Train instructors faster by focusing on “good enough to start”, not perfection.

Most studio owners overwhelm new instructors by trying to teach everything upfront. This slows learning and reduces confidence.

Instead:

• Define the minimum skill set needed to teach one class competently
• Give instructors a clear, repeatable “recipe” (exact class plan)
• Have them practice and teach the same class repeatedly
• Layer in new skills only after mastery

Key ideas:

• Prioritize depth over breadth
• Use real teaching reps + feedback as the main learning driver
• Standardize your class before trying to scale your team

Result: faster ramp, better classes, more consistent client experience

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

Studio owners often think they need a new trend, new machine, or new offer to stand out.

In this episode, Raphael and Heath argue the opposite.

They explain why the studios that win are not the ones chasing novelty. They are the ones with a clear style, a consistent client experience, and a team that delivers the same standard every time.

They also unpack the difference between running a food hall, where every instructor does their own thing under one roof. And running a restaurant, where the whole team delivers one clear product, as a team.

If your studio feels inconsistent, vulnerable to staff turnover, or harder to grow than it should, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This lecture was delivered live for our Diploma of Clinical Pilates.

You'll also find it as a video on YouTube if you want to see the visuals. Here's the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/UATwStlLVWI

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

Short answer - mostly not. But in a few cases, yes.

I delve into a better way to think about contrainidications, and working with people with pain, injury and chronic conditions.

Links:

• Brinjikji et al. 2015a - disc bulge is highly prevalent in pain-free people here
• Brinjikji et al. 2015b - disc bulge is slightly MORE prevalent in people with back pain here
• Painful exercises are slightly BETTER than non-painful exercises for people with chronic pain here

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

Why I don't believe there is a better definition of a good instructor than a full class of strong clients.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

This is for instructors AND studio owners.

It's the exact troubleshooting process I use to help studio owners fill their classes - based on the best practices of 100+ studios I've seen the numbers for, and what's working right now for the 30+ studios I currently work with.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

Many Pilates instructors make the same mistake when introducing an exercise: they give too much information.

Instead of helping clients move, long explanations overwhelm them and nothing sticks.

In this episode, we explore the difference between explaining and teaching, and why fewer, simpler cues often lead to better movement and faster learning.

If you want clients to actually do the exercise well, this mindset shift is essential.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

While we can adapt Pilates to the laws of physiology, we cannot change the definition of technical words like "strength" just to fit a specific teaching style or Pilates philosophy.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio

Get 1:1 coaching with me to grow your studio