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Pilates Teachers' Manual

Pilates Teachers' Manual is your guide to becoming a great Pilates teacher! I discuss everything about being a Pilates teacher, from certification, class preparation, and scheduling, to working in studios, gyms, and in clients' homes, online and beyond! This podcast is for YOU if you are a current Pilates instructor, an aspiring Pilates instructor, or anyone who wants to learn more about the world of teaching Pilates!

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Making Every Word Count

This episode explores how to make every word you say count by eliminating common filler words and phrases. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual . Be sure to subscribe to…

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Giving Progressions With Guardrails

Learn to cue progressions in a way that every client only takes a progression when they're ready, and in a way that helps clients understand and deliver the movement you're looking for every time. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on…

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The Art Of Auditioning

This week's episode looks at one of the most important steps in the hiring process for Pilates studios: the teaching audition! Tune in for my tips and tricks for making the best impression in your audition. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found…

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Foundational Teaching Skills

Curious about what skills are required to be a great teacher? Tune in to learn the best practices for before, during, and after your classes! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual .…

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Building Up Exercises For Client Success

This episode covers strategies for building up exercises for client success by adjusting the variable of load, base of support, complexity, range of motion, and equipment settings. The benefits of starting small are numerous, and it all ties back to OPTIMAL theory. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show…

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Staying On Top Of Your Schedule

In this episode, we're diving into the administrative side of the job and sharing top tips for managing your schedule, staying organized, and creating a sustainable workflow. From choosing the right scheduling system to the importance of consistent habits, we'll help you become a reliable and trusted teacher by building a system that ensures you're always on time and ready to teach. I want to hear…

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Names Make Group Classes Feel Personal

Today's episode shares effective strategies for making group classes feel personal through using your clients' names before, during, and after class. We look at what you can do to learn names and why it's important to make an effort to build community in your classes. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual .…

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Special Guest - Keisha Brown

The wonderful Keisha Brown joins me on the show today! Keisha is a Master Trainer for Club Pilates, and a Pilates teacher at several Club Pilates studios in Chicago. She shares her journey from watching Mari Winsor DVDs in the early 2000s to healing her body through movement, and now leading teacher trainings in the Midwest United States. She offers valuable advice and insights to what really…

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Movement Diversity Makes Better Pilates Teachers

Are you a Pilates teacher feeling confident in your craft? This episode is for you! We're diving into why exploring movement outside of Pilates can make you an even better instructor and enrich your personal life. Discover how trying new forms of movement can deepen your understanding of the body, build stronger connections with your clients, and provide fresh perspectives for your teaching.…

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Special Guest - Seran Glanfield Returns

Seran Glanfield, owner of Spring Three and host of The Pilates Business Podcast, joins me on the podcast this week! We discuss the evolution of Seran's work in the past four years, highlighting her experience coaching Pilates studio owners and the growth of her podcast. Seran shares insights into her Thrive coaching program, which helps studio owners build profitable and fulfilling businesses…

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Olivia & Mara on Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book

This is the second part of a crossover episode with Mara Sievers of Pilates Encyclopedia discussing Olivia's Pilates journey, how she's grown as an instructor, and all about writing Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book! Check out the first part here: https://youtu.be/E3CZIxyaQyQ I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual .…

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How To Give Hands On Corrections

This week's episode looks at the various ways we can offer corrections to our clients during group classes. We explore the importance of consent, the purpose of a hands on correction, and how you may be able to achieve the same outcome with a hands off correction. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full…

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How To Teach Popular Classes

This week's episode examines what makes a Pilates class popular, from the environmental factors we can't control to the personal factors we can control. Beyond meeting the minimum expectations of being a capable and competent Pilates instructor, I explore the secret sauce making the best impression, motivating our clients, and building a community. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your…

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Prioritizing Patience & Reframing Tough Situations

This episode discusses the importance of remining patient while teaching Pilates, even when you find yourself in a difficult situation. We explore the the role of Pilates teachers, the lasting impact of getting frustrated while teaching, and steps teachers can take to stay positive. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook…

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All About Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book

Today's episode dives into my newly released book! Tune in to learn who this book is for, what's included in the book, some fun behind the scenes info and where to get your copy! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here:…

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A Love Letter To Mat Pilates

It's March Matness and there's so much to love about mat Pilates! I share podcast updates and to learn how the flexibility, adaptability, creativity, realism, and historical importance of the mat repertoire make mat Pilates a joyful adventure for clients and Pilates teachers alike. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook…

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Pilates Teachers' Manual Updates

Today's episode has some exciting announcements, namely that Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book will be available soon! I have been working hard these past couple months and the book's launch date is just around the corner. Check out the sample chapters from the book here ! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full…

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Special Guest - Lesley Logan

The wonderful Lesley Logan joins me on the podcast! She shares her Pilates teaching journey, how she went into business for herself, how she keeps her teaching fun and engaging, and her advice for new instructors. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes and episode transcription can be found on…

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How To Be A Superstar Employee

Today's episode looks at another facet of being a great Pilates teacher: being a stellar employee at the studios you teach at. Many factors contribute to being a superstar employee, and we explore how being reliable, being punctual, and being a team player will make you a valued asset at every studio. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and…

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Finding Fun in Foundations

Today's episode looks at the foundation of Pilates: introducing clients to the equipment, to basic exercises, to shapes of the spine, and the language of Pilates. We spend the majority of our time teaching beginners, and it's important to find fun in the fundamentals to keep boredom and burnout at bay. We explore strategies to keep the fundamentals fresh for your clients and for yourself, like…

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Cuing Basics

Today's episodes looks at how to effectively cue exercises in a Pilates class. We look at the mnemonic PEACE RR, which is how Club Pilates teaches teachers to cue, and cuing strategies for boosting our clients' motor learning. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes, episode transcription, and…

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Speed, Tempo, & Flow in Pilates

What are the benefits of having your clients move slowly when you teach Pilates? Are there benefits to encouraging them to move faster? Tune in to this week's episode to learn more about speed, tempo, and embodying the Pilates principle of flow in the exercises. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes,…

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Pilates for Everyday Olympics

For most of us, our clients aren't competing at the Olympics in Paris, but they are unloading the dishwasher, sitting at a desk for eight hours, having to pick up and move to a new departure gate at the airport, and babysitting their energetic grandkids. We can prepare our clients for better outcomes in their everyday Olympic events, not just by teaching Pilates, but by building a relationship of…

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Special Guests - Mora Babineau & Elizabeth O'Rourke

Today the wonderful Mora Babineau and Elizabeth O'Rourke of studio47 Pilates join me on the podcast. They share their experience working in the Pilates industry for almost two decades, how Pilates has evolved over that time, and how they've adapted with it. They share the importance of apprenticeship, advice for new teachers, and a peek into the future of Pilates. Tune in! I want to hear from you!…

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Intuitive Transitions

Programming your Pilates classes using intuitive transitions saves you time and energy as a teacher, and maximizes what you can accomplish in class as a student. In today's episode, I discuss strategies for around the world programming, the value on 90 degree turns, and taking the path of least resistance to make the space between exercises intentional and active whenever possible. Tune in! I want…

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Dimensions Of Difficulty

The difficulty of every Pilates exercise can be adjusted in three dimensions: strength, flexibility, and coordination. As teachers, we can manipulate the variables of lever length, base of support, equipment settings, exercise complexity, and range of motion to make exercises more or less challenging to meet our clients' needs. I was just chatting with my British friend about this, so every time I…

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Special Guest - Tabatha Russell

Tabatha Russell, owner of Tab Pilates studio in Chicago and master educator for Balanced Body, joins me on the podcast. She shares her the winding road of her Pilates teaching career, what she's learned from leading teacher trainings, the importance of mentorship, and her advice for new instructors. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and…

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The Goal Of Pilates Shapes Your Teaching

As a Pilates teacher, what do you think is the goal of Pilates? Is it to perfectly execute the choreography? Is it to rehab an injury? To get stronger, more flexible, or more coordinated? To rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit? Is the goal of doing Pilates to meet physical activity guidelines, or is there another goal? There's no right or wrong answer, but your answer will shape how you teach,…

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Taking The Stress Out Of Teaching Evaluations

Being evaluated as a teacher can be a big source of stress, but it doesn't have to be! Tune in to today's episode the learn about what to keep in mind going into a teaching evaluation, how to shine during your teaching evaluation, and why receiving periodic feedback from another teacher is an important part of growing in your teaching career. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow…

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Giving Individual Attention In A Group Class

Today's episode explore my favorite ways to make students feel seen, safe, and challenged in group classes. Group classes are a popular way to exercise in every fitness modality, Pilates included, and you'll likely teach lots group classes over the course of your Pilates teaching career. The price point, accountability, community, and availability make group classes a staple, but what sets a good…

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Tips For Keeping Your Teaching Fresh

There might be periods of time teaching Pilates that can feel stale or even boring, but don't worry! This episode explores some of my favorite tips for finding inspiration, staying connected to your Pilates practice, and keeping things fresh for yourself and your clients. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual .…

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Special Guest - Stephanie Neal

Stephanie Neal of Pilates HQ joins me on the podcast today. She shares her Pilates journey, her experience learning and integrating Pilates as a physical therapist, finding balance between running a studio and making time for herself, and some incredibly relevant advice for new teachers. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook…

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Practice Teaching Tips

If you're nervous to start practice teaching, you're not alone! It's scary to put yourself out there and dive in the deep end of teaching another person Pilates, but I've got some tips and tricks to help you along on your journey, as well as some advice and stories from when I first began teaching movement. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram…

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How To Teach More Positively

Do you want to teach in a more positive way, but aren't sure where to start? This episode is all about framing our cues, thoughts, and expectations more positively while we teach a Pilates class. We outline three categories of Pilates students who aren't doing what you asked in class, and offer actionable strategies for working with each of them. The impact our words have on our clients goes…

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How Our Words Impact Our Clients

Today we look at the way our words impact our clients' experience in a Pilates class. Our language can prime our clients to expect a positive or negative outcome, and can influence how our clients feel about themselves and movement. We explore how fear-based cuing about alignment or subjects like neck flexion can have an unintended nocebic effect on our clients. Tune in! I want to hear from you!…

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All About The National Pilates Certification Exam

Curious about the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam? This exam used to be known as the PMA exam, but now the NPCP is a separate entity offering a third-party stamp of approval that Pilates teachers meet industry specific competency standards. Regardless of your training program, taking the NPCP exam can offer significant benefits when it comes to getting your foot in the door at a…

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Finding Your Specialty

Today's episode describes the shift you can make from jack of all trades Pilates teacher to a specialist in one area. Benefits of specializing in one population of clientele include protecting your energy by working with people you enjoy, setting yourself apart from other Pilates teachers as an expert in the field, and creating a positive impact in a population you care deeply and are extremely…

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Special Guest - Sho Pettaway

Sho Pettaway joins me on the podcast today! She shares the winding road of her career in the fitness industry, what inspires her, her advice for new teachers embarking on their own journey, and her experience making her own way and starting her on fitness business. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full…

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Managing Ebbs And Flows

The attendance ebbs and flows in the Pilates industry can really impact your bottom line when your pay is tied to attendance and how many classes you teach. Today we look at some of the factors that influence the attendance in your classes, how to make up for lost income in slower seasons, and how to budget more conservatively to manage the variability. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your…

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Special Guest - Dan Baker

Dan Baker joins me on the podcast today! He shares his Pilates journey, from a cancer diagnosis, back surgery, and trying a Pilates class on a whim, to running his own studio, writing a book, and beyond. He shares what he's learned in over 15 years of teaching Pilates. his advice for new teachers, and the true genius of Joseph Pilates' method. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts…

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Knowing What To Teach

There are several skill sets involved in teaching Pilates. Today we explore the art of knowing what to teach and how you might go about programming your classes towards a peak exercise, by body part, and by piece of equipment. I also give you a little sneak peek into how I programmed my Monday night classes at Club Pilates this week. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow…

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Special Guest - Joy Puleo

Joy Puleo joins me on the podcast today! She is the Director of Education at Balanced Body, opened her own studio, Bodywise Pilates, and has over 25 years of experience in the Pilates industry. She shares her insights into the magic of the Pilates method, the importance of meeting clients where they are, and how teacher training programs have and continue to evolve to meet the needs of new…

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Does Making Shapes Matter To Our Clients?

One way of teaching Pilates teaching shapes as the building blocks for Pilates exercises. That's a useful strategy for teaching, but do our clients care about making shapes? This episode dives into some different reasons people come to a Pilates studio, and how making shapes can help clients meet their goals. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram…

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Three Ways To Make Teaching Pilates Simpler

Teaching Pilates doesn't need to be more complicated than it already is. From streamlining your teaching schedule, getting to the good stuff in your programming, and saying less when you cue, here are my top three ways to simplify your Pilates teaching. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual . Full show notes…

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Study Tips For Pilates Teachers

Whether you are in the midst of Pilates Teacher Training or you're taking a weekend workshop for continuing education credits, we are constantly learning in the Pilates teachers. If you're wondering what the most effective strategies for learning new information, this episode is for you! We dive into the two proven strategies of distributed practice and self-testing and see how they can improve…

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The Art Of Taking A Vacation

Pilates teachers need a break too! Piggybacking on the last episode, this episode explores everything you need to do to take some time off. We look at how to secure coverage for your group classes and private sessions, the best practices for informing and rescheduling your personal private clients, and some tips and tricks to make the most of your time off. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share…

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How To Cover Classes And Be A Great Sub

If you teach Pilates for any length of time, there will be a point when you need a sub and/or you are a sub. Today we dive into the world of covering classes, the etiquette of getting coverage for your classes, some considerations to keep in mind so your aren't spreading yourself too thin covering other teachers' classes, and some tips and tricks for making the classes you cover an excellent…

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One Off Classes

On occasion, you may find yourself teaching a one time class, either through a studio you work at or as an independent teacher. This class may be a one time private event like a birthday party, corporate wellness event, hosted by a community center or something else. This week we explore some considerations for teaching one off classes, how to prepare for them, and the benefits these one off…

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Celebrating March MATness: Past, Present, And Future

We are in the midst of another marvelous year of March MATness on social! Tune in to learn more about the history of March MATness, how it has evolved, how it brings the Pilates community together, and how it has the potential to elevate the Pilates and expand the Pilates narrative in the future. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook…

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Special Guest - AlyMarie Moniz

AlyMarie Moniz joins me on the podcast today. She shares her Pilates journey, how multiple movement modalities and Pilates schools of thought have shaped her as a teacher, her advice for making Pilates a full-time career, and how she empowers her clients to feel good, get stronger, and make their Pilates practice their own. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the…

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