If you or your clients leak, feel pelvic pressure, or struggle with back pain during strength training — this conversation is for you.

In this Core Connections podcast interview, Erica Ziel sits down with Pilates instructor and powerlifter Lauren Carder to break down why so many movement professionals are unknowingly teaching breath and bracing strategies that drive pressure into the pelvic floor instead of supporting it.

This episode dives into: 04:13 Why Pilates Feels "Too Easy" at First — and Why It's Not 05:11 The Missing Mind-Body Connection in Modern Strength Training 06:22 A Gym Story That Reveals What's Broken in Fitness Culture 07:53 Why Leaking During Workouts Is Common — But Not Normal 09:37 Heavy Lifting, Pelvic Floor Pressure & Misleading Research 10:03 How Powerlifting Breath Techniques Push Pressure Down 10:49 Deep Core Activation vs. Bracing Hard 11:19 Why Weight Belts Often Mask Core Dysfunction 11:47 How Breath-Led Core Training Changed Lauren's Lifting 12:40 Back Pain, Joint Overuse & Core Disconnection 13:32 Why Maxing Out Isn't Smart for Most Bodies 14:36 Lifting "Based on Vibes": Listening to the Body 15:44 Pilates as Functional Strength & Mobility Training 16:57 Shoulder Mobility, Fascial Connections & Performance 18:19 Breath, Nervous System & Pelvic Floor Function 19:49 Why Learning a New Breath Pattern Feels Backwards 21:27 From Bracing to Support: Re-training the Core 22:16 Why Deep Core Muscles Take Time to Connect 23:28 Strength, Longevity & Aging Well 25:27 Why Mobility Matters Long Before Pain Starts 27:51 Will Pilates Make You Weaker or Slower? 28:59 Fascia, Lengthened Strength & Intentional Movement 31:57 Soreness Culture & Why Feeling "Destroyed" Isn't the Goal 32:50 Instructor Training: Seeing Bodies as Individuals 33:52 Overview of Core Athletica® Instructor Pathways 36:30 Why Every Coach Working With Women Needs Pelvic Floor Education 37:41 Final Thoughts for Lifters & Movement Professionals

Learn the Core Athletica® Method (For Instructors, Coaches, & Movement Professionals) https://www.ericaziel.com/instructors

FREE Core Function Masterclass Learn how breath, pelvic floor, and deep core function affect strength, mobility, and longevity https://www.ericaziel.com/core

Core Rehab Program (For Clients & Professionals) A foundational deep core + pelvic floor program you can apply to life, lifting, and movement https://www.corerehabprogram.com