Today’s guest, Dr. Laura Williams, firmly believes in never telling her patients “no” because she doesn’t want them to develop any type of fear of movement. Dr. Williams joins us to discuss pelvic floor health, maternal well-being, body changes for moms, pregnancy, and Pilates. All the essentials! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, and the founder of Hearth Healing, Dr. Williams provides fully virtual pre- and postnatal pelvic health coaching. Through Hearth Healing, she helps women manage issues like leakage, pain, and weakness throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, with customized at-home workouts—no childcare required! Laura is passionate about empowering women with labour and delivery preparation, birthing agency, and immediate postpartum recovery strategies. Tune in to hear Dr. Williams talk about her business, debunk pregnancy and movement myths, offer advice for emotional support postnatally, and share valuable insights for women’s health. Don’t miss this conversation filled with advice and inspiration!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hannah gives a short bio on Dr. Williams and the topic of today’s episode.
• Dr. Williams gives listeners a personal and professional background.
• More about her business Hearth Healing.
• We do some pregnancy-related women’s health myth-busting.
• What research tells us about pregnancy and movement.
• We examine the gaps in information accessibility for women.
• Why Dr. Williams strives to never tell her patients “no.”
• The benefits of giving out hand-tailored programs to each individual patient.
• Dr. William breaks down her thoughts on the concept of training and cueing the pelvic floor.
• Her approach and perspective on when postnatal women are ready to start “working their core.”
• Tips for better supporting women emotionally in their postnatal season.
• The value of tuning into the subtle signals our bodies send as women.
• Knowing the boundaries of our abilities to help someone in that instance.
• Last words of advice to movement coaches and teachers regarding Pilates, movement, and pregnancy.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Laura Williams on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/yourhearthhealing/

Dr. Laura Williams on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-williams-57b06b264/

Dr. Laura Williams Email — laura@yourhearthhealing.com

Hearth Healing — https://www.yourhearthhealing.com/

Exercise to Address Leakage, Pain, and a Weak Core — https://www.loom.com/share/803ef42b559841c283e0e846e01f821b

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

Performance F

From every corner of the globe, bodies of all shapes and sizes are embracing Pilates. And just as diverse bodies practice it, diverse bodies should be teaching it, too. That’s the real superpower! This episode is dedicated to anyone considering whether or not to do a Pilates teacher training. Join Hannah as she debunks various reasons for not becoming a Pilates teacher and inspires listeners to pursue their passion for movement.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The topic of conversation for today’s episode!
• Hannah answers the question: Should I, or could I, become a Pilates teacher?
• She debunks some of the factors hindering people from becoming a Pilates teacher.
• Great teachers are made, not born!

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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

Today on the Pilates Exchange, we take a closer look at the so-called 'Pilates body,' a concept we've touched on before but are diving deeper into today. While this discussion may resonate more with our students than our teachers, it's an important topic worth exploring! Join Hannah as she talks listeners through why the “Pilates body” may not be an attainable physical goal for all body types, and explores what this ideal body shape might look like. She unpacks the different range of factors that lead to certain dancer/athletic body types, and why she strives to measure the success of Pilates based on other factors beyond the mythical unicorn that is the “Pilates body.” Something close to Hannah’s heart is for listeners and students to have a healthy, happy body and to truly appreciate the skin they’re in. For them to embrace their body and the movement it's capable of, focusing on their own experiences rather than an unrealistic shape being promoted, which may not even be achievable for the diverse range of body types. Let’s shift the focus inward and celebrate our unique physical abilities. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hannah introduces today’s topic of conversation.
• Why the “Pilates body” that has been sold might not be a physical possibility.
• She explores what this body might look like.
• The dance, or athletic, body and the factors that lead to the physicality of it.
• Measuring the success of the Pilates method based on a wide range of factors beyond the “arbitrary look.”
• Shifting the focus: strength takes time and consistent effort over a long period of time.
• How moving now will improve your life now and in the future.
• The good news: you already have the body and the tools to move your body.

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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

It's well-known that the worlds of Pilates and dance frequently overlap, with many Pilates instructors having a background as dancers. Today on The Pilates Exchange, we discuss the common fears Pilates teachers have and remind you that you don’t need to have a dance or movement background to teach Pilates. Tuning in, you’ll hear about why some Pilates teachers feel intimidated by their colleagues with dance backgrounds, why your certifications aren’t what define you as a good teacher, and what really counts when it comes to instructing your clients. We delve into some questions to ask yourself to dive deeper into your insecurities before discussing the importance of authenticity. You’ll be reminded that dancers also have to learn how to teach Pilates! Finally, we stress the importance of letting your love for teaching soar! Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why teachers with dance backgrounds can be intimidating to other Pilates teachers.
• What truly matters for Pilates teachers: the connection between you and your students.
• Why the number of certifications you have is not as important as you think it is.
• Digging deeper into your potential insecurity and questions to ask yourself.
• The importance of authenticity and a reminder that dancers still have to learn how to teach.
• What to focus on when teaching: cueing your students and continuing to love what you do.

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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

There is a Pilates method for every type of body — regardless of shape, size, age, or ability. Do all the exercises mirror those originally created by Joseph Pilates? Probably not. But is it still Pilates? Absolutely! In today’s episode, we dive into the conversation surrounding the bullying that persists in our industry around classical versus contemporary Pilates. Join Hannah as she delves into why she feels this is an important conversation to have (again), why thoughtful debate and discussion are indeed important especially when done together, and why she’s more concerned about how knowledge is being transmitted. She also provides insights into disarming the urge to bully, the importance of referring out as a core studio value of theirs, and explores a more meaningful discussion that should be happening in the Pilates world. For all this and more, don’t miss this insightful episode of The Pilates Exchange!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why Hannah feels this conversation is a necessary one to have (again).
• Her thoughts on where the bullying stems from.
• Why thoughtful discussion and debate are important.
• What students care about (and it’s not a competition between classical and contemporary).
• Why Hannah is more concerned with how you are transmitting the knowledge you’ve gained.
• Injury and Pilates — what does the research really say?
• She delves into a discussion on the appalling need for people to police each other.
• The importance of coming together, lifting each other up, and supporting each other in this industry.
• There should be Pilates for any of the special populations.
• Hannah shares questions instructors should ask themselves about the method of Pilates they want to teach.
• Referring out and why it’s a key value of Hannah’s Pilates studio.
• The strange basis of Pilates-purist bullying.
• Only “original equipment” versus having a wide range of manufactured equipment.
• The issue with large reformer classes: doing and teaching what suits your skillset and business model.
• She unpacks how the teacher can make a difference if you fall in love with a method.
• Hannah breaks down a car analogy for choosing your preferred method of Pilates.
• She looks at a more worthwhile discussion we should be having around the standardization of Pilates.
• Having conversations around taking steps to create better business models and safer, more effective environments.

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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

Looking for your first Pilates teaching job? It might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stand out from the crowd! In this episode, host Hannah Teutscher shares valuable insights on how to make a lasting impression on studio owners, from attending classes to researching the studio’s culture. Discover why personalising your emails, demonstrating your values, and being prepared with detailed information can help to set you apart. Whether you’re a new or experienced teacher, tune in to learn tips to position yourself as the perfect fit for a Pilates studio and make your job hunt smoother and more successful!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reasons to attend classes at a studio before applying for a teaching role there.
• What small studio owners are looking for and the importance of doing prior research.
• Reasons not to limit yourself to Pilates studios when applying for jobs.
• How personalising your emails can help make a strong first impression.
• The benefits of researching a studio’s culture and aligning your teaching style.
• Why including detailed information in your email saves time for studio owners.
• How offering to demo classes or be on a sub-list shows flexibility and commitment.
• Why following up after no response can keep you on the studio owner’s radar.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers: https://my.marvelouspages.com/performance-fit-online/free-creativity-challenge

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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

Pilates has been put in the social media spotlight recently and that has led to a lot of people wanting to try it out. While this is wonderful, these newbies may have been misled by the glamours of social media and are potentially seeking the same aesthetics they see online. Today on The Pilates Exchange, we are discussing why Pilates is not a performance and sharing some tips for teachers to educate their students on what really matters in their classes. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about where the true performance comes in Pilates, how you, as a teacher, can support an environment focused on how your body feels and not how it looks and so much more! We even do a comparison between dance and Pilates and see how they differ in performance. Finally, Hannah shares why her focus at her studio is not on aesthetics and performance. To hear all this and learn about fostering an environment that prioritizes results over aesthetics, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why there is such a large influx of younger people wanting to do Pilates.
• Their false impression of what Pilates is – performance.
• Where the true performance comes in Pilates: your life.
• How to create an environment that isn’t based on performance as a teacher.
• Considering whether your cues are aesthetic-based ones.
• A comparison between dance and Pilates and how the ‘performance’ goals differ.
• Why Hannah’s focus at her studio is not based on aesthetics.

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: hannah@Pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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

If you’re feeling stuck as a Pilates teacher, you might be tempted to invest in an expensive new course. But what if you didn’t need to? What if, instead, you could tap into your creativity to keep your teaching fresh and adapt to the unique needs of your students? In today’s episode, we explore how a creative mindset can elevate your teaching. We examine why creativity isn’t about overhauling traditional Pilates methods but about broadening your perspective to better meet clients’ needs, and how using movement creativity tools in the moment allows you to tailor exercises to the individual in front of you. You’ll also hear about the Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers, a five-day event designed to boost your creativity and teaching skills. Tune in to discover how you can revitalise your practice and approach each session with fresh, innovative insights!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Creativity as a mindset; why it can help so many different aspects of your teaching.
• How creativity empowers you to be a more flexible teacher.
• Adapting existing exercises for the body that is in front of you.
• Using movement creativity tools and applying them in the moment.
• Why you don’t need to take an expensive course to keep your Pilates fresh.
• What it means to have a creative mindset as a Pilates teacher.
• Expanding your perspective beyond traditional Pilates dogma.
• What to expect from our Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers – https://my.marvelouspages.com/performance-fit-online/free-creativity-challenge

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: hannah@pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

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