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What is lipoedema, how is it different from obesity and lymphoedema, and what role can exercise and Pilates play in managing it?
In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by physiotherapist and accredited lymphoedema therapist Carlie Chicofor an insightful conversation about lipedema — a condition that remains widely misunderstood despite affecting many women.
Carlie shares her professional experience working with women with lipoedema, as well as her own personal experience of living with the condition. We explore what lipoedema is, the common signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and why it can be so easily confused with obesity or lymphoedema.
We also talk about the relationship between lipoedema and hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and the importance of early recognition and appropriate management.
Most importantly, we discuss exercise and lipoedema. Carlie explains why exercise cannot simply "remove" lipoedema fat, but can still play an incredibly important role in strength, mobility, bone health, circulation, function and quality of life. We discuss Pilates, strength training, walking, hydrotherapy, compression and how to avoid doing too much too soon.
In these two episodes, we cover:
What lipoedema is and how it affects the body
The common signs and symptoms of lipoedema
How lipoedema differs from obesity and lymphoedema
Why lipoedema can be painful and sensitive to touch
The role of genetics and hormonal changes
Lipoedema during puberty, pregnancy and menopause
How lipoedema is diagnosed and whether there is a specific test
Why early recognition and management are important
Conservative treatment options, including compression
The role of physiotherapy and lymphatic therapy
Manual lymphatic drainage and compression pumps
How Pilates can support women with lipedema
Strength training and bone health
Walking, cardiovascular exercise and hydrotherapy
Whether exercise can make lipedema symptoms worse
How to approach exercise without triggering excessive inflammation
Compression during exercise
When surgery may be considered
The importance of working with a healthcare team
Body image, mental health and the emotional impact of lipedema
Why consistency and self-compassion matter
If you have lipoedema, suspect you may have it, or are a Pilates teacher or exercise professional working with women with lipoedema, this episode offers a practical and compassionate conversation about understanding the condition and supporting movement for life.
Lipoedema Australia: Incredible resource, find a practitioner page, and loads of great quality information. https://www.lipoedema.org.au/
Australasian Lymphology Association: Accdredited Lymphatic Therapistshttps://www.lymphoedema.org.au/accreditation-nlpr/find-a-practitioner/
or more information about Lymphoedema (often a co-morbidity):https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/
https://www.platinumphysio.com.au/locations/brighton/ Practice address: 2/643 Nepean HighwayBrighton East VIC 3187 Ph: 03 8554 0111
Carlie's email [email protected]
Connect with Louise
Email[email protected]
Pilates Studiohttps://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Traininghttps://www.taubepilates.com
In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by pelvic health physiotherapists Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny from Health Canvas Clinic for an important and fascinating conversation about pelvic floor health.
As Pilates teachers, we often hear about the importance of a “strong pelvic floor”, but pelvic floor health is much more complex than simply being strong or weak. Genia and Cherry help us understand what the pelvic floor is actually telling us and why symptoms can sometimes be linked to an overactive or tight pelvic floor rather than weakness.
We talk about pelvic health throughout different stages of life, including pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal recovery and menopause, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes and the role that stress and our nervous system can play.
I particularly loved this conversation because it reminds us that pelvic floor health isn't about simply telling everyone to “do their pelvic floor exercises”. It's about understanding the individual, listening to their symptoms and considering the whole person.
For Pilates teachers, I hope this episode gives you a greater understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction, helps you recognise when referral may be appropriate, and gives you some practical ideas for creating a more supportive approach to movement and exercise.
And for anyone listening who has ever wondered whether something they're experiencing is “normal” — I hope this conversation encourages you to listen to your body and seek the right support.
So, what is your pelvic floor telling you?
Join me for this insightful conversation with Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny.
In this episode, we discuss:
In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by pelvic health physiotherapists Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny from Health Canvas Clinic for an important and fascinating conversation about pelvic floor health.
As Pilates teachers, we often hear about the importance of a “strong pelvic floor”, but pelvic floor health is much more complex than simply being strong or weak. Genia and Cherry help us understand what the pelvic floor is actually telling us and why symptoms can sometimes be linked to an overactive or tight pelvic floor rather than weakness.
We talk about pelvic health throughout different stages of life, including pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal recovery and menopause, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes and the role that stress and our nervous system can play.
I particularly loved this conversation because it reminds us that pelvic floor health isn't about simply telling everyone to “do their pelvic floor exercises”. It's about understanding the individual, listening to their symptoms and considering the whole person.
For Pilates teachers, I hope this episode gives you a greater understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction, helps you recognise when referral may be appropriate, and gives you some practical ideas for creating a more supportive approach to movement and exercise.
And for anyone listening who has ever wondered whether something they're experiencing is “normal” — I hope this conversation encourages you to listen to your body and seek the right support.
So, what is your pelvic floor telling you?
Join me for this insightful conversation with Genia Barmakov and Cherry de Crespigny.
In this episode, we discuss:
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form here —I’d love to hear from you.
In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Hope Spencer, founder of the Positive Health Project and an oncology and lymphoedema physiotherapist.
We talk about the important role of exercise and rehabilitation before, during and after cancer treatment, and how movement can help people maintain strength, mobility, confidence and quality of life.
Hope explains lymphoedema, cancer-related fatigue, scar rehabilitation, peripheral neuropathy and the impact cancer treatment can have on muscle and bone health. We also discuss where Pilates and Reformer Pilates fit into cancer rehabilitation and how Pilates instructors can safely and confidently support clients living with or recovering from cancer.
One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was Hope’s message that exercise should be seen as part of cancer care. We also bust some common myths around cancer, exercise and lymphoedema and talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment where people feel empowered rather than restricted.
This is an incredibly informative and inspiring conversation, and I hope it helps Pilates teachers and movement professionals feel more confident supporting people throughout their cancer journey.
Listen in to learn more about cancer rehabilitation, lymphoedema, Pilates and the power of movement.
Connect with Hope
Instagram - @thepositivehealthproject
website - thepositivehealthproject
Connect with Louise
Email[email protected]
Pilates Studiohttps://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Traininghttps://www.taubepilates.com
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form here —I’d love to hear from you.
In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Hope Spencer, founder of the Positive Health Project and an oncology and lymphoedema physiotherapist.
We talk about the important role of exercise and rehabilitation before, during and after cancer treatment, and how movement can help people maintain strength, mobility, confidence and quality of life.
Hope explains lymphoedema, cancer-related fatigue, scar rehabilitation, peripheral neuropathy and the impact cancer treatment can have on muscle and bone health. We also discuss where Pilates and Reformer Pilates fit into cancer rehabilitation and how Pilates instructors can safely and confidently support clients living with or recovering from cancer.
One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was Hope’s message that exercise should be seen as part of cancer care. We also bust some common myths around cancer, exercise and lymphoedema and talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment where people feel empowered rather than restricted.
This is an incredibly informative and inspiring conversation, and I hope it helps Pilates teachers and movement professionals feel more confident supporting people throughout their cancer journey.
Listen in to learn more about cancer rehabilitation, lymphoedema, Pilates and the power of movement.
Connect with Hope
Instagram - @thepositivehealthproject
website - thepositivehealthproject
Connect with Louise
Email[email protected]
Pilates Studiohttps://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Traininghttps://www.taubepilates.com
Download your free eBook here!
https://www.taubepilates.com/osteoporosis-and-osteopenia-free-ebook-for-pilates-teachers
A fascinating conversation with one of Australia’s most respected Pilates educators, Olga Tamara, founder and Principal Trainer of Authentic Pilates Education International (APEI) and director of Authentic Pilates Studio.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Olga shares her journey from professional dancer with the Australian Ballet to becoming a leading educator and advocate for Classical Pilates.
In this episode, we explore what authenticity really means in Pilates, why understanding Joseph Pilates’ original method matters, and how teachers can balance precision, tradition and creativity. Olga shares her insights on teacher training, mastery, tactile cueing, developing an eye for movement, the importance of comprehensive education and why becoming a great Pilates teacher takes years of experience.
We also discuss the changing Pilates industry, the impact of social media and short teacher-training courses, the future of the profession, and the importance of continuing education and community.
Olga shares some wonderful stories from her career, including an inspiring lesson about the importance of footwork, as well as her thoughts on teaching with purpose, adapting the repertoire and helping clients discover what their bodies are capable of.
Whether you're a Classical Pilates teacher, a contemporary instructor, a studio owner or simply passionate about the method, this episode is filled with wisdom, experience and inspiration.
Listen to The Art of Pilates with Louise Taube and special guest Olga Tamara for a fascinating conversation about Classical Pilates, authenticity, teaching, mastery and the future of the Pilates profession.
Connect with Olga
Instagram - olgatamara2
email - [email protected]
website for education www.authenticpilateseducation.com
Website for studio authentic pilates studio
Book into the September 2026 Classical conference here: https://authenticpilateseducation.com/event/apei-classic-pilates-conference/
Connect with Louise
Email [email protected]
Pilates Studio https://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Training https://www.taubepilates.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Art of Pilates and share it with a Pilates or fitness professional
Download your free eBook here!
https://www.taubepilates.com/osteoporosis-and-osteopenia-free-ebook-for-pilates-teachers
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form here —I’d love to hear from you.
In this episode of Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Peta, from the Women’s Health Education Network (WHEN), for an insightful conversation about supporting women through pregnancy and the postnatal period.
We explore some of the common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy exercise, abdominal exercise and diastasis recti, and discuss why Pilates and fitness professionals need to look beyond simply “protecting the baby” to consider the health, wellbeing and individual needs of the woman.
We talk about:
✨ Exercise recommendations during pregnancy
✨ Diastasis recti and abdominal exercise
✨ What the evidence tells us about movement during pregnancy
✨ Supporting women through postnatal recovery
✨ Returning to exercise after having a baby
✨ Pelvic health and the importance of appropriate education
✨ Common myths and misconceptions around pregnancy exercise
✨ Why Pilates instructors need evidence-based resources and education
✨ How we can better support women with confidence throughout pregnancy and beyond
Peta also shares some fantastic free, evidence-based resources from WHEN for Pilates and fitness professionals.
Exercise and Pregnancy Instructors WorkshopWomen's Health Education Network (WHEN)
Diastasis Position Statement – Abdominal Exercise and Diastasis Recti During PregnancyWHEN Diastasis Position Statement
Exercise and Pregnancy GuidelinesWHEN Exercise & Pregnancy Guidelines
Exercise During Pregnancy – Full Education SectionExercise During Pregnancy – WHEN
Postnatal Health: What Nobody Tells YouWHEN Postnatal Health Resources
Pregnancy Body Changes: What Nobody Tells YouWHEN Pregnancy Resources
The Women's Health Education Network (WHEN) is a registered not-for-profit with charitable and tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. WHEN creates free, evidence-based women's health education and resources, including diastasis and pregnancy guidelines, to help Pilates and fitness professionals access trusted information and support their clients with confidence.
As a not-for-profit, WHEN relies on the generosity of the industry it serves. When studios give back, it directly funds the next round of education and resources for the instructors and clients who benefit from them.
Connect with Peta
Instagram - when.womenshealth
Website - https://when.org.au/
Connect with Louise
Email[email protected]
Pilates Studiohttps://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Traininghttps://www.taubepilates.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Art of Pilates and share it with a Pilates or fitness professional who works with women during pregnancy or the postnatal period.
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form here —I’d love to hear from you.
In this episode of Art of Pilates, I’m joined by Peta, from the Women’s Health Education Network (WHEN), for an insightful conversation about supporting women through pregnancy and the postnatal period.
We explore some of the common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy exercise, abdominal exercise and diastasis recti, and discuss why Pilates and fitness professionals need to look beyond simply “protecting the baby” to consider the health, wellbeing and individual needs of the woman.
We talk about:
✨ Exercise recommendations during pregnancy
✨ Diastasis recti and abdominal exercise
✨ What the evidence tells us about movement during pregnancy
✨ Supporting women through postnatal recovery
✨ Returning to exercise after having a baby
✨ Pelvic health and the importance of appropriate education
✨ Common myths and misconceptions around pregnancy exercise
✨ Why Pilates instructors need evidence-based resources and education
✨ How we can better support women with confidence throughout pregnancy and beyond
Peta also shares some fantastic free, evidence-based resources from WHEN for Pilates and fitness professionals.
Exercise and Pregnancy Instructors Workshop
Women's Health Education Network (WHEN)
Diastasis Position Statement – Abdominal Exercise and Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy
WHEN Diastasis Position Statement
Exercise and Pregnancy Guidelines
WHEN Exercise & Pregnancy Guidelines
Exercise During Pregnancy – Full Education Section
Exercise During Pregnancy – WHEN
Postnatal Health: What Nobody Tells You
WHEN Postnatal Health Resources
Pregnancy Body Changes: What Nobody Tells You
WHEN Pregnancy Resources
The Women's Health Education Network (WHEN) is a registered not-for-profit with charitable and tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. WHEN creates free, evidence-based women's health education and resources, including diastasis and pregnancy guidelines, to help Pilates and fitness professionals access trusted information and support their clients with confidence.
As a not-for-profit, WHEN relies on the generosity of the industry it serves. When studios give back, it directly funds the next round of education and resources for the instructors and clients who benefit from them.
Connect with Peta
Instagram - when.womenshealth
Website - https://when.org.au/
Connect with Louise
Email[email protected]
Pilates Studiohttps://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Traininghttps://www.taubepilates.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Art of Pilates and share it with a Pilates or fitness professional who works with women during pregnancy or the postnatal period.
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
Interested in bringing accredited Pilates education to your studio? I'm now partnering with studios across Australia to host my specialist teacher training courses. Host studios receive one complimentary place, and all studio instructors receive 50% off their enrolment. If you'd like to host a course in 2026, 2027 or 2028, simply complete the expression of interest form here —I’d love to hear from you.
In this episode of The Art of Pilates, I'm joined by Elyse McDonald, Director and Principal Instructor of Elysium Studio Pilates in Canberra. Elyse shares her inspiring journey from competitive Highland dancer to Pilates educator after a career-ending back injury changed the course of her life.
Together, we explore how rehabilitation shaped her teaching philosophy, why clinical reasoning is just as important as learning the Pilates repertoire, and what it really means to teach the person—not just the exercise.
We also reflect on our recent collaboration hosting my Pilates for Pregnancy & Postnatal Teacher Training at Elysium Studio Pilates. Despite an unexpected power blackout halfway through the workshop, the experience became a powerful reminder of what can happen when educators, instructors, and students come together to solve problems, support one another, and keep learning.
Learn with Elyse McDonald
If you're looking to deepen your Pilates knowledge or begin your teaching journey, be sure to explore Elyse's upcoming education opportunities.
Instructor Training 2026/2027
Comprehensive Pilates teacher training for aspiring and experienced instructors.
Bali Retreat 2027
Join Elyse for a unique Pilates retreat in beautiful Bali. Bookings are now open for 2027.
Connect with Elyse
Website
https://elysiumstudiopilates.com.au
Instagram
@elysiumstudiopilates
https://www.instagram.com/elysiumstudiopilates/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/elysiumstudiopilates/
Connect with Louise
Email
[email protected]
Pilates Studio
https://www.louisetaubepilates.com
Teacher Training
https://www.taubepilates.com
Whether you're a Pilates instructor, studio owner, student teacher, or movement professional, this conversation is filled with practical insights, inspiration, and a reminder that our profession is strongest when we support each other's growth.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Pilates instructor who believes in the power of community and lifelong learning. Every review helps more people discover The Art of Pilates podcast and supports our mission to elevate the Pilates profession through education, collaboration, and evidence-informed practice.
Expression of interest form
https://louise-taube.mykajabi.com/host-a-taube-pilates-education-course?preview_theme_id=2157750103
Download your free eBook here! https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal
In this episode of the Art of Pilates Podcast, I sit down with internationally respected Pilates educator Sue Nash to explore the often misunderstood world of hypermobility. This conversation completely changed the way I think about flexibility, stability, and how we teach movement.
Sue shares her incredible knowledge on why hypermobility is so much more than simply being flexible. We discuss why hypermobile bodies are more prone to pain, fatigue and injury, and why the answer isn't always stretching—but instead learning how to build strength, stability and body awareness.
In this episode, we cover:
One of the biggest lessons I took away from this conversation was that our role as Pilates teachers isn't to chase bigger ranges of movement—it's to help our clients move with greater control, confidence and strength.
Whether you're a Pilates instructor, movement professional, allied health practitioner, or someone living with hypermobility, I know you'll walk away from this episode with practical ideas you can use immediately.
🎧 If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe to The Art of Pilates Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit from learning more about hypermobility and intelligent movement.
Connect with Sue:
For studio: https: //www.turningtidepilates.co.nz/
For instagram: @pilatesturningtide
Connect with Louise:
Louise [email protected]
For studio: https://www.louisetaubepilates.com
For teacher training: https://www.taubepilates.com
https://www.turningtidepilates.co.nz/
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