Best Raphael Bender Podcasts (2025)

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340. What's the minimum effective dose of Pilates for strengthening? 44:37

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2d ago44:37

44:37

How much Pilates do you need to do to get stronger? Probably less than you think! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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339. Is Pilates Education Increasing Our Risk Of Injury? 41:10

9d ago41:10

41:10

Resources: Strength training reduces injury risk substantially here and here and here Resistance training itself is a very safe activity here and here Foot pronation increases risk of shin splints here, but has no effect on overall injury risk here and there is minimal evidence that any biomechanical variable predicts running injuries here Knee val…

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338. The 3 Skills That Differentiate Average Pilates Instructors From Superstars 14:31

19d ago14:31

14:31

What to look for when coaching your team - or critiquing your own classes. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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337. What are lunges for? 39:07

23d ago39:07

39:07

The humble lunge - there's a LOT more there than meets the eye. We go there - biomechanics, cueing, how to layer it and why most instructors don't get the full value from it. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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336. How Build A Studio That Attracts VIP Clients with Patricia Robinson 58:28

26d ago58:28

58:28

In this episode Patricia Robinson from Pilates Vita, London, breaks down how she built a boutique, premium-priced Pilates studio serving VIP clients in Kensington. Find Patricia here: https://www.pilatesvita.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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335. How Ana is making €100k+ teaching Pilates in a Tiny Dutch Town 1:01:38

30d ago1:01:38

1:01:38

The story of how Ana Maria Borrero went from from €17/hr employee to nearly €10k/month in revenue with 6 reformers, 20 classes, and a waitlist in a small Dutch town. Find Ana here: https://movewithana.nl/ https://www.instagram.com/movewithanapilates/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/…

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334. Leaving Classpass with Sari Sadhati 1:07:42

1M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Many studio owners have a love/hate relationship with Classpass - Sari and I have an honest conversation about the pros and cons, and why (and how) her studios are leaving Classpass. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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333. What To Cue (It's Not What You Think) 43:29

1M ago43:29

43:29

There IS a right thing to cue in each exercise in Pilates. Here's how to know what it is. Bonus - There is no consistent pattern of muscle activation in the prone hip extension test. Except that gluteus maximus is consistently the last muscle to activate - here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://ad…

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332. You're using layers wrong, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 1:33:37

2M ago1:33:37

1:33:37

Many instructors use layers, but most miss the most powerful part of this amazing programming tool. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy

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331. 100 First Visits/Month With $0 Ads - Cassie & Henry from Sunny Space studio 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

Cassie and Henry from Sunny Space Studio share how they grew their reformer studio in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, to $65k a month within a year - without spending a dollar on ads. They break down how they attract over 100 first visits per month through exceptional client experience, brand consistency, and word of mouth. Plus how they train l…

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330. How this husband & wife team built 2 thriving studios in 1 year - Laura & Sam from Form & Flow UK 1:11:11

2M ago1:11:11

1:11:11

Laura and Sam from Form & Flow Pilates share how they grew from one to two thriving studios in a year. They reveal the systems, standards, and teamwork that made it possible—and how they balance marriage, business, and growth without burnout. Find Laura and Sam's studios here: https://formandflow.co.uk/ Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelben…

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329. Boundaries protect culture - with Alison Ward of Pilates Process Vancouver 1:05:49

2M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Pilates Process Vancouver co-owner Alison Ward shares how clear boundaries protect studio culture, staff morale, and client respect. We dive into setting policies, holding firm under pressure, and why saying no can actually grow your business. Find Pilates Process Vancouver here: https://www.pilatesprocessvancouver.ca/ Connect with me on Instagram:…

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328. Why You Shouldn't Offer Mat, Yoga or Barre In Your Studio 16:16

3M ago16:16

16:16

Most studio owners think offering more types of movement classes will attract more clients. In this episode, I explain why those formats actually hurt your studio by lowering margins, confusing your brand, and competing with cheap alternatives. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Stud…

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327. What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Pilates Studio, with Laura Saggers and Raphael Bender 1:25:02

3M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

Laura Saggers joins me to share the real story behind expanding from one to two Pilates studios. We cover the unexpected challenges of growth, what worked at one location but not the other, and how she navigated ClassPass, staffing, and competition. If you’re considering opening a second studio, this conversation will show you what no one tells you…

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326. How a 23-Year-Old Built a Waitlisted Pilates Studio in Just 1 Year, with Chelsea McBride and Raphael Bender 49:05

3M ago49:05

49:05

At just 23, Chelsea McBride turned personal struggles into purpose and built a Pilates studio that filled up so fast she had to close the books. In this episode, you’ll hear how Chelsea: Grew from teaching private sessions at home to running 50 weekly reformer classes with 11 beds. Built a team of six Created so much demand she now has a waitlist f…

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325. How to build a loyal community, with Sara Leach and Raphael Bender 38:08

3M ago38:08

38:08

Sara Leach, owner of Downtown Pilates in Mississippi, shares how she built a thriving reformer studio serving mostly 50+ clients, scaled to six teachers, and runs 40+ classes a week. We dive into how she built an incredibly tight and loyal community, plus key challenges she faces in her business. Connect with Sara and Downtown Pilates Studio Facebo…

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324. The Biggest Hiring Mistake Studio Owners Make - And How To Fix It 1:53:30

4M ago1:53:30

1:53:30

We discuss: How to tell if you've made this hiring mistake (you almost certainly have) How to properly filter potential hires Practical steps to get your existing team delivering a consistent high quality experience The exact hiring process we used to set up our studio for growth and retention This podcast uses the following third-party services fo…

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323. Why the best instructors encourage messy form, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 48:16

4M ago48:16

48:16

Heath and Raphael challenge the myth that flawless form makes for safe, effective Pilates. They discuss why, and when, form should “fall apart” in strength and balance work, how load, not alignment, predicts injury, and why real progress comes from reps at the edge of fatigue and wobble. Bootsy's Basic Funk Formula: https://youtu.be/IHE6hZU72A4?si=…

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322. From Zero to $23K/mo in 34 Days: Jennifer Tan’s Pilates Studio Launch in the Philippines 37:53

4M ago37:53

37:53

Jennifer Tan opened Bacolod’s first reformer Pilates boutique, Madila Pilates, and hit $23K revenue with 87% margins in her first month. She shares her journey from student success team member to thriving studio owner, why she expanded just weeks after launch, and the strategies fueling her rapid growth. Resources mentioned in the episode: Find Mad…

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321. When did Pilates become so obsessed with specific cues? With Raphael Bender 21:47

4M ago21:47

21:47

Pilates is all about cueing specific muscles, neutral spine and avoiding locking your joints, right? Often - yes. But it wasn't always that way. In fact all those things have flipped 180 degrees over the years since Joseph Pilates' day. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Studio Maste…

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320. The 5 stages of Pilates studio business, with Raphael Bender 21:53

4M ago21:53

21:53

These are the 5 predictable stages every Pilates studio owner goes through — from dreamer to thriving CEO. Exactly what breaks, plus what to do to grow at each stage. Stage 0 – Wantrepreneur Stuck in planning mode. No revenue. Fix: Stop thinking, start doing. Follow Ep 273 for exact steps. Stage 1 – Solopreneur ($1k–$10k/mo) Teaching, cleaning, sel…

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319. How to make your Pilates studio stand out in a sea of competitors, with Raphael Bender 44:56

5M ago44:56

44:56

This is for Pilates studio owners who are feeling pressure from an explosion of new studios offering the latest fads and undercutting prices. This is a step-by-step practical, battle-tested strategy to stand out without racing to the bottom or chasing trends. Here's the study I mention - 65% of people think they're above average intelligence: https…

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318. The Myth of Hands-on, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 44:36

5M ago44:36

44:36

Why we changed our minds on hands-on cueing in Pilates. Resources mentioned in the episode: Listen to Ep. 160. 'Can we even feel muscles activating' here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Studio Mastermind Teaching Mastery Progr…

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317. New Prenatal Guidelines with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender 1:05:45

5M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

ACSM's new pre and postnatal exercise guidelines just came out, and there are several substantial changes. We talk through them, the evidence behind each one, and what they mean for Pilates instructors. Links: Narrative review of exercise dose during pregnancy here Exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes here Systematic review of …

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316. Why Simplicity Wins in the Studio, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 30:55

5M ago30:55

30:55

Raph and Heath share their journey from rigid STOTT Pilates rules to a science-backed, minimalist approach to teaching. Discover why doing less—fewer cues, less correction, and simpler programming—gets clients better results, more flow, and deeper engagement. Connect with me Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram: @co…

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315. Can Pilates Make You Stronger? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 55:43

6M ago55:43

55:43

In this episode, Raphael and Heath challenge the myth that Pilates doesn’t build strength. They break down the science of strength adaptations, clarify what “strength” really means, and explain how Pilates can be a legitimate strength training method—when done right. Key Topics: What counts as “strength” and how it’s measured Why effort (not burn o…

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314. From Zero to $30k/Month in 5 Months – Brian’s Story, with Brian Darsie and Raphael Bender 2:35:31

6M ago2:35:31

2:35:31

Five months ago, Brian Darsie opened the doors to his Pilates studio. He had never taught a group Pilates class outside his certification course. Since then, he’s taken a two-week holiday, and last month, he hit $30k revenue and $16k profit—all without working insane hours. In this episode, Brian shares the mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and s…

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313. ‘True Strength Comes From Control’ — Really? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 56:00

6M ago56:00

56:00

You’ve heard it a thousand times: strength comes from control. But what if that’s only half true? In this episode, we challenge the dogma, unpack the nuance, and explore where real strength actually comes from—in Pilates and beyond. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective Download a fr…

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312. Change Is Good – If You Do It Right, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 1:04:40

6M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Natalie shares how she navigated fear, self-doubt, and career pivots—and what made the difference. If you’re thinking about change, this is how to do it right. And some pitfalls to avoid! Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilates Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Teac…

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311. Do it scared, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 43:40

7M ago43:40

43:40

In this episode, Raphael talks with Natalie—a Pilates instructor who faced her fears, took imperfect action, and built a new life teaching Pilates. They explore: Why waiting to feel “ready” holds so many people back. How Natalie pushed through fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. What it really looks like to take the leap while still feeling sc…

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310. Strengthening: Simpler (but not easier) than you think, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender 1:06:49

7M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

In this episode, Raphael and Nicole cut through the noise around strength training—and explain why it’s way simpler than most Pilates instructors think. They break down: Why you don’t need to chase “the burn,” perfect form, or sore muscles. What actually creates strength gains (hint: it’s not magic or mystery). The 5 key adaptations that happen whe…

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309. Why Some Instructors Light Up The Room - and How You Can Too, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 54:13

7M ago54:13

54:13

Charisma isn’t magic—it’s a skill you can practice. In this episode, we break down the four elements of charisma—technical expertise, body language, vocal tone, and emotional intelligence—and how each one helps you connect, lead, and inspire. Whether you’re naturally introverted or born with “resting Zen face,” this episode will teach you to be mag…

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308. What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do, with Natalie Wilson & Raphael Bender 45:24

7M ago45:24

45:24

Not sure what to do when a client shares a diagnosis with you at the start of class? Here’s the simple framework to stay calm, take action, and lead like a pro. Summary: Raphael and Natalie break down simple, actionable strategies for Pilates instructors when faced with unknown client conditions moments before class. Learn how to stay calm, ask the…

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307. Why Pilates Should Look Ugly Sometimes, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 55:04

8M ago55:04

55:04

Heath and Raph unpack why good form isn’t always desirable. They break down the difference between skill and strength training, explain when “ugly” movement signals progress, and share how to program smarter by revisiting exercises with different loads. A must-listen for Pilates instructors who want results. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_rapha…

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306. The Jibber-Jabber Episode - Why Your Cues Aren't Landing, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 1:18:00

8M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Still saying “engage your core” or “axial elongation”? In this episode, Raphael and Natalie break down why so many Pilates cues are confusing, ineffective—or just made up. Learn what makes a cue actually work and how to stop sounding like a Pilates thesaurus. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @natal…

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305. Tonight We're Gonna Teach Reformer Like It's 1996, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 1:12:50

8M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Most of us were trained to teach using outdated methods designed for boutique studios in the ‘90s. But tonight it's 2025 and Pilates is different now. In this episode, we unpack why group teaching feels so hard — and why it’s not your fault. You don’t need more confidence. You need the right tools. Whether you’re teaching 6 or 16, this convo with H…

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304. Reformer Faceplant! Who’s to Blame, and What to Do Instead, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 1:09:15

8M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

A client fell off a reformer—and Instagram exploded. Raph and Natalie unpack what really causes falls, why blame isn’t helpful, and how instructors can prevent injuries without turning class into a snoozefest. Expect practical teaching tips, clear cueing advice, and no-punches-pulled commentary. See the IG post that sparked this episode here: https…

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303. The Science of Results: How to Design Sessions That Actually Work, with Raphael Bender 1:36:00

8M ago1:36:00

1:36:00

This episode is Part 2 of a live lecture I gave for our Diploma students at Breathe Education — and it picks up where last week’s episode left off. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and do that first. It covers all the foundational concepts about what strength actually is, and how it works in the body. This episode builds on those idea…

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302. Everything you know about strengthening is probably wrong, with Raphael Bender 1:56:06

9M ago1:56:06

1:56:06

This episode is a recording of a live lecture I gave on the Physiology of Strength Training for our Diploma students at Breathe Education. If you want it to actually make sense — and go deep — I highly recommend downloading the PDF lecture notes and following along while you listen. Download the notes here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaw…

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301. Why Isolation Exercises Are A Waste Of Time, with Raphael Bender 20:10

9M ago20:10

20:10

I think there are 2 incorrect assumptions that lead people to the mistaken idea that isolation exercises are useful - they're not. I break down those beliefs, make the case for using simple compound movements, and share the top 6 movements I use with clients (and myself). Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide…

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300. What is the Scope of Practice of a Pilates Instructor? With Raphael Bender 27:07

9M ago27:07

27:07

I think we go about this all wrong in Pilates. In this episode, I share my (non-legally binding) thoughts. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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299. How to 5x Profit In Your Studio In 90 Days, with Raphael Bender 27:40

9M ago27:40

27:40

These are the strategies I used in my own studio, and that I use with my coaching clients to increase profits quickly. Enjoy. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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298. Hypermobility & Scoliosis: What Science Actually Says, with Raphael Bender 1:54:15

10M ago1:54:15

1:54:15

In this episode, we break down the key research on hypermobility and scoliosis, cutting through myths and weak evidence. Learn how hypermobility affects pain sensitivity, the real relationship between scoliosis and back pain, and why most exercise studies for scoliosis are low-quality. If you’re a movement professional or just curious about the sci…

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297. The Biggest Back Pain Myth, with Raphael Bender 30:52

10M ago30:52

30:52

Probably everything you were taught in your certification about back pain is wrong. Lifting heavy doesn’t wreck your spine. “Bad posture” isn’t the cause. Avoiding movement? That’s likely making things worse. In this episode, we break down the myth that spinal load and “incorrect movement” cause low back pain. We’ll cover: Why research shows no str…

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296. Why Can't I Find Good Staff For My Pilates Studio? With Raphael Bender 31:15

10M ago31:15

31:15

This is what we've learned over a decade and a half of building a successful business with amazing people - how to attract the exact right people - the answer might surprise you! Read about Breathe Education Culture here: https://breathe-education.com/culture/ Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Ce…

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295. Stop focussing on minutae, with Raphael Bender 18:18

10M ago18:18

18:18

In this episode, I share my thoughts on why we should spend less time on fine details, and more time on working our clients through range, under load, with control. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis…

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294. The case for loaded spinal flexion, with Raphael Bender 19:07

11M ago19:07

19:07

Why are we still hanging on to the idea of neutral spine in the Pilates world? It's not even part of Pilates, and it's certainly not science-based. Plus, it's just plain illogical. Resources mentioned in the episode: You can bias lower abs from upper abs by doing posterior pelvic tilt vs ab curl here People with LBP lift with LESS flexion in their …

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293. Building an Online Pilates Business: From Pain to Purpose, with Bernadett Gazsi and Raphael Bender 1:01:59

11M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In this episode, Raphael Bender chats with Bernadett Gazsi, a Dallas-based Pilates instructor who transitioned her business online to help moms overcome back pain. Bernadett shares: • How her clinical Pilates education ignited her purpose. • Strategies for building a remote business while moving across continents. • Insights into high-touch client …

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292. Is strict form necessary for results? With Raphael Bender 16:24

11M ago16:24

16:24

I talk through a recent study looking at whether strict form gives better results from exercise. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in the episode here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for…

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291. Is reciprocal inhibition a thing? With Raphael Bender 18:37

11M ago18:37

18:37

Can you reduce activation of one muscle, by increasing activation of another? Find out in this episode. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in this episode here. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party ser…