real experience of perimenopause, the chronic pain that nearly ended her teaching career, and the frustrating lack of education she encountered, even as a movement professional.

They explore why Pilates teachers are uniquely positioned to support women through midlife, how to recognise the overlooked symptoms of menopause in your clients, and what movement and teaching adaptations actually help.

This is a must listen for anyone working with women in their thirties or forties, or navigating their own changing body and seeking some support.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dinah

01:13 Dinah’s journey into Pilates

04:36 Teaching elite athletes and opening her own studio

09:15 Developing a niche within Menopause Pilates

14:31 Personal experiences with menopause

27:31 The importance of understanding menopause in Pilates

31:14 Creating a supportive environment for menopausal clients

35:41 Building an authentic brand on Instagram

39:59 Writing the book from idea to publication

41:45 Course structure and teaching philosophy

43:08 Sharing her course globally

45:58 Advice for teachers wanting to create niche content

51:30 The future of Pilates education

01:03:24 Quick fire questions

What an incredible conversation!

If you enjoyed it, as always, please subscribe and rate the show five stars. It really helps us continue to bring amazing guests to the podcast.

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Dinah:

• Menopause Pilates Website
• Menopause Pilates Instagram
• Email: dinah@menopausepilates.com

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

You can build a successful Pilates business without burning out or losing yourself in the process!

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Reformer, Nic is joined by Leah Hart, founder of Glow Pilates in Limerick, Ireland, podcast host, and Polestar educator.

Leah shares her journey from dance and academia to studio ownership and becoming a mentor to the next generation of Pilates teachers.

Nic and Leah have an honest and insightful conversation about what it really looks like to run a Pilates business, including learning to lead a team, navigating burnout, motherhood, and the industry’s ever-evolving trends.

Timestamps

00:00 Leah's early life and introduction to Pilates

03:45 Transition from Pilates as a hobby to a career

05:32 Opening her first studio

08:26 Challenges with opening a studio in Limerick

16:19 Leah’s philosophy in her studio

24:44 Recruiting teachers and training

26:52 Encouraging curiosity in teaching

27:20 Challenging traditional fitness language

29:10 Opening a second studio

31:42 Leadership skills and team management

37:33 Balancing business and family

41:34 Starting a podcast

45:33 Future plans for Glow Pilates

48:40 Quick-fire questions

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your Pilates friends. It helps more people find the show and supports meaningful conversations like this one.

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Leah:

• Glow Pilates Instagram
• Leah Harte Pilates Instagram
• Move Well Be Well Podcast on Spotify

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

Want to know how to combine Pilates and neuroscience?

In this episode, Nic is joined by Heba Abdel Gawad, who is a two-time Olympic synchronised swimmer turned Pilates educator and founder of the Neuro Pilates method.

They explore Heba’s fascinating transition from elite athlete to pioneering educator, how her sporting background shaped her teaching style, and how neuroscience has deepened her understanding of movement.

You’ll hear about how Heba discovered Pilates and later integrated applied neuroscience into her classes, and why she believes the future of movement education lies in understanding the brain!

She also opens up about burnout, business growth, and her passion for raising the next generation of teachers.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Heba

01:14 Heba's early Pilates experience

04:18 Transition from synchronised swimming to Pilates

13:46 Discovering the Neuro Pilates method

16:00 Integrating Neuro Pilates into teaching

19:37 The impact of Neuro Pilates

29:12 Building a Pilates community

33:30 Developing the Body Hack education program

34:13 Challenges and adjustments in teaching

35:25 Expansion into personal training

36:32 Pilates education and accreditation

38:48 The importance of in-person training

41:06 Balancing business and quality education

49:00 Finding and training quality instructors

56:05 Preventing burnout in the wellness industry

1:01:01 Quick fire questions!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your Pilates friends. It helps more people find the show and supports meaningful conversations like this one!

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Heba:

• Neuro Pilates Instagram
• BodyHack Instagram
• BodyHack Website

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.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.

Pilates is a business of energy and this is what Nic and Rachael go deep into in this weeks episode.

Rachael Hall is a former Royal Ballet dancer, Franklin Method educator, Pilates teacher of 24+ years, and founder of the global online platform Aligned.

She shares her incredible story that has led her to running her own grounded, heart-led business.

She opens up about what it takes to truly listen to your body, how to grow a soulful movement platform online, and why embodiment, energetics, and community matter more than ever.

They talk about the evolution of teaching, healing through prolapse recovery, building an online Pilates membership, and integrating nervous system work and the Franklin Method into everyday classes.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Rachael Hall

01:41 Rachael's early journey into movement

03:21 Discovering Pilates through injury

05:19 Transition to teaching

08:59 Understanding the Franklin Method

15:49 Universal Health Principles and energetics

20:56 Building an online wellness community

29:07 Tips for growing an online presence

30:52 Maintaining connection online

31:38 Building a global community

34:34 Launching a podcast

37:50 Creating the Ultimate Pelvic Floor Plan

40:40 A holistic approach to pelvic health

45:30 Teaching her daughters what she learns

52:55 You have all the tools you need

55:11 Quick-fire questions

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your Pilates friends. It helps more people find the show and supports meaningful conversations like this one!

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Rachael:

• Website
• Aligned Membership
• The Ultimate Pelvic Floor Plan
• Rachael’s Instagram
• Listen to The Aligned Podcast

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.