Pilates Exchange

Today’s guest, Dr. Laura Williams, firmly believes in never telling her patients “no” because she doesn’t want them to develop any type of fear of movement. Dr. Williams joins us to discuss pelvic floor health, maternal well-being, body changes for moms, pregnancy, and Pilates. All the essentials! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, and the founder of Hearth Healing, Dr. Williams provides fully virtual pre- and postnatal pelvic health coachin...

From every corner of the globe, bodies of all shapes and sizes are embracing Pilates. And just as diverse bodies practice it, diverse bodies should be teaching it, too. That’s the real superpower! This episode is dedicated to anyone considering whether or not to do a Pilates teacher training. Join Hannah as she debunks various reasons for not becoming a Pilates teacher and inspires listeners to pursue their passion for movement. Key Points From This Episode:The topic of conversation for ...

Today on the Pilates Exchange, we take a closer look at the so-called 'Pilates body,' a concept we've touched on before but are diving deeper into today. While this discussion may resonate more with our students than our teachers, it's an important topic worth exploring! Join Hannah as she talks listeners through why the “Pilates body” may not be an attainable physical goal for all body types, and explores what this ideal body shape might look like. She unpacks the different range of factors ...

It's well-known that the worlds of Pilates and dance frequently overlap, with many Pilates instructors having a background as dancers. Today on The Pilates Exchange, we discuss the common fears Pilates teachers have and remind you that you don’t need to have a dance or movement background to teach Pilates. Tuning in, you’ll hear about why some Pilates teachers feel intimidated by their colleagues with dance backgrounds, why your certifications aren’t what define you as a good teacher, and wha...

There is a Pilates method for every type of body — regardless of shape, size, age, or ability. Do all the exercises mirror those originally created by Joseph Pilates? Probably not. But is it still Pilates? Absolutely! In today’s episode, we dive into the conversation surrounding the bullying that persists in our industry around classical versus contemporary Pilates. Join Hannah as she delves into why she feels this is an important conversation to have (again), why thoughtful debate and discus...

Looking for your first Pilates teaching job? It might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stand out from the crowd! In this episode, host Hannah Teutscher shares valuable insights on how to make a lasting impression on studio owners, from attending classes to researching the studio’s culture. Discover why personalising your emails, demonstrating your values, and being prepared with detailed information can help to set you apart. Whether you’re a new or experienced teacher,...

Pilates has been put in the social media spotlight recently and that has led to a lot of people wanting to try it out. While this is wonderful, these newbies may have been misled by the glamours of social media and are potentially seeking the same aesthetics they see online. Today on The Pilates Exchange, we are discussing why Pilates is not a performance and sharing some tips for teachers to educate their students on what really matters in their classes. In this conversation, you’ll hear all...

If you’re feeling stuck as a Pilates teacher, you might be tempted to invest in an expensive new course. But what if you didn’t need to? What if, instead, you could tap into your creativity to keep your teaching fresh and adapt to the unique needs of your students? In today’s episode, we explore how a creative mindset can elevate your teaching. We examine why creativity isn’t about overhauling traditional Pilates methods but about broadening your perspective to better meet clients’ needs, and...

Imagine answering a call in the early hours of the morning from a client who’s too drunk to attend class the next morning. It sounds absurd, right? Yet, this is the exact scenario that your host, Hannah Teutscher, had to deal with in the formative years of her studio before she learned how to set firm boundaries. With over two decades of teaching experience, Hannah uses today’s episode to share her journey from those early days to learning how to maintain professional boundaries. She discusse...

There is something truly powerful about being able to use technology to broadcast our movement classes across the world. It’s as if we're sharing our energy with the world in real-time. The wild thing? These tools are things that did not even exist 10 years ago! As we dive deeper into how technology and AI intersect with movement, we’re thrilled to explore the best online studio platform alongside the amazing Jeni Barcelos. Jeni is a multifaceted individual with roles as an attorney, parent, ...

Emerging technologies are transforming the world of dance, creating a dynamic interplay between digital innovation and human movement. Joining us today to explore this subject is Kelsey Paschich, a versatile dance artist known for integrating dance with new technologies. With a diverse 20-year international career, Kelsey has performed with renowned companies like The Moscow State Classical Ballet and River North Chicago Dance Company. Currently an Assistant Professor of Innovation in Dance a...

In the Pilates and movement industry, which often relies on traditional thinking, it is crucial for us to embrace innovation and open our minds to new ideas. If we don't start having important conversations about technology and AI, we risk being left behind. How can technology and AI enhance our practice and teaching? Join Hannah as she explores the potential benefits and transformative impact of AI and technology in the world of fitness and Pilates. She discusses how these advancements are c...

Whether you are in the Pilates studio or coaching a school dance team, teaching is so much more than yelling, “Point your toes!” For over a decade, Dr. Chelsea Pierotti has leveraged her experience as a professional dancer and high-performance coach, along with her PhD in sports psychology, to help dance educators make a more meaningful impact in the lives of their students. As a speaker, workshop teacher, and podcast host, Chelsea’s mission is to create happier, more successful dancers throu...

Movement can be the joy that integrates us all together, but what about touch? Hands on assists has been a topic of contention in yoga for many years and recently, there's been a decided shift in what is widely deemed acceptable and unacceptable. To help us gain a better understanding of the evolution of hands on adjusts, we are joined today by Erin Ehlers – a yoga teacher, therapist, and licensed massage therapist with the goal of merging the philosophical traditions of yoga with modern move...

Welcome back to The Pilates Exchange! After a rejuvenating sabbatical, host Hannah Teutscher is back to kick off season two with some exciting updates, before taking a deep dive into the challenges and benefits of implementing lasting change. Tune in as Hannah shares her journey of recent developments, both personally and professionally, from restructuring her studio and memberships to learning to prioritise self-care and consciously pursuing happiness. You’ll also learn about the three prima...

Teachers are such generous people who give so selflessly to their students and often forget to take care of themselves. In this episode of The Pilates Exchange, we discuss the importance of Pilates teacher self-care. Tune in to hear all about why you need to prioritize self-care, why you need to set clear boundaries about who you are capable of teaching, the importance of settling limits of how much you give of yourself, and why you need to protect your time. Today you will be reminded that y...

The role of teaching is both an art and a science. It encompasses many different aspects and skills, all put together to create an atmosphere conducive to learning, engagement, motivation, and inspiration! It’s important that we understand what skills we need, to do just that. Join Hannah as she dives deep into why aspects of teaching have some element of performance, without the ‘big show’ and hear her explain why, and how, she incorporates humour into her teaching. She expresses the importa...

Like any relationship, a business partnership with your spouse brings unique opportunities and challenges to overcome together. Today on The Pilates Exchange, Hannah’s husband and business partner, Christian Teutscher, joins us to talk about what it’s like to work with your partner in your business and teach with them full-time, 24 hours a day! We share tips for building a good working relationship and the tools we use to put love first in stressful situations. We also discuss what makes work...

Today on The Pilates Exchange Podcast, Hannah broaches a topic of discussion that has been popping up in a few different Facebook groups lately: do we need to motivate our clients? Is it part of our job as Pilates instructors to make sure that they stay engaged and keep coming to classes? Or does our job description end with generously sharing our expertise? Join the conversation to find out why Hannah believes, as part of her values, that it is a fundamental aspect of her job to motivate her...

The idea of imposter syndrome can feel intrusive and big. That feeling of shame, self-doubt, unworthiness, or that you are, in fact, unknowingly clueless. But is it possible, that some level of self-doubt is in essence, normal? Perhaps because of our passionate drive surrounding what we do? Join Hannah as she unpacks imposter syndrome in Pilates as she delves into four categories or characterizations of imposter syndrome. She looks at how reframing thoughts can help us navigate through these ...

For a lot of us movement teachers and coaches, moving our bodies ultimately changed our lives leading to one of our biggest goals: to simply get our clients moving! Moving the body in different ways is truly a process of discovery. It’s about being curious and about seeing what it can or cannot do. The evolution of our industry is inevitable and to try and maintain Pilates purity seems counterproductive when we live in an ever-changing world. Today Hannah takes on a discussion about the Pilat...

Joining Hannah on the Pilates Exchange podcast is exercise physiologist and Pilates instructor, Raphael Bender. He's the owner of Breathe Education, a company that specialises in training Pilates instructors to excel in rehabilitation and anatomy, as well as helping them build their businesses; all conducted online. In today's episode, we dive into a conversation about scoliosis and Pilates, exploring where these two worlds intersect. Raphael sheds light on the intriguing aspects of scoliosis...

Joining us for yet another tough, but much-needed and inspiring conversation, is Dianne Bondy, E-RYT 500, YACEP. Dianne is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga and Pilates instructor, and the driving force behind the Yoga for All Movement. Her groundbreaking approach to yoga transcends traditional boundaries, empowering individuals of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities to embrace the practice. Dianne is at the forefront of revolutionizing yoga education, equipping ins...

This episode is the third instalment of our series exploring the role of music in pilates classes. Our first episode focused on the benefits of including music in your classes, while the second instalment covered all the reasons why you shouldn’t incorporate music into your teaching structure. During this conversation, we talk about both! Our primary goal is to create a space that is best for your clients and yourself and that supports you as you thrive as a teacher. Tune in as we discuss the...

There is so much polarisation around whether or not music belongs in Pilates classes. This episode forms part two of our three-part series, which explores different viewpoints on the topic and focuses on why you might want to consider turning the music off in your Pilates class. Although these choices are deeply personal, today’s conversation explores how music can impact different people depending on their contexts as they step into your class. From timing and tastes to the flip side of musi...

Music in Pilates class has been hotly debated for years, and this episode forms the first installment of a three-part series exploring exactly that. We delve into the science supporting the use of music in your classes and explore the emotional benefits that make it a compelling choice. We also touch on some of the programming behind how to use music, including how to help foster communication in your studio, use music to ease the uncomfortable silences and elicit an atmosphere in your classe...

The evolution of something is often defined as distinguishable differences resulting from modifications in successive generations. When we examine the movement and methodology of various disciplines, especially those with a long history, they no longer resemble their original forms. Movement evolves with each retelling of the story. Pilates and its evolution is an important topic to discuss, for many reasons, especially because of the growingly heated and contentious climate between Pilates t...

Sometimes opportunities come our way, and it’s only later that we realize their implications for the rest of our lives. During this episode, your host, Hannah Teutscher, shares one of the crazier experiences of her dance career. While the details of this example might not resonate with your own experience, it illustrates a principle we could all benefit from implementing in our decision-making. Tune in to hear the story of a very exclusive opportunity to audition to dance for Cher turned into...

Today on the Pilates Exchange podcast, we delve into the topic of teaching in a second language. Hannah and Christian Teutscher are both experienced in doing it and want to dive into a discussion on the good, the bad, and the embarrassing! Tune in for valuable insights on navigating Pilates instruction when not a native speaker. We unravel the challenges, emphasize the power of simplicity, and discuss the importance of honing communication skills. Stay tuned for some great tips and language-r...

Many movement professionals don’t yet know how valuable the principles of Schroth are in their daily teachings, especially for patients with scoliosis. So today, we decided to call on the internationally appointed SSOL Schroth Method teacher, Meredith Weiss, to help us gain a deeper understanding of scoliosis and how the Schroth Method ties into its treatment. Meredith is a licensed physical therapist, nationally-certified Pilates teacher, experienced yoga teacher, Schroth Method expert, and ...

How boring would we be if we all looked the same? We all carry abundance in certain parts of our bodies and today’s guest is passionate about changing the stigma surrounding movement for larger-bodied people. Rachel Piper is the owner of Size Diverse Pilates, a company focused on making Pilates accessible for all people. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest, how she got into Pilates, the VARK method, the importance of inclusivity and teaching for the individual, and much more! We even d...

Movement teachers have the power to help people move their bodies in a way that makes them feel alive! Joining us today is Rebecca Sebastian, a yoga therapist with more than 20 years of teaching experience, a yoga studio and apothecary owner, and the host of the Working in Yoga podcast to discuss tactile cueing and consent. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Rebecca’s entry into yoga and teaching, how a lot of peoples’ ‘why’ for doing yoga has changed recently, enthusiastic consent, Rebecca’s t...

We're about to delve into a topic that may stir some debate, though its significance can't be denied. Exploring the subject of posture has the potential to alleviate a considerable amount of stress for Pilates teachers and that's precisely why we're tackling it today. Get ready to explore Posture and Pilates on today's episode of The Pilates Exchange with Hannah. We'll delve into the complexity of posture; touching on a range of factors, from injury and compensation to mental attitude, geneti...

There are so many different aspects to a teacher training program that can make or break the experience for you. But where do you start? What questions are important? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Tune into this episode of The Pilates Exchange to discover the crucial questions to ask to ensure your Pilates teacher training experience is inclusive and representative of your values. Jump in to hear Hannah explore several questions she wished she had asked at the beginning of her trainin...

In the world of dance, yoga, and Pilates, the term "Master Teacher" often surfaces. But what exactly does it mean? At times, it appears to be a self-appointed title, as there's a lack of clear definitions or criteria to determine who qualifies as a master teacher. Today, Hannah embarks on a journey to explore her interpretation of what it means to be an authentic and masterful teacher. She delves into various aspects, such as the potential pitfalls of blindly following self-proclaimed masters...

In the fitness industry, there is often too much emphasis placed on being a certain shape and size. Even though there isn’t just one way to be strong, fit, and healthy, the images typically showcased in related marketing, social media posts, and education are still pretty clichéd: noticeably muscular men and slender women who “glow” rather than sweat. In today’s episode, we unpack why these stereotypes are harmful, why coaches must be especially careful when it comes to voicing their own unco...

There is this idea floundering around the Pilates world that practising Pilates will transform your body into one akin to a professional dancer. You know, one that is thin, muscular, and hardly contains body fat. Which simply isn’t true, nor is it really even possible. Today, Hannah explores the idea of unconscious bias and its role in body imaging in the world of Pilates. We look at dismantling the myth of the Pilates body shape, factors involved in attaining (theoretically) a “dancer” body,...

It can be hard to navigate life after a dance career, especially when it spans two decades. But finding direction can lead to great rewards. During this episode, Natsu Sasaki, a former dancer with a twenty-year legacy and founder of Natsu Face Yoga, joins us to share her wisdom. Tuning in, you’ll hear about her early introductions to the world of dance, and the remarkable story of her unusually lengthy career as a professional dancer. We discuss her exploratory experiences where she searched ...

As teachers, we have the amazing opportunity to create spaces where growth, freedom, safety, and a spirit of play can thrive! Today, we embark on an in-depth exploration of pain as a complex phenomenon. Pain is a manifestation of the intricate processes within the nervous system, which processes information from various sources. Everything, from the minutest detail of ensuring our clients feel safe and cared for to the language we employ and even our grounded presence as instructors, collecti...

Making the transition from student to teacher can be a challenging process. You need to go from concentrating on yourself to focusing on leading an entire class and paying attention to every single student in the room! Plus, you’re now using your voice to communicate instructions to a large group of people, sometimes for hours at a time. There is also the difficult challenge of managing teachers who attend your class and struggle to adapt to their role as a student. Today we explore all of th...

So many pilates teachers experience imposter syndrome whether it’s because of a lack of skills in the art of teaching or because we feel that we will never know enough to be good enough teachers. Have you ever felt this way? If the answer is yes, then this episode is for you! Tune in today as we delve into the different ways imposter syndrome shows up in teaching and how embracing your authenticity, accepting that you can continue to learn and don’t need all the answers, and framing your nerv...

Taking on a class or training session with an advanced student might sometimes evoke a sense of uncertainty regarding what we, as their instructors, can offer them. This can be especially true when their physical practice looks ‘already perfect.’ It’s in this space, that it’s important to remember that we are here to help people move, enjoy, and love being in their bodies. Today, join in as we explore different tools that can help us deepen the practice of our high-level dancers or athletes. ...

As pilates teachers, we are bound to make some cueing mistakes from time to time, and finding ways to fix those issues can make for more effective, results-driven sessions. In this episode of The Pilates Exchange, we are delving into the biggest cueing mistakes teachers make and how you can fix them. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about how spending too much time on the setup can be problematic, why you have to be intentional about your individual notes, the importance of allowing people to make ...

In our global society, social media often plays an integral part in our livelihoods and in our businesses. So, how can we as movement teachers and coaches make use of it in the most ethical way? Make sure you tune into this episode of The Pilates Exchange, where we delve into the big world of social media! Today, we share our thoughts on the ethics of posting pictures or videos of your clients or students and question the motives behind posting. We also discuss why it is so important to have ...

As movement coaches and teachers, we want to focus on creating environments that are shame-free and fun for all our students, no matter their age or competency levels! Our conversation today stems from the idea of how we grew up as dancers, with different teachers, all who inevitably had an influence on us. Whether that influence was on our psychological, mental, or physical well-being or impacted how we view movement now. Our encounters with teachers and choreographers range from us as young...

We are often so concerned with the physicalities of movement in our sessions, however, part of our role as movement teachers can be to create awareness of what is happening on the inside of the minds of our students. In this episode, we explore that inner critical voice, or inner monologue, that many of us have experienced. We talk about what to do about it, the impact it may have on movement, and how we can identify when it’s happening to our students. Our conversation steers toward the two ...

As movement teachers, we know or have observed that growth is never linear and opportunities to fail greatly impact the growth trajectory. Today, we dive into a topic that is very much a pop culture phrase going around at the moment, the ‘growth mindset’. We explore what it means as it relates to movement teachers or studio owners and discuss what it looks like, the approaches toward it, and why it is important. We then take a look at how we can work toward cultivating a growth mindset as mov...

Welcome to The Pilates Exchange, a podcast that delves deep into the art and philosophy of beautiful movement mixed with evidence-based exercise science, where we challenge myths, explore concepts, and engage in healthy debate with intrigue and curiosity. In this, our first episode, you’ll meet our host Hannah Teutscher who talks about her background in dance, Pilates, yoga, and movement, before sharing her thoughts on the current state of the movement world. Hannah shares why she believes we...