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In this powerful episode of Pilates Perspectives, Jessica Valant, physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and women’s health expert specializing in perimenopause and menopause, joins Joy for a deeply honest conversation about community, vulnerability, and empowerment through movement. Jessica opens up about her own health journey, including a breast cancer diagnosis and other challenges that reshaped her understanding of connection and resilience.

Together, Joy and Jessica explore how movement fosters community, the responsibility of instructors to create safe spaces, and why clear boundaries and expectations are crucial for establishing trust and safety. They discuss how vulnerability in Pilates and mindful movement can lead to personal agency, helping clients advocate for themselves, understand their limitations, and embrace the nuanced wisdom of the human body.

Whether you’re a Pilates teacher, wellness professional, or movement enthusiast, this episode will inspire you to foster authentic connection, honor individuality, and see how even small acts of community can create profound impact.

You can find Jessica at jessicavalant.com or on Instagram @jessicasvalant.

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In this captivating conversation, Joy Puleo sits down with Elizabeth Larkam, co-founder of Polestar Pilates, author of Fascia in Motion, and co-editor of Pilates Applications for Health Conditions, to explore how Pilates can be a powerful partner in rehabilitation. Elizabeth shares how her sister inspired her life’s work, reveals behind-the-scenes stories from Polestar's early days, and explains how a deeper understanding of movement science helps to integrate Pilates seamlessly into post-rehab care.

Together, they unpack the sensationalization of Pilates on social media and the confusion it creates for clients, advocating instead for evidence-informed, individualized programming. The episode dives into proprioception, gait-based assessment, and the importance of not taking physical ability for granted. Elizabeth also reflects on dance medicine, the value of true collaboration across healthcare and studio settings, and where the next wave of Pilates innovation is headed.

Elizabeth teaches daily online classes at: http://www.bewellstaywell.net/elizabethlarkam

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Host Joy Puleo welcomes two pivotal voices in Pilates history: trademark attorney Gordon Troy and Ken Endelman, CEO & Founder of Balanced Body, for a deep dive into the landmark Pilates trademark lawsuit. What would the Pilates landscape look like today if “Pilates” had remained a protected trademark? They take you inside the heat of the courtroom, the legal strategy, and the decisive ruling that unlocked open access to Pilates for studios, instructors, and everyday fitness enthusiasts. Along the way, Ken and Gordon share personal stories from the front lines, including what it was like to work closely with Pilates elders to safeguard Joseph Pilates’ legacy.

This episode unpacks how the ruling reshaped the industry, fueling global growth, innovation in Pilates equipment, diversified teacher training, and more accessible pathways for people discovering Pilates for strength, mobility, and pain relief. They answer questions like, Was Pilates ever trademarked? Can you trademark a method? Why the court said no, and how that decision affects the community today. Gordon also explores other notable Pilates lawsuits and their implications for studios and consumers.

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Paula Marie, Pilates Instructor, corporate wellness expert, business coach, grief advocate, public speaker, and professor at George Mason University, joins host Joy Puleo to unpack the business of Pilates and how to turn your passion into a sustainable career. Paula shares why “the riches are in the mistakes,” how growth happens in action, and the crucial role of boundaries so you can show up as your best self and fulfill your mission. You’ll learn what it really takes to balance teaching, business building, and well-being, plus practical strategies to market yourself and attract the clients you want. They explore brand positioning and values-led leadership that supports both studio profitability and client impact. If you’re a Pilates teacher, studio owner, or wellness entrepreneur, this episode is your roadmap to niche marketing, with real talk about mistakes, momentum, and staying aligned with your purpose. Find Paula at blackgirlsdopilates2.org.

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Everlea Bryant, Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor (NCPT), founder of Thique Sophisticate (pilatesbyeverlea.com, @pilatesthique), joins host Joy Puleo for a powerful conversation on building a more accessible, inclusive Pilates community. Everlea reflects on the legacy of Kathy Grant, the diversity of practice across classical and contemporary lineages, and how client-centered teaching empowers people with different bodies, identities, and needs. She discusses what it's like to feel “othered” as a person of color in a Pilates space, why curiosity and humility matter more than perfection, and how instructors can create safe spaces for healing through better language, consent, and welcoming attitudes. You’ll hear practical strategies for increasing accessibility, honoring client needs, and changing the world through small, meaningful actions, one session, one cue, one person at a time. If you care about representation in Pilates, equity in movement education, and community growth, this episode offers tools, inspiration, and a clear call to lead with empathy.

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Founder and CEO of Balanced Body, Ken Endelman, joins host Joy Puleo for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Pilates. Ken shares stories from his early connection to Joseph Pilates, how he entered the Pilates equipment business, and the ways biomechanics inform every design, from Reformers to studio essentials. Hear what it was like collaborating with Pilates elders and master teachers, why feeling good in your body can positively influence the world, and how a purpose-driven ethos shapes innovation at Balanced Body. They explore design principles, community growth, and Ken’s ongoing commitment to building equipment that supports safer movement, smarter studios, and stronger instructors. If you’re a teacher, studio owner, or curious student, this conversation illuminates the craft behind world-class Pilates equipment and the values that keep the community evolving.

Visit Pilates.com to learn more about Balanced Body's equipment and Pilates education.

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In our debut episode of Pilates Perspectives, host Joy Puleo sits down with Danica Kalemdaroglu, Owner and Master Practitioner at Pilates 804, to unpack what Pilates is, how to explain it to beginners, and why it’s such a powerful mind-body practice. They compare Reformer Pilates vs. the essence of Pilates, explore how Pilates complements calisthenics and physical therapy/rehab, and discuss how Pilates methodologies, from classical roots to contemporary approaches, can either work together or be in opposition. You’ll hear smart takes on accessibility in Pilates, the difference between leading a class and truly teaching, and how to address discomfort safely rather than just avoiding it. Whether you’re a new student, an instructor, or a studio owner, this conversation clarifies Pilates fundamentals and the benefits that keep people coming back.

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Join us on Pilates Perspectives, where we explore how Pilates can enrich your life, no matter your experience level. Gain enlightenment on the varying methodologies, the history of Pilates, how Pilates fits into the wellness landscape and practical tips for application. Each episode explores a range of topics, from building community through movement to the benefits of Pilates as a physical therapy and rehabilitation modality. We also tackle hot topics like education standardization, the fight for greater diversity in the Pilates world and how it becomes a lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind. Get ready to be inspired and develop a deeper understanding of this transformative practice!

Each episode features expert guests who share their years of firsthand experience and evidence-based insights, offering valuable knowledge for both Pilates beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Our mission is to provide useful information that enhances your wellness journey, fosters inclusivity, and broadens perspectives, ensuring that Pilates remains a dynamic and evolving practice for everyone.

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