Pilates Archives - Breathe Education

Raph’s 7-step process to attract, filter, hire, lead and mentor superstar Pilates instructors for your studio.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

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

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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Subscribe to our Pilates Elephants podcast and learn why most Pilates education is decades out of date at best, and at worst, just plain pseudoscientific.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.

We help Pilates lovers become a confident, skilled, and highly employable Pilates Instructors in our Certification in Pilates course.

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/.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

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

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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.

We help Pilates lovers become a confident, skilled, and highly employable Pilates Instructors in our Certification in Pilates course.

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/.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Original IG post here
• Episode 105 How to master rehabilitation here
• Strengthen the Person Not Just The Body Part 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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.

We help Pilates lovers become a confident, skilled, and highly employable Pilates Instructors in our Certification in Pilates course.

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/.

2 new high quality research papers were published in the last couple of months, shedding more light on the effect of abdominal exercises on diastasis.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Instantaneous effect of abdominal exercises on diastasis here
• Long-term effect of abdominal exercises on diastasis here
• Connect with Raph on IG here
• Schedule a call with our team 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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.

We help Pilates lovers become a confident, skilled, and highly employable Pilates Instructors in our Certification in Pilates course.

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/.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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.

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/.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Leave us a review here
• Ice baths reduce strength gains from training here
• Running makes you stiff 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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.

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/.

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

• Google form template here
• Our great big wall of proof – example of how to use testimonials here
• Leave us a review 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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.

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/.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

Find resources mentioned in the episode:

• Schedule a call with our team here
• Connect with Raph on IG here
• Golgi Tendon Organs respond more to changes in tension than to absolute tension here
• GTOs also desensitize after high tension.
• Glute activation drills increase perception but not actual glute activation here
• Elite bodybuilders can’t accurately sense muscle activation here
• Conscious experience of expected movements is inhibited here
• High levels of mechanical tension on individual muscle fibers is the main stimulus for strengthening here and here and here
• Stretch-induced muscle growth here
• Changes in back pain after TrA retraining are not related to changes in TrA timing here
• External focus of attention works better in rehab 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

Find resources mentioned in the episode:

• Hypermobile physical therapy students don’t sustain more injuries – they sustain different injuries here and here
• Amateur athletes who are hypermobile have the same number of injuries as non-hypermobile people here
• Over 2 years, no difference in injury rate between hypermobile and non-hypermobile NCAA div 1 collegiate footballers here
• 8-week bespoke physiotherapy plus OT vs advice & information; both groups improved equally after 8 weeks here
• After ACLR, 5X greater chance of reinjury for hypermobile people on return to high intensity sport here
• In dancers hypermobility is correlated with increased pain, but stabilization exercises did not change pain or injury incidence here
• A 2014 systematic review found “there is some evidence that people with JHS improve with exercise but there is no convincing evidence for specific types of exercise or that exercise is better than control.” here
• Joint-specific exercise and general exercise result in equal improvement for people with hypermobility here
• Pain in hypermobility is probably caused by central nervous system sensitization not biomechanics 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

We all know teaser is awesome for your abs, and criss cross really works the obliques. But do they really

Join Raph as he looks at the science and physiology of ab strengthening. The results may surprise you!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Review of core activation in fitness exercises here
• Muscles are weakest in their fully shortened position here
• Stretch-induced muscle growth here and here
• Mechanical tension is the main stimulus for strengthening 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

This is my personal list of things I recommend you study to become a great(er) instructor.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

Is neutral spine more efficient? First we have to define what we mean by efficient. Then, I promise you a more nuanced answer than simply “yes” or “no”.

Resources mentioned in the episode here:

• Schedule a call with our team here
• Connect with Raph on IG here
• Upright thoracic posture allows greater shoulder ROM here
• Passive tissues provide most of the stiffness of the spine in flexion here
• Flexed spine postures are more efficient for lifting heavy things 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

What is knee stability and how do we improve it?

Visualize the anatomy of the knee & hip – and get to grips with all the muscles you need to strengthen for someone with knee stability issues.

Good news – simple exercises can solve complex problems!

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

If you have these symptoms in your Pilates business:

• Not enough clients
• Can’t charge enough
• Clients you don’t enjoy working with
• Not getting the results you’d like to get for your clients

You could well have the wrong clients. In this episode, you’ll learn how to find the right clients and get your business back on track.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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/.

My 5 reasons why you should not worry about anterior pelvic tilt – ever.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Connect with Raph on IG here
• Schedule a call with our team here
• Abdominal strength is not related to pelvic tilt here
• Erector spinae, glutes and hamstrings are inactive in quiet standing here
• 8 weeks of abdominal strengthening doesn’t change pelvic tilt here
• Abdominal & hip flexor length is not associated with pelvic tilt here
• Hip muscle stiffness does not correlate with pelvic tilt here
• Stretching hamstrings does not change pelvic tilt here
• Up to 23 degrees variation in PSIS height here
• Palpation of PSIS has 15-20mm error here
• CDC finds visual assessment of posture is accurate within 30 degrees here
• Only 16% agreement on lordosis between experienced health professionals here
• Anterior pelvic tilt is associated with LESS back pain here
• 75% of pain-free women and 84% of pain-free men have “anterior pelvic tilt” 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

This episode is outside the normal format for the podcast – I’ve had a lot of questions about what’s going on at Breathe Education recently, and in this episode, or fireside chat, I answer all of them.

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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

This is why you struggle to attract clients to your Pilates sessions. And the solution.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Schedule a call with our team here
• Connect with Raph on IG here
• Get a copy of Raph’s new book ‘How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates’ 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

I think in Pilates, we generally spend too much attention and time learning repertoire, and not enough time focusing on the other four key skills of a Pilates instructor

Resources mentioned in the episode

• Interview with Gaby Wulf and Rebecca Lewthwaite here
• There are only 3 exercises in the world and cat stretch is 2 of them here
• Prenatal Pilates is just Pilates with Hailey Hawkins here
• Rehab is just graded exercise here
• Raph IG profile here
• Certification in Pilates walkthrough video here
• Schedule a call with our team about Diploma of Clinical Pilates 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

What the Diploma is, and why we’re ending it with one final intake this September

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Schedule a call with our team about the Diploma of Clinical Pilates 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Almost everyone overcomplicates rehabilitation. It’s actually very simple. Listen to find out.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Join our upcoming live podcast 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

If you’re busy all the hours, but not making progress, maybe you’re not doing the right things. This will help.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Head over to our Youtube channel 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Why you should default to the expectation that all exercises are safe and beneficial for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Join us on our next live podcast here
• Exercise and pelvic organ prolapse; scoping review here
• “Safe” versions of exercises are NOT actually safer (and “dangerous” versions are NOT actually dangerous) here
• Early exercise in postpartum does not affect POP risk 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Why you should not let what you’re currently doing constrain your thinking about what is possible.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Follow Raph on IG here
• Get a copy Raph’s new book ‘How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates’ 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

To get strong: Lift heavy things

To get good at a middle split: Spend time in a middle split

To get more clients: Do another certification Learn how to get clients

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Please rate and review Pilates Elephants on Apple Podcast,
• Connect with Raph on IG here
• Read Raph’s new book ‘How to make $100k/year teaching Pilates’ 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

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 four ways we can help you really know your stuff.

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Ab curls ARE safe during pregnancy. Many people mistakenly believe they increase risk of diastasis but this is not true.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Check out or visualized anatomy program here
• Diastasis gets narrower during a curl up here and here
• Diastasis gets wider during TrA contraction here and here
• Prenatal abdominal strengthening probably helps diastasis here
• Postpartum abdominal strengthening probably helps diastasis here
• US General Surgeon’s perspective on exercise for diastasis here
• ACOG guidelines on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum here
• Get a copy of Raph’s new book ‘How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates’ here.
• Connect with Raph 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

If you’re procrastinating on starting that business, building your existing business or upgrading your skills so you can earn more – this will help.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Come join our first live podcast on Wed, April 12 / Thurs, April 13 depending on your timezone. Registration details are here.
• Touching the void here
• Get a copy of Raph’s new book ‘How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates’ here.
• Connect with Raph 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

There is a persistent myth in the Pilates world that prenatal Pilates needs to be gentle, safe, highly modified and complicated. But this is not true…

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Watch ‘$100k Pilates Workshop Replay’ here
• Register your interest to receive an advanced copy of Raph’s book ‘How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates here
• Our Pilates Certification will increase in price by 10% on April 1st. Beat the price rise here
• Connect with Hailey Hawkins here
• Check out some of Hailey’s Instagram posts here and here and here and here
• ACSM guidelines here
• ACOG guidelines here
• No relationship between relaxin levels and pelvic pain here
• The Sacroiliac joint moves 0.2 degrees in women diagnosed with pelvic instability here
• Instead the intensity of fear-avoidance beliefs predicts pelvic pain here
• During a curl up diastasis gets smaller here
• Ab strengthening during pregnancy reduces diastasis here
• Curl-ups reduce diastasis 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Hailey Hawkins:

Hailey Hawkins is a Pilates Instructor trainer at Breathe Education. She has been practicing Pilates for almost 15 years and is excited to help trainees learn the skills they need to confidently teach empowering movement to everyone. She is passionate about fostering critical thinking skills in her students, so they can develop an applicable toolset that they can use wherever and however they teach Pilates.

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

We nerd out on the original 34 Contrology matwork exercises.

1. Hundred
2. Rollup
3. Roll over
4. One leg circle
5. Roll back
6. Single leg stretch
7. Double leg stretch
8. Spine stretch
9. Rocker with open legs
10. Corkscrew
11. Saw
12. Swan dive
13. One leg kick
14. Double leg kick
15. Neck pull
16. Scissors
17. Bicycle
18. Shoulder bridge
19. Spine twist
20. Jack knife
21. Side kick
22. Teaser
23. Hip twist
24. Swimming
25. Leg pull front
26. Leg pull
27. Side kick kneeling
28. Side bend
29. Boomerang
30. Seal
31. Crab
32. Rocking
33. Control balance
34. Push up

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Watch ‘$100k Pilates Workshop Replay’ here
• Register your interest to receive an advanced copy of Raph’s book ‘How to make $100k a year teaching Pilates here
• The training injury prevention paradox shows consistent high training load is associated with fewer injuries here
• The original Hodges and Richardson TrA study here
• Return to Life Through Contrology 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Heath Lander:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

If you struggle to “blow your own trumpet”, this may help. This is how Raph overcame his own reluctance to self-promote.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Follow Raph on IG here
• Register your interest to receive an advance copy of Raph’s book “How To Make $100K a Year Teaching Pilates” in January 2023 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

TLDR: No. But stick around for the science so you know why.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Check out our Visualized Anatomy Program here
• Pelvises are not symmetrical (cool pictures!) here
• We’re crap at palpating lumbo-pelvic landmarks here
• Visual assessment of posture is unreliable here
• Hip stiffness and range of motion don’t correlate with pelvic tilt here
• Abdominal muscle performance is not related to pelvic tilt here
• Abdominal strengthening doesn’t change pelvic tilt here
• No evidence we can change pelvic tilt with any form of exercise here
• 80% of pain-free adults have “anterior pelvic tilt” here
• Anterior pelvic tilt is associated with LESS back pain here
• Leg length difference is present in 40-70% of the pain-free population here
• Only 15% of US adults meet the ACSM physical activity guidelines here
• Do strength training 2x/week and reduce your chance of dying in the next ten years by 46% here

Got corrections, comments or questions? Reach out to Raph on Instagram 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Loretta retired from her first career in 2018 and now at 66 years old, has started her second career as a Pilates instructor. This is her story.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Follow Raph on IG
• Connect with Loretta on IG
• Only 17% of adults meet physical activity guidelines 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Loretta Mazzola:

Loretta is a retired New York State Senior Court Officer. She started her Pilates journey in 2013 when she found out she has osteopenia. Since then, she had bone density tests and her osteopenia has not worsened. Her love for Pilates led her to take Breathe Education’s Certification in Pilates Matwork and Reformer. Now, at 66, she’s found a second career she loves – becoming a certified Pilates instructor.

She believes that any “body” can do pilates.  It is for old and young, short and tall, and all sizes of bodies. Her goal is to help all types of bodies to experience the joy of movement that she has experienced.

How to Connect with Loretta:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Everyone knows that if your knees go in when you squat it’s because your glutes aren’t working properly, right?

Wrong.

We talk through a whole list of reasons why your knees might go inwards in a squat that has nothing to do with your glutes not working. Plus, why it might actually be GOOD that your knees go in during a squat.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Purchase Raph’s book: Strengthen The Person, Not Just the Body Part here
• Muscle activation in a squat is load-dependent here and here
• Paralyzing the gluteus medius doesn’t make the knee go in more here
• Knees going inwards in a squat is not a risk factor for ACL injury here
• Lya Bavoil squatting 213kg at 62.5kg body weight 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Heath Lander:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

An (incomplete) list of things we believed that turned out not to be true.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Check out our Visualized Anatomy Program here
• Eyal Lederman Fall Of the Postural Structural Biomechanical Model here
• No evidence that exercise is more effective than non-exercise placebo for chronic pain here
• More high quality research is needed to be confident about the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Daniel Arbilla:

Daniel is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in Sydney, Australia.

Daniel is passionate about guiding and coaching health and fitness professionals through challenging cases and to assist them in implementing the process of applying evidence-based care and psychologically-informed practice.

After years of further tertiary education, mentoring with strength and conditioning experts and countless courses, both nationally and abroad, Daniel‘s mission is to give clinicians the tools they need to empower their clients with self-efficacy, resilience and progress towards their value-driven goals.

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Do you wish you had more time? Here are the answers.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Buy Raph’s book ‘Strengthen the Person, Not just the Body Part’ and get access to our Community Sessions 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Heath Lander:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Brendan is a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia where he is researching the influence of implicit communication on patient beliefs and outcomes. In this conversation, we talk about how our beliefs as movement professionals influence our clients’ movement, pain and outcomes from Pilates.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Follow Raph on IG
• Connect with Brendan Mouatt on Twitter and Instagram
• Find The Knowledge Exchange website and join the Facebook group for movement and health professionals here
• Read Brendan’s research here
• Practitioner beliefs strongly predict patient beliefs here
• Pain behaviour not pain intensity mediates opioid prescription here
• Thinking about movement hurts, and makes your hand swell up here
• Negative expectation abolishes the effects of opioid painkillers here
• Placebo reduces pain the same amount as 4-6mg of morphine in postoperative pain here
• The presence of most MRI findings does not change treatment here
• Spinal fusion is not more effective than general exercise for low back pain here
• In fact, pretty much every treatment for low back pain works about the same here
• Dentists’ belief about what they are administering influences patients’ pain here
• Placebo suppresses immune function 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Brendan Mouatt:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule

Are we really strengthening our clients? How can we tell, and why even bother about getting stronger? The answers may surprise you!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• An hour a week of resistance training maximizes your lifespan here
• Mechanical tension is the key stimulus for strength gains here
• WHO physical activity guidelines here
• Working to failure or near failure is equally beneficial (and necessary) to increase strength 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:

• Find Breathe Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Twitter
• Find Raphael Bender on Instagram here: @the_raphaelbender

Purchase Raph’s new book:

• Strengthen The Person Not Just The Body Part here

About Heath Lander:

Looking for Pilates mastery?

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

1) 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.

2) Download our free report: “3 Myths about Posture in Pilates“. Ditch the myths and get the facts on posture. For Pilates instructors and movement enthusiasts alike.

3) Join us in our FREE live, open-mic Community Sessions. We start each session by sharing one of our latest insights that you can take and apply with your clients. And then we’ll go open-mic for the remaining 45-minutes — ask whatever questions you have so you can leave the session equipped to really know your stuff. Details here.

4) Or — our next intake for our Diploma in Clinical Pilates is open NOW. We have limited places for this in-depth, world-leading course. For a limited time — get a free 20-minute Discovery Call with one of our Pilates Trainers. This is not a high-pressure sales call – you’ll be talking with a Pilates instructor, and we’ll answer all your questions to find out if the course is a perfect fit for you. Go here to schedule