The pain, fatigue and anxiety you’ve been living with isn’t in your head, it’s a sign of something deeper your body has been trying to tell you.

Nic is joined by movement therapist and Pilates educator Jeannie Di Bon to explore the realities of living with hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Jeannie was diagnosed later in life after years of unexplained symptoms, and her journey led her to create The Zebra Club, an online platform supporting hypermobile people around the world.

They talk about what hypermobility really means, the misunderstandings that exist even in the movement space, and how Jeannie’s Integral Movement Method helps people regain strength, stability and trust in their bodies.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introduction

00:39 Jeannie’s personal journey with hypermobility

02:25 Discovering Pilates and how it changed her body

04:14 Early challenges training in classical Pilates

10:03 Understanding EDS and how hypermobility shows up

15:03 Teaching hypermobile clients with safety and care

23:05 How movement therapy transformed Jeannie’s life

26:14 The six principles of the Integral Movement Method

34:21 What gentle expansion really means

34:48 Research around fatigue, pain and pacing

36:19 Learning to listen to your body and build trust again

43:31 Why Jeannie created The Zebra Club

48:20 Using tech to make support more accessible

50:34 Her upcoming book and plans for teacher education

56:42 The future of health and fitness for hypermobile people

59:52 Quick-fire questions

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow teacher or someone living with chronic pain.

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 Jeannie:

• Jeannie’s website
• Contact Jeannie
• Join The Zebra Club
• Jeannie’s Instagram

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Today, Nic is joined by Amy Kellow, founder of Everybody Pilates, second-generation teacher, and educator with studios across the UK and the Netherlands.

They talk about what classical Pilates really means, how to balance structure with intuition, and why understanding the origins of the work is essential, no matter what style you teach.

Amy explores the challenges of scaling a Pilates business, managing a team across locations, and how to keep evolving as a teacher while staying rooted in the original system.

Timestamps:

00:00 Amy’s first encounter with Pilates and how it helped her back pain

02:13 Teaching her first classes in local leisure centres and village halls

03:19 Training in the full classical system

05:37 What classical Pilates really is and how it’s often misunderstood

10:14 Classical vs contemporary Pilates

14:14 Amy’s first meeting with Jay Grimes and what she learned from him

16:30 Stories from Joseph Pilates

19:24 Developing her own training programme and the role of intuition in teaching

24:05 Changes Amy sees in Pilates clients

29:31 Growing Everybody Pilates to four studios, including one in the Netherlands

31:17 Maintaining quality and ethos across multiple locations

34:29 Leading a team and looking after your teachers

37:42 Future plans for expanding education and opening more studios

39:15 The pressure to modernise with trends

43:33 How Amy balances studio life, teaching, and curriculum development

48:07 The importance of staying inspired, asking questions, and being curious

53:58 Quick fire questions- advice from Jay, biggest influences, and the gift Pilates has given Amy

Thanks for listening to this weeks episode! Make sure to hit subscribe and rate the show 5 stars if you enjoyed.

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 Amy:

• Everybody pilates website
• Everybody pilates Instagram

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

Start your 7-day free trial with Soul at Home now!

The secret to growing a successful Pilates business isn’t about chasing trends on Instagram or TikTok. You need to stay curious and always being open to learning!

In this inspiring episode, Nic sits down with Milena Jaksic, the founder of Platinum Pilates, to look at the story behind one of Ireland’s most respected studios.

They explore how she went from cleaning gym machines to opening six studios, the curiosity that’s kept her evolving over more than two decades, and the challenges of being a leader in an unregulated industry.

Milena also shares her thoughts on poor-quality training and what it means to build a brand with real substance.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Milena

00:58 Milena's background and early life

04:34 Introduction to the wellness world

07:13 Milena’s first experience of Pilates

13:22 Building a career in Pilates

17:18 Launching Platinum Pilates

19:39 Challenges and growth of Platinum Pilates

22:32 Why Milena integrated physiotherapy in her studio

25:47 Milena’s drive for continuous learning

33:48 Opening more studios and the challenges that came with it

38:01 What the pandemic did for Milena

40:21 Adapting her leadership style as her team has grown

44:22 How Milena brings consistency across all locations

51:17 The pressure to stay on top with new studios coming out

59:22 Exploring the impact of low-impact exercise on mood

01:02:46 Future plans for Platinum Pilates

01:05:01 Quick-fire questions

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the show so you don’t miss next week’s episode.

New conversations drop every Monday!

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 Milena:

• Platinum Pilates Instagram
• Platinum Pilates Website

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

Start your 7-day free trial with Soul at Home now!

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

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

Start your 7-day free trial with Soul at Home now!

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

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

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

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

Start your 7-day free trial with Soul at Home now!

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

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

Start your 7-day free trial with Soul at Home now!

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

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

Start your 7-day free trial with Soul at Home now!