Heath Lander's Pilates Podcast

Excellence is not inevitable.

Conversations about movement, teaching and why we do things the way we do. Choose an episode below and let's move the conversation.

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Browse every episode, newest first. Play an episode here or open it in Spotify.

7 November 2026 · 37 min · Latest episode

Heath and Daisy talk about abs a bit

If you're a Reformer teacher you almost definitely teach something like "hands and straps" or "mid back" or "hundred prep" this episode explores the why of this movement and maybe challenges some of the things you were taught at Pilates school.

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24 September 2026 · 54 min

Christina Flynn - Bold Pilates

Christina talks about her personal and professional Pilates journey and how her study of Layered Clusters and particpation in the Reformer Pack have impacted these pathways as a mother, a mover a Pilates teacher and as a business person.

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16 February 2025 · 49 min

Conversation with Carmen - "Why don't you teach neutral?"

In this new episode, Carmen and I delve into the intricacies of Pilates, exploring the evolution of teaching methods, the significance of neutral spine versus flexion, and the importance of strength and range of motion in movement.

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8 February 2025 · 47 min

Conversation with Mary - Client outcomes

In this conversation, Mary Patterson shares her journey from being a Broadway performer to a full-time Pilates instructor. She discusses her experiences with different Pilates training methods, the importance of strength training, and the need for a shift in teaching approaches.

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30 January 2025 · 45 min

There's a kangaroo loose in London Zoo: let's talk about single straight leg foot in strap

In this new episode , I explore the current state of Pilates training, reflecting on my experiences in various classes and the discrepancies between classical and contemporary approaches.

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26 January 2025 · 35 min

There's a kangaroo loose in London Zoo: I'm shit at Pilates

In this new episode, I discuss my personal struggles with Pilates and the concept of dissociation in movement. I reflect on my experiences as a Pilates instructor and emphasize the importance of integrated movement over dissociation.

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24 January 2025 · 24 min

There's a Kangaroo loose in London Zoo: refinement

In this conversation, I discuss the concept of refinement in Pilates, emphasizing the importance of effective teaching methods that enhance strength, flexibility, and skill.

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20 January 2025 · 38 min

There's a Kangaroo loose in London Zoo: can we please talk about warm-ups

In this new episode, I reflect on my experiences with Pilates classes in London and Australia, focusing on the importance of warmups and how they are often not effectively integrated into workouts.

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17 January 2025 · 39 min

There's a kangaroo loose in London Zoo: how to start a Reformer class movement?

In this new episode, I share my experiences and insights from my recent move to the UK and my passion for teaching reformer Pilates. I discuss my teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of effective queuing, start positions, and optimizing movement in group classes.

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28 December 2024 · 24 min

What Pilates Instructors can learn from colonoscopies and economics (experiencing self and remembering self…)

In this new episode, I explore the relationship between economics and Pilates instruction, focusing on the critical balance of time and intensity in teaching methods.

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10 November 2024 · 52 min

Conversation with Tahlia Schneider - Reformer vs powerlifting?

In this new episode, Tahlia and I explore various aspects of fitness, focusing on family dynamics, online training, powerlifting techniques, personal experiences, and the importance of community in achieving fitness goals.

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26 October 2024 · 60 min

Daisy & Heath: Strategies for teaching Pilates in group settings

In this new episode, Daisy shares her journey as a Pilates instructor transitioning from a traditional studio model to a small group reformer setting.

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15 October 2024 · 51 min

Conversation with Teneille - Reformer Pack

This conversation delves into the intersection of creativity and technology, exploring how personal experiences shape innovative ideas. Heath and Teneille discuss the importance of authenticity in the creative process and the challenges faced along the way.

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4 August 2024 · 25 min

The Problem with side-lying legs - Mice don't need houses

In this new episode, I explore the problem with side-lying legs in Pilates and challenge the idea that the stacked hip is important for targeting the glutes.  I discuss the concept of muscles working in systems rather than in isolation and emphasize the importance of focusing on…

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27 July 2024 · 44 min

Supporting Beginners

In this new episode, I discuss the importance of supporting beginners in the Pilates industry. I emphasize the need for studios to attract and support beginners in order to grow their business.

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14 July 2024 · 35 min

The Problem with Front Splits

In this new episode, I discuss the Pilates splits and the challenges they present. I explain that movement is made up of strength, range of motion, and skill, and explore the strength, range of motion, and skill challenges of the Pilates splits.

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7 July 2024 · 34 min

The Problem with Back Rowing Roundback

In this new episode, I discuss the movement of back rowing roundback in Pilates. I explore the challenges and benefits of teaching this movement and its place within the Pilates system.

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30 June 2024 · 32 min

The Concept of Footwork and Shoulder Bridge

In this new episode, I explore the concepts of footwork and shoulder bridge. The focus is on how different spring tensions can affect the challenge and muscle engagement in these movements. I suggest various ways to vary the spring tension to target specific muscle groups and create…

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23 June 2024 · 18 min

The concept of layers - Explore the series of five

In this new episode, I identify the four stages of progression: novice, beginner, emergent, and mastery. I emphasize the need for a clear pathway for development beyond certification and highlight the importance of structured workshops.

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16 June 2024 · 34 min

Form in Pilates: Efficiency and Effectiveness

In this podcast episode, I discuss my approach to teaching Pilates and the concept of form. I reflect on a client's feedback about not teaching form and explores what form means in Pilates.

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2 June 2024 · 67 min

Conversations at the gates of Pilhalla #1 - Melania Mclaughlin / Semi circle

The first podcast and the first of hopefully many 'Conversations at the gates of Pilhalla'... Pilates agnostic conversations between Pilates professionals about the craft and the art of teaching Pilates - and preparing our questions for Joseph - bloomer clad, myopic and buff - attending…

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11 May 2024 · 12 min

How many reps is enough when teaching Reformer??

In this episode, I look at the question of how many reps is enough in a group Reformer class. Answering the question requires us to consider several other key dimensions of group teaching

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Keep the conversation going

Explore HLP Foundations for more essays, videos and teaching questions.

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