Robyn Rix, President of the Pilates Association Australia, joins Daniela DeFabio to trace Pilates back to Joseph Pilates and his early work in “Contrology,” then translates that history into clear, usable principles for listeners. Robyn explains the six commonly taught Pilates principles — Concentration, Control, Centering (the “powerhouse”), Precision, Breath and Flow — and shows how they interrelate: control and precision enable flow, while breath underpins stability and movement quality. Her framing helps demystify the method, positioning Pilates as a holistic system that trains muscular control, spinal mobility and mindful movement rather than a single “core” exercise or trendy workout. 

The conversation then moves through practical studio realities: the difference between Mat, Reformer and full studio apparatus, the distinctions between Classical and Contemporary approaches, and why mat work is often best earned later in a progression. Robyn emphasises the value of hands-on teaching, the 3D view instructors use when coaching clients, and the subtleties of tactile cueing and breath coaching that simply don’t translate well to low-quality online or large-group formats. She also outlines what a proper Pilates qualification entails (extensive contact hours, observed teaching and progression/regression skills) and why collaboration with allied health professionals strengthens client outcomes. 

Finally, Robyn offers a listener’s checklist for choosing the right Pilates experience: start with an initial health assessment, prioritise studios where instructors circulate and individualise cueing, expect breath to be cued and safety to be explained, and favour small or private formats for those with pathology. She warns of red flags — loud, dominant music, no initial assessment, scripted front-of-room demonstration without individual correction — and closes with an encouraging message: commit to consistent, well-guided practice, seek qualified teachers, and view Pilates as a progressive pathway toward better movement and long-term resilience. 

This episode delves into the often-overlooked power of breath in Pilates, focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and how it reconnects us to centre, calms the nervous system, and supports spinal function. Host Bruce Hildebrand unpacks why many people default to shallow, high chest breathing—especially under stress—and outlines the cascade of compensations that follow: tight necks and shoulders, braced abdominals, a rigid pelvis, and a pelvic floor that can’t rhythmically expand and contract. The episode reframes breath not as an accessory but as the primary driver of fluid, resilient movement.

Bruce then explains the intimate partnership between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor, presenting the “core” as an integrated system of internal pressure, breath, and subtle movement rather than a set of isolated muscles. He introduces lateral ribcage breathing as a refined Pilates cue—an extension of diaphragmatic breathing that keeps the abdominals gently engaged while allowing the ribs to expand “like an umbrella.” Practical examples show how reconnecting breath transforms familiar exercises: without it, The Hundred is mere arm-pumping; with it, exercises become energising, restorative and precise.

The episode closes with actionable guidance for teachers and practitioners: start with the diaphragm, invite downward breath, then guide expansion into the sides of the ribcage, cue softness in the upper body, and allow the pelvis and pelvic floor to respond naturally. Emphasis is placed on invitation over command—encourage awareness, use hands-on cues where helpful, and prioritise presence over perfection. Listeners are left with a clear message: breath is where Pilates becomes meaningful, and integrating it thoughtfully makes the method truly transformative.

In this episode Lisa Jackson sits down with Donna Bridge — a high-level rock climber, lifelong adventurer and soon-to-be 60-year-old who discovered Pilates just 18 months ago. Their conversation draws a vivid line between the demands of climbing and the principles of Pilates, showing how breath control, razor-sharp focus and embodied self-mastery translate between vertical rock faces and the studio mat. Donna’s story reframes Pilates not as a gentle add-on but as a performance-enhancing, mind-body practice that complements extreme outdoor pursuits.

Donna came to Pilates originally to address hip pain and lower-back stiffness and quickly found that the practice rebuilt a missing core connection and freed up spinal mobility—changes that improved her climbing technique and everyday movement efficiency. Beyond the physical gains, Donna describes how Pilates has become a practical tool for managing the mental and physical load of caregiving and life stress: simple breath work, rolling sequences and tailored sessions gave her measurable relief and resilience. Her experience also underscores the value of personalised instruction—teachers who listen, assess, and adapt produce the real, lasting outcomes listeners want.

The episode concludes with a clear invitation: Pilates is a lifelong ally for active people who want to keep moving well into later decades. Donna urges listeners to try different teachers and formats until they find the right match, to commit to consistency, and to prioritise depth of training over quick fixes. Her message is hopeful and practical—invest in quality instruction, trust the process, and you can preserve the joy of movement for years to come. 

Welcome to the first episode of Why Pilates — a clear, practical introduction to the Pilates method with Lisa Jackson (PAA Education Officer). Learn what Pilates really is (and isn’t), discover the six core principles that make it powerful, and get simple, real-world tips to start moving smarter — not harder. 

In this introductory episode Lisa Jackson explains the true spirit of Pilates — a century-old movement system created by Joseph Pilates that combines breath, alignment and mindful control to restore resilient, functional movement. Lisa busts common myths (social-media Pilates vs the method), walks listeners through the six core principles — concentration, control, centering, precision, breath and flow — and gives practical guidance for getting the best results: work with a qualified teacher, start small, be consistent, and listen to your body. This episode closes with what to expect from the series and a preview that Robyn Rix, PAA President, will join in the next episode. 

Key takeaways

Pilates is a whole-body movement method rooted in breath, alignment and control — not just flashy Reformer moves or fitness trends. 

The six core Pilates principles: Concentration, Control, Centering, Precision, Breath, Flow — master these and the exercises deliver real, lasting results. 

Quality over quantity: precision and intent trump speed and repetition — “start small and start smart.”

Recovery and variety matter — training every day at high intensity is not the answer; listen to your body.