Pilates Exchange

By Hannah TeutscherHealth & Fitness Arts Fitness Performing Arts

Pilates Exchange episodes

August 08, 2024Hands On Assists
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Movement can be the joy that integrates us all together, but what about touch? Hands on assists has been a topic of contention in yoga for many years and recently, there's been a decided shift in what is widely deemed acceptable and unacceptable. To help us gain a better understanding of the evolution of hands on adjusts, we are joined today by Erin Ehlers – a yoga teacher, therapist, and licensed massage therapist with the goal of merging the philosophical traditions of yoga with modern movement science. Erin begins with her personal view of hands on assists and how it has changed since studying massage therapy, how it's impossible to have one universally accepted (and equitable) standard, the role of empathy, and the best practices to adopt when using hands on assists in your teachings. We also unpack the power of choice, the importance of adequate training, and Erin's approach to consent. We end with some helpful tools to be aware of for your next yoga session.

Key Points From This Episode:
Welcoming yoga therapist, Erin Ehlers as she walks us through her journey in movement.
Erin's view on hands on assists and how it's changed since she studied massage therapy.
Debunking the notion that there is only one ideal that we should all be striving towards.
Why hands on assists are always better with empathy.
How various styles of yoga incorporate hands on assists and the best practices to adopt.
Why choice matters and why this conversation is bigger than just consent.
Understanding that there is a time and place for everything.
The importance of being adequately trained and prepared as a teacher.
Erin shares her thoughts on consent and dives deeper into her hands on approach.
Tools and strategies to keep in mind for your next yoga class.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Erin Ehlers
Erin Ehlers on Instagram
Erin Ehlers on YouTube
‘The Art of Asking’
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher
57 min
August 01, 2024Change is Hard
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Welcome back to The Pilates Exchange! After a rejuvenating sabbatical, host Hannah Teutscher is back to kick off season two with some exciting updates, before taking a deep dive into the challenges and benefits of implementing lasting change. Tune in as Hannah shares her journey of recent developments, both personally and professionally, from restructuring her studio and memberships to learning to prioritise self-care and consciously pursuing happiness. You’ll also learn about the three primary emotional systems (caring, drive excitement, and threat protection) and how understanding these can transform both teaching and personal growth.
Join Hannah as she sets the stage for a new season focused on the deep work of teaching in your most authentic way, embracing change, and unlocking your unlimited potential through movement!

Key Points From This Episode:
Hannah's recent sabbatical and reflections on personal and professional growth.
Major changes in the studio: restructuring, new programs, and more.
How Hannah is prioritising self-care and deep work.
Why it’s so difficult to implement lasting change.
Insights from Neha Sharma, an organisational psychologist, on the psychological component of undergoing major changes in your business.
How our emotions guide our bio-social goals and motivations.
An overview of Paul Gilbert's Model of the 3 Affect Regulation Systems.
The three emotional regulation systems: caring, drive excitement, and threat protection.
Consciously pursuing happiness: why we strive for change, even when it’s dificult.
Upcoming changes to the podcast format and content.
Encouragement to join the journey of deep work and personal growth.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dropping Your Armour with Neha Sharma — https://droppingyourarmor.buzzsprout.com/
The Model of the 3 Affect Regulation Systems (Paul Gilbert, 2007) — https://mi-psych.com.au/your-brains-3-emotion-regulation-systems/
Porges, S. (2017): The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe — https://wwnorton.com/books/The-Pocket-Guide-to-the-Polyvagal-Theory/
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher
24 min
April 25, 2024Pilates Teacher Self-Care
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Teachers are such generous people who give so selflessly to their students and often forget to take care of themselves. In this episode of The Pilates Exchange, we discuss the importance of Pilates teacher self-care. Tune in to hear all about why you need to prioritize self-care, why you need to set clear boundaries about who you are capable of teaching, the importance of settling limits of how much you give of yourself, and why you need to protect your time. Today you will be reminded that you cannot process your trauma through your clients and be empowered to let your personal story become your teaching superpower. To hear all about Hannah’s personal boundaries and be inspired to set your own, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:
Pilates teachers as generous people and why they struggle to set boundaries.
The importance of digging deep to understand who you are capable of teaching.
Hannah shares an example of her teaching boundaries and how she discovered them.
Why you cannot process your trauma through your clients.
How your personal story can become your superpower as a teacher.
Why setting limits on how much you can give of yourself to other people is self-care.
The importance of protecting and creating boundaries around your time.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher
22 min
April 18, 2024Teaching as Performance
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The role of teaching is both an art and a science. It encompasses many different aspects and skills, all put together to create an atmosphere conducive to learning, engagement, motivation, and inspiration! It’s important that we understand what skills we need, to do just that. Join Hannah as she dives deep into why aspects of teaching have some element of performance, without the ‘big show’ and hear her explain why, and how, she incorporates humour into her teaching. She expresses the importance of understanding that the more you engage your audience, the better the learning experience, and shares key tips regarding room placement, how to use your voice, and include your body through gestures in your communication. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode, start listening now!

Key Points From This Episode:
Hannah shares the background for today’s topic of discussion.
Why aspects of teaching have something to do with performance, without putting on a big show.
How Hannah uses humour as a tool to temper down frustrations (and why).
Understanding that the more you engage your audience, the better that learning experience.
Thinking about the placement of where you are placed in the room.
The volume, speed, and tempo of your voice.
Communicating by using your body, through gesture.
Using your face as part of the way you show up to command the audience.
Hannah recaps the different skills you can utilize to help create an atmosphere of learning, engagement, motivation, and inspiration!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Working in Yoga Podcast: https://www.workinginyoga.com/podcast
Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccasebastianyoga/
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher
16 min
April 04, 2024Husband and Wife Pilates Team
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Like any relationship, a business partnership with your spouse brings unique opportunities and challenges to overcome together. Today on The Pilates Exchange, Hannah’s husband and business partner, Christian Teutscher, joins us to talk about what it’s like to work with your partner in your business and teach with them full-time, 24 hours a day! We share tips for building a good working relationship and the tools we use to put love first in stressful situations. We also discuss what makes working with your partner so incredibly rewarding, what the downsides can be, the importance of clear boundaries, and much more! For exclusive insight into this dynamic husband and wife Pilates team, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:
The “intense and unusual” circumstances in which Hannah and Christian first met.
How complaining without looking for a solution can make a stressful situation worse.
Why open communication is key when you spend so much time with someone.
Insight into how Hannah and Christian’s business is set up.
The importance of setting clear boundaries between private and professional.
The value of kind words, having separate hobbies, and taking “vacations” from your phone.
Reasons that working with your partner can be extremely rewarding!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Christian Teutscher on Instagram: @christian_teutscher
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher
21 min
March 28, 2024Do We Need to Motivate Pilates Clients
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Today on The Pilates Exchange Podcast, Hannah broaches a topic of discussion that has been popping up in a few different Facebook groups lately: do we need to motivate our clients? Is it part of our job as Pilates instructors to make sure that they stay engaged and keep coming to classes? Or does our job description end with generously sharing our expertise? Join the conversation to find out why Hannah believes, as part of her values, that it is a fundamental aspect of her job to motivate her clients. She delves into why she believes you can’t just show up and dump your expertise, how we can ignite and lend our passion, and some of the different forms that motivating clients can take. You’ll also learn how to navigate seemingly low-motivation environments or behaviours and gain insights into mastering self-motivation and teaching clients how to tap into their intrinsic motivation. Tune in for all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:
Why motivating her clients is part of Hannah’s set of values.
Reasons that it might not be enough to show up, teach your class, and be done with it.
Igniting passion for movement and the indispensability of the motivational aspect of teaching.
How motivating your clients can look like a bunch of different things.
Defining motivation and navigating an environment of seemingly low motivation.
Why Hannah won’t adopt the “no pain no gain” method and the approach she takes instead.
Insights into mastering self-motivation to continue to do the hard things.
How Pilates teachers become role models of the mindset of their work.
Hannah shares a story about a client finding his way.
Considerations for how you are (or can be) a motivator to your clients and students.
The importance of setting our expectations regarding motivation.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/
31 min
March 14, 2024Pilates Imposter with Hannah Teutscher
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The idea of imposter syndrome can feel intrusive and big. That feeling of shame, self-doubt, unworthiness, or that you are, in fact, unknowingly clueless. But is it possible, that some level of self-doubt is in essence, normal? Perhaps because of our passionate drive surrounding what we do? Join Hannah as she unpacks imposter syndrome in Pilates as she delves into four categories or characterizations of imposter syndrome. She looks at how reframing thoughts can help us navigate through these different feelings and she shares tips on how to do this. Hannah emphasises the importance of asking for help, finding a trusted mentor, and fighting your feelings with evidence! And remember, you are not alone in this. Thanks for tuning in, enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:
Diving deeper into what is meant by the phrase, imposter syndrome.
Normalising some level of imposter syndrome.
A brief overview of the four categories of imposter syndrome.
Hannah unpacks how reframing can help us navigate these feelings of imposter syndrome.
She dives further into each category, highlighting key points and how to reframe.
Don’t be afraid to get help in areas of your business where you don’t excel.
Finding a trusted person, a mentor, to articulate your journey with.
Fighting your feelings with evidence.
Final thoughts from Hannah on imposter syndrome in Pilates.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Episode 2 Pilates Exchange Cultivating Growth Mindset — https://youtu.be/Wq2_ewKmc-Q
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/
40 min
March 07, 2024Pilates Police with Natalie Wilson
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For a lot of us movement teachers and coaches, moving our bodies ultimately changed our lives leading to one of our biggest goals: to simply get our clients moving! Moving the body in different ways is truly a process of discovery. It’s about being curious and about seeing what it can or cannot do. The evolution of our industry is inevitable and to try and maintain Pilates purity seems counterproductive when we live in an ever-changing world. Today Hannah takes on a discussion about the Pilates Police. Those out there who have taken it upon themselves to be the authority on arbitrating what the definition of Pilates is — the defenders of the source code. She’s joined by the amazing Natalie Wilson out of Seattle, and together they share thoughts and beliefs on why bullying shouldn’t be tolerated! They delve into the impacts of the Pilates Police, on the confidence of new teachers, our clients, our businesses, and our industry. They unpack different strategies and tips on dealing with encounters with the Pilates Police and why it’s crucial that we regain focus on keeping Pilates fun and light! Tune in now for all this, and so much more, on this episode of The Pilates Exchange!

Key Points From This Episode:
Natalie Wilson: who she is, what she does, and where she’s at.
Her Pilates work in the hospital setting: working with people who have multiple sclerosis.
We dive into a discussion about how the Pilates Police get in her way.
Who the Pilates Police are (a definition).
The comment section: we look at a real-life case of the Pilates Police.
What upsets Natalie about what they (the Pilates Police) are doing.
We discuss helping our mentees who have experienced bullying.
Working with people who have a massive lack of confidence and unstable footing.
Hannah shares the different types of impostor syndrome she’s seeing in her teaching.
The downside of being forced into dance (and onto the stage).
We touch on strategies for navigating social media (and it’s comment section).
We share some of our run-ins with the Pilates Police.
How she approaches the question “Am I doing [it] right?”
Occupying the role of Pilates Police and how this can impact your business.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Natalie Wilson on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/nataliewilsonpilates
Natalie Wilson on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-wilson-5a159137/
Raphael Bender on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/the_raphaelbender
Pilates Elephants Podcast — https://pilates-elephants.breathe-education.com/
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
56 min
February 22, 2024Pilates, Scoliosis, and Raphael Bender
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Joining Hannah on the Pilates Exchange podcast is exercise physiologist and Pilates instructor, Raphael Bender. He's the owner of Breathe Education, a company that specialises in training Pilates instructors to excel in rehabilitation and anatomy, as well as helping them build their businesses; all conducted online. In today's episode, we dive into a conversation about scoliosis and Pilates, exploring where these two worlds intersect. Raphael sheds light on the intriguing aspects of scoliosis and discusses the limited availability of high-quality research on effective interventions. We highlight the fundamental importance of getting people moving in any demographic and Raphael emphasises the lack of evidence to show that any form of movement could be potentially harmful to those with scoliosis. We discuss pain, the difference between people with scoliosis who experience pain and those who don’t, and examine some of the existing literature on scoliosis. Don’t miss this informative conversation on Pilates, scoliosis, and more, including a profound and powerful reframe that movement professionals should adopt!

Key Points From This Episode:
Insight into the fascination that people in Pilates have with scoliosis.
The lack of good-quality research evidence for scoliosis (what helps and doesn’t help).
Why it’s important to simply getting people moving.
What type of scoliosis Raphael is and isn’t referring to.
The lack of evidence showing that any form of exercise makes scoliosis worse.
A quick look at fusion surgery and movement.
Raphael’s thoughts on the default for every movement professional: movement optimism.
A look at the biopsychosocial model of pain and Greg Lehman’s cup of resilience.
The difference between people with scoliosis who experience pain and those who don’t.
Existing literature on scoliosis; the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Addressing overthinking in the world of Pilates; simply do what you normally do!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Raphael Bender on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/the_raphaelbender
Raphael Bender on X — https://twitter.com/raphbender
Pilates Elephants Podcast — https://pilates-elephants.breathe-education.com/
Breathe Education — https://breathe-education.com/
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates
Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn:
47 min
February 15, 2024Pilates and Yoga with Dianne Bondy
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Joining us for yet another tough, but much-needed and inspiring conversation, is Dianne Bondy, E-RYT 500, YACEP. Dianne is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga and Pilates instructor, and the driving force behind the Yoga for All Movement. Her groundbreaking approach to yoga transcends traditional boundaries, empowering individuals of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities to embrace the practice. Dianne is at the forefront of revolutionizing yoga education, equipping instructors worldwide with the tools to create inclusive and welcoming class environments. In addition to her advocacy work, Dianne is a sought-after public speaker and the acclaimed author of international bestsellers, including Yoga for Everyone: 50 Poses for Every Type of Body, and co-author of Yoga Where You Are. She is a prolific contributor to various global publications, sharing her insights and expertise on yoga and social justice issues. She is the real deal! Join Hannah as she delves into what it is like for Dianne to lead the way in inclusivity and accessibility in the fitness world. They discuss Dianne's company tagline, her decision to start her studio with a blank canvas, and important topics like gatekeeping, feminism, and evolving movement practices. Tune in to learn about cueing from a positive perspective, the power of the online space, and why continuous, multifaceted evolution is essential for movement coaches!

Key Points From This Episode:
Her thoughts on leading the way in inclusivity and accessibility in the Pilates and fitness world.
Dianne unpacks the reason behind the tagline for her business Dianne Bondy Yoga Inc.
She expresses her surprise at the division of Pilates into contemporary and classical practice.
We dive into a discussion about gatekeeping, competition, feminism, and the evolution of things.
The expertise Dianne brings that flavours her movement and helps her students.
Leaving behind the practice of condemning other teachers because they don’t believe the same thing you believe.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dianne Bondy — https://diannebondyyoga.com/about-dianne/
Dianne Bondy Yoga — https://diannebondyyoga.com/
Dianne Bondy on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/DianneBondyYogaofficial/
Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes
Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips
Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass
Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/
Connect with Us: [email protected]
Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates
Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates
1 hr 5 min

About Pilates Exchange

From the publisher's feed

The Pilates Exchange is a podcast for movement teachers and studio owners who want to build sustainable, thoughtful careers in the wellness industry.

Through honest conversations,…