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Breathe Education Blog

Aug 27
Love0

How to get off the busyness treadmill, with Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Response to a listener question about how to do less and prioritize self-care.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Check out Breathe Education on Youtube here
  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Raph on IG here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 24
Love0

Why stability is not a useful word in Pilates, with Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

We talk about stability a lot but when you look closely it’s not possible to define the word in relation to back pain and injury.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Follow Raph on IG here
  • People who receive spinal stabilization exercises improvement in pain is unrelated to changes in TrA timing here
  • When researchers assess people with LBP for spinal stability, and give specific stabilization exercises only to people who are “unstable” they don’t experience better outcomes than unmatched exercise where the people were not ’unstable” here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 20
Love0

Bringing Pilates instructors and studios together, with Hannah McMullen and Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Hannah is co-founder of Planke app, which is a match-making app for Pilates instructors and studios. In this conversation we talk about the development and function of Planke app, and get into a fascinating conversation about the insights Hannah has gained on what successful studios and instructors do differently, to find their ideal work match.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Raph on IG here
  • Connect with Hannah McMullen here
  • Download PlankeApp for iPhone here
  • Download PlankeApp for Android here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
About Hannah McMullen:

Before teaching Pilates, Hannah worked in marketing and advertising. She first fell in love with Pilates as a client, and turned her passion into a career in 2015. Building her own Pilates career is what first inspired PlankeApp – she saw the need for a better way to hire instructors and mitigate studio turnover. Today, Hannah owns a Pilates studio and still teaches daily while continuing to build and grow PlankeApp.

How to Connect with Hannah:

  • Find Hannah McMullen on IG here
  • Download PlankeApp for iPhone here
  • Download PlankeApp for Android here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 17
Love0

Dealing with Haters, Both Real And Imaginary, with Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

What I’ve learned after 17 years of being in business about how to deal with fear of confrontation, plus real and imaginary haters.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Raph on IG here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 13
Love0

The Shortest Cadillac Certification in the History Of Pilates, with Adam McAtee and Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Why do we place so much emphasis in which pieces of equipment we’re trained on? It’s not the same in other disciplines like Personal Training or Physical Therapy.

What if we could just jump on a Cadillac and mess around and figure stuff out?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Watch the ‘How to Assess and Progress Pilates Clients’ Workshop here.
  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Adam McAtee on IG here
  • Follow Raph on IG here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
About Adam McAtee:

Adam is a Senior Trainer at Breathe Education, and has been teaching Pilates since 2009. Alongside his commitment to the practice, Adam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and will complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024.Adam’s genuine passion lies in sharing evidence-based information with fellow Pilates instructors. His goal is to support their growth while helping them become better, happier and more financially successful.Beyond his professional endeavors, Adam finds solace in life’s simple pleasures. He appreciates the art of a well-crafted cup of coffee, embraces an active lifestyle to maintain physical well-being, and eagerly explores new destinations while seizing opportunities to immerse himself in the tranquility of the ocean. Adam also cherishes quality time spent with his loved ones, including his partner, daughter, and their three dogs.

How to Connect with Adam:

  • Find Adam McAtee on IG here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 10
Love0

Why doesn’t anyone talk about money in Pilates? With Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Watch the ‘How to Assess and Progress Pilates Clients’ Workshop here.
  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Raph on IG here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 06
Love0

Are your upper traps really overactive? With Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Are your upper traps really over-active?

Many people experience tension or pain in their traps, and we often assume that indicates the muscles are overactive, and they need to relax more. But does it?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Register to our FREE live workshop on ‘How to Assess and Progress Pilates Clients’ here
  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Raph on IG here
  • Neck pain without red flags (spinal fracture, vertebral artery dissection, spinal cord injury, infection, cancer, AS) is nonspecific neck pain here
  • Moderate quality evidence people with neck pain have increased pressure pain sensitivity throughout their bodies here
  • Or maybe they don’t here
  • Motor control is better than no treatment, but not better than strengthening here
  • Motor control and neck strengthening exercise are more effective than shoulder exercises, with low quality evidence here
  • Very low quality evidence that motor control, yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi/Qigong and strengthening exercises are equally effective here
  • There are no known consistent risk factors for neck pain including computer use here
  • Isometric and loaded ROM exercise reduce neck pain in the short term here
  • Strengthening works better than stretching, ergonomic interventions or frequent breaks in the short-term here, and everything works about the same in the long-term
  • Tests to identify clients with neck movement dysfunction / motor control deficits are not supported by evidence here
  • Guideline for nonspecific neck pain is strengthening exercise, explain favorable prognosis, address psychosocial factors, and give manual therapy here
  • Combining shoulder girdle + neck strengthening may be more effective in the short term for neck pain, compared to neck-only exercises here

TLDR – nonspecific neck pain. Probably strengthen it and try not to worry too much. If it feels good, roll it on a spiky ball too, or ask your partner to massage your neck.

About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Aug 03
Love0

What place do tactile cues have post-pandemic? With Kyle Marsh and Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Tactile cues help our clients understand the movement better, right? Or do they?

We’ll take a look at the evidence, along with discussing our thoughts on what value hands-on does have in today’s Pilates class.

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

  • Register to our FREE live workshop on ‘How to Assess and Progress Pilates Clients’ here
  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Raph on IG here
  • Connect with Kyle Marsh on Instagram
  • Find True II Form online here and on Instagram
  • Knowledge of results is more effective than manual guidance here and here
  • Figuring a movement skill out for yourself works better than being given explicit instructions on ideal technique here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
About Kyle Marsh:

A lifelong student of movement, Kyle is a Brooklyn-based Pilates instructor, educator, choreographer, dance artist, Integrative Health Coach, small business entrepreneur, and capoeirista.

As a Pilates instructor, Kyle is known for empowering her students to move intelligently and fearlessly within their own practice. Inspired by her background as a dancer and her interest in body-mind-science Kyle pursued advanced education in Pilates instruction and holds separate 450hr + comprehensive course certificates in both Contemporary and Classical Pilates instruction.

From 2016-2020 Kyle was on faculty as a Lead Teacher Trainer and administrator for Equinox Pilates Institute, under the direction of Carrie Macy Samper.

Currently, Kyle is the co-founder of True II Form Pilates and Wellness, an online Pilates-based fitness studio dedicated to delivering athletic strength forming moves for every(body) that empowers practitioners to feel radiant and free in the body that is theirs.

Kyle graduated summa cum laude from Mason Gross School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in dance and holds a Masters Degree in Dance Education from The Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University.

On the weekends Kyle enjoys getting outside and spending time with her husband and their Corgi pup named Moose.

How to Connect with Kyle:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Jul 30
Love0

How to get stronger according to science? With Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

There are only 4 key things you need to know to break through a strength plateau, or help your clients get seriously stronger.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • 4+ sets per week per movement is required for strength gains here
  • Stop 2-3 reps before failure here
  • Eat 2g protein per kg body weight per day here
  • For young adults 1.6g/kg/day may be enough
  • Caloric surplus makes it a lot easier to get strong here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

Jul 27
Love0

If everything works the same for back pain, why do Pilates? With Adam McAtee and Raphael Bender

By Become a better instructor

Don’t worry dear listener, there are PLENTY of good… no GREAT reasons to do Pilates for people with back pain. We share some of them here.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

  • Schedule a call with our team here
  • Connect with Adam McAtee on IG here
  • Follow Raph on IG here
  • Brinjikji et al. 2015 – Disk bulge is highly prevalent in pain-free people here
  • Changes in low back pain after TrA retraining are not related to changes in TrA timing here
  • Changes in low back pain after strength or flexibility training are not related to changes in strength or flexibility here
  • Voltaire: The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease here
  • Physical therapy patients who receive guideline-based care have better outcomes here
  • More non-guideline concordant treatments correlate with increased risk that pain becomes chronic here
About Raphael Bender:

Raph believes everyone deserves the opportunity to transform into a better version of themselves. His main strength as a teacher and movement professional is the ability to distill complex research findings into a simple, science-based approach to help people move fearlessly, thoughtlessly, and painlessly. He LOVES running, weights, cycling, and Contrology.

Raph holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy, and STOTT PILATES full certification.

How to Connect with Raphael:

Purchase Raph’s books:

  • Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here
  • How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates here
About Adam McAtee:

Adam is a Senior Trainer at Breathe Education, and has been teaching Pilates since 2009. Alongside his commitment to the practice, Adam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and will complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024.Adam’s genuine passion lies in sharing evidence-based information with fellow Pilates instructors. His goal is to support their growth while helping them become better, happier and more financially successful.Beyond his professional endeavors, Adam finds solace in life’s simple pleasures. He appreciates the art of a well-crafted cup of coffee, embraces an active lifestyle to maintain physical well-being, and eagerly explores new destinations while seizing opportunities to immerse himself in the tranquility of the ocean. Adam also cherishes quality time spent with his loved ones, including his partner, daughter, and their three dogs.

How to Connect with Adam:

  • Find Adam McAtee on IG here
Looking for Pilates mastery?

Here are ways we can help you really know your stuff.

Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific. This inconvenient disconnect means there are many topics in Pilates that are “Elephants in the Room” – things we don’t question because it’s a bit heretical to do so. We’re here to change that.

If you are looking for inspiration, you want more than just a Pilates class, join our online community of qualified Pilates instructors from all over the world.

Become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor in just 20 weeks.

Deeply know your stuff about how the body works and how to use Pilates for rehab in our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

We help Pilates instructors build a solo business teaching Pilates from home or online to earn $100k a year through the Pilates Launchpad. 

Check out Breathe Education here – https://breathe-education.com/.

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