The Pilates Physios Podcast

Your go-to Pilates instructor podcast for evidence-based insights, anatomy deep dives and real-world instructing tips to elevate your classes

Pilates Physios Podcast — Studio Pilates
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Ep 7 · 28 April 2026

Hands-On Teaching: Why Physical Corrections Still Have a Place in Pilates Teaching

In this episode, physiotherapists Tanya Winter and James Mangahas dive into the power of hands on corrections and muscle palpation in Pilates instruction. They explore how physical touch can be the missing link for kinesthetic learners, help clients overcome fear of movement after injury and supercharge muscle activation in ways that verbal and visual cues simply can't. They also discuss the importance of gaining client permission before getting hands-on and why this essential skill is surprisingly undertaught in most instructor courses.

BONUS Ep · 10 April 2026

Myth: If I put clients in the right alignment, they'll feel it in the right place

In this bonus episode, physiotherapists Tanya Winter and James Mangahas unpack a common misconception in Pilates teaching: that correct positioning guarantees correct muscle activation, when in reality even “perfect” alignment doesn’t always mean the right muscles are working. They explore the importance of intentional activation and effective warm ups, along with how palpation, client feedback and observation help ensure the right muscles are working before progressing exercises. A must listen for instructors wanting to refine how they assess clients, improve outcomes and teach with greater confidence.

Ep 6 · 20 Feb 2026

Stronger Stride: How Pilates Helps Runners at Every Level

In this episode, physiotherapists Tanya Winter and James Mangahas unpack how Pilates can be used as effective cross training for runners of all levels. They explore how building strength in the Glutes, calves, foot muscles and deep hip stabilisers can improve lower limb control, enhance performance and support long term resilience. They also share practical teaching insights, including key exercises and strength benchmarks to help instructors assess readiness for running loads and confidently support clients who run.

Ep 5 · 28 Jan 2026

Lordosis in the Studio: Tips for Safer, Smarter Instruction

In this episode of the Pilates Physios Podcast, physiotherapists Tanya Winter and James Mangahas discuss how to safely and confidently instruct clients with a lordosis. They break down what a lordosis actually is, common movement patterns to watch for and practical teaching strategies, including exercise selection, cueing and modifications to support stronger abdominals and glutes in class.

Ep 4 · 8 Jan 2026

What Is the Studio Pilates T-Zone? The Science Behind Our Signature Activation

In this episode, Tanya and James unpack the Studio Pilates T-Zone and the science behind effective core activation. They explain why common Pilates abdominal activation cues aren't effective, how the pelvic floor and Transversus Abdominus work together and how simple, consistent cueing can improve client understanding, teaching clarity and exercise outcomes.

Ep 3 · 24 Nov 2025

Tips for Teaching Mixed-Level Classes (Without Losing the Room)

In this episode, physiotherapists Tanya Winter and James Mangahas share practical ways to teach mixed-level classes with confidence, from choosing accessible exercises to offering progressions that help every client feel successful. They also chat about the influence of social media Pilates and why solid, effective programming is what truly delivers results.

BONUS Ep · 31 Oct 2025

The Truth About the Transversus Abdominus (TA): Still Relevant or Outdated?

Is the Transversus Abdominus (TA) still relevant, or is it an outdated concept? In this bonus episode, Tanya and James dive into the science behind the TA, exploring its role in core stability, back pain, post-pregnancy recovery and overall strength. They break down common myths about ab training, explain why crunches alone won’t cut it and share how to properly activate and layer your core work for real results.

Ep 2 · 23 Sep 2025

The Renaissance of Matwork Pilates

In this episode, physiotherapists Tanya Winter and James Mangahas unpack how Matwork Pilates is having a resurgence in the Pilates world, how it builds core strength and stability, and why its accessibility makes it a powerful option for clients, athletes and instructors alike.

Ep 1 · 18 Aug 2025

Teaching Pilates safely in pregnancy: why guidelines matter

In this episode, we explore why evidence-based pregnancy guidelines are essential in Pilates. We cover why many instructor courses don’t address them, how to balance exercise safely during pregnancy, whether or not to work the abdominals, and key ways to minimise risk while supporting pregnant clients.