Beyond the Reformer
Has Pilates Lost it's Identity with Ava Rodriguez
"Pilates won't lose its identity just because you learn different methods. It loses identity when you haphazardly memorize a set of exercises and think you can just teach this." In this episode, Nic is joined by Ava Rodriguez, a movement specialist, international presenter, and founder of the globally accredited Mobility Fitness Academy (MFA), recorded in person while both were in London ahead of speaking at a Reformer Pilates industry conference. Ava has spent her career training movement professionals across the world and is no stranger to BTR, making her second appearance on the show. They explore whether Pilates is losing its identity amid the current industry boom, why social media and AI are making studios sound the same, and the line between healthy diversification and diluted teaching that's lost its essence. They unpack the real gap between certification and competency, why most teacher training only gets you to the starting line, and how true continuing education means going deeper, not collecting more credentials. They also get into studio business clarity, why trying to serve everyone means standing out to no one, and finish on what actually matters in this work: helping people move, live, and function better, not just look good doing it. Timestamps 00:00 Has Pilates lost its identity? 02:38 The blending boom: more methods, less focus 03:35 Why AI is making every studio sound the same 10:45 Instructor vs. teacher: what training doesn't give you 13:18 The lifelong question that makes you a better teacher 17:32 Diluted messaging and losing your specialism 18:49 Why you can't be a studio for everyone 24:16 Change is coming. Are you on the right train? 24:36 Fighting with ChatGPT on purpose 34:48 What Pilates actually gives people 39:38 What it really means to lose your identity 44:03 What training is actually for 48:13 The client told it was impossible 58:09 Outcome over education 1:01:50 Where the industry is heading next If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're following along so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share this one with someone you think would take something from it. Connect with Nic: Beyond the Reformer Instagram Soul Pilates Instagram Soul Pilates Education Nic's Instagram Join Soul at Home Book a Pilates Class Sign up to Our Newsletter Connect with Ava: Ava's Instagram Move Beyond with Ava Website
