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.

• Why a pelvic floor isn't simply “weak” or “strong” — an overactive or tight pelvic floor can also contribute to leaking, pain and other symptoms.
• Pelvic floor health and menopause — including changes that can occur and why symptoms shouldn't simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing.
• Pregnancy and postnatal care — when women should consider seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist and why you don't necessarily need to wait until six weeks postpartum if you're experiencing symptoms.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes — including why pelvic floor issues are surprisingly common among high-level athletes.
• The connection between stress, the nervous system and pelvic floor tension — and why our pelvic floor can respond to what is happening throughout the rest of our body.
• Bladder and bowel habits — including toilet positioning, straining and how everyday habits can influence pelvic health.
• Pelvic floor-friendly exercise — how breathing, load, movement and appropriate pelvic floor engagement can be incorporated into Pilates without excessive bracing or breath holding.
• When Pilates teachers should refer — understanding our scope of practice and recognising when a client may benefit from assessment by a pelvic health physiotherapist.
• Pelvic health through the lifespan — and why having open conversations about these issues can help people seek support earlier.

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.

• Elyse's journey from elite Highland dancing to Pilates education
• Recovering from a significant back injury through Pilates rehabilitation
• Building Elysium Studio Pilates from a garage into a leading education hub
• Why curiosity and clinical reasoning create exceptional Pilates instructors
• The importance of continuing professional development
• How collaboration strengthens the Pilates profession instead of competition
• Building successful Pilates teacher training programs
• Creating authentic social media that builds genuine community
• Upcoming education opportunities through Body Organics Education

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:

• What hypermobility really is—and why it's more than flexibility
• Common signs and symptoms Pilates instructors should recognise
• How hypermobility affects posture, movement and proprioception
• Why pregnancy and menopause can create additional challenges for hypermobile bodies
• The hidden reasons behind pain, fatigue and recurring injuries
• Why stretching may not be the best approach
• Practical Pilates strategies to build stability and resilience
• My favourite teaching takeaways from Sue that I'll be applying in my own studio

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/

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:

• What hypermobility really is—and why it's more than flexibility
• Common signs and symptoms Pilates instructors should recognise
• How hypermobility affects posture, movement and proprioception
• Why pregnancy and menopause can create additional challenges for hypermobile bodies
• The hidden reasons behind pain, fatigue and recurring injuries
• Why stretching may not be the best approach
• Practical Pilates strategies to build stability and resilience
• My favourite teaching takeaways from Sue that I'll be applying in my own studio

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/

Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠

In this episode of the Art of Pilates Podcast, Louise Taube is joined by Associate Professor Sandra Iuliano, Senior Research Fellow and internationally recognised expert in bone health and nutrition.

Together, they explore the science behind osteoporosis and osteopenia, breaking down what really happens to our bones as we age and what we can do to protect them. Sandra shares evidence-based insights on the role of calcium, vitamin D, protein, dairy foods, exercise, and lifestyle habits in maintaining strong, healthy bones throughout life.

The conversation covers everything from peak bone mass in childhood and the impact of menopause on bone health to the relationship between nutrition, weight-bearing exercise, falls prevention, and fracture risk. Sandra also discusses her groundbreaking research showing how simple dietary changes significantly reduced fractures in older adults living in aged care.

Whether you're concerned about osteoporosis, supporting clients with bone health challenges, navigating menopause, or simply wanting to age well, this episode is packed with practical advice and myth-busting information that can help you build stronger bones for life.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What osteoporosis and osteopenia really mean• Why bone health starts long before menopause• The importance of calcium, protein, and vitamin D• How exercise and nutrition work together to strengthen bones• Common myths about dairy, supplements, and bone health• The role of falls prevention in reducing fractures• Whether vegans can get enough nutrients to support bone health• The latest research on osteoporosis prevention and treatment

If you're a Pilates teacher, health professional, or someone interested in maintaining strength, mobility, and independence as you age, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Download your free eBook here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com/Free-Ebook-pregnancy-and-postnatal⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Louise:

Louise [email protected]

For studio:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.louisetaubepilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

For teacher training: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taubepilates.com