Moving Conversations

Back pain has many causes and many solutions. Today Brian and Nora talk about the role of the thoracolumbar fascia in coordinating the action of the shoulder girdle, thorax, spine and pelvis and how it influences back pain. Movement, myofascial release and training principles for remodeling fascia are the key topics for today.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the vertebral spaces the nerves travel through. Stenosis is a common concern for older adults and one that can be quite debilitating, leading to pain and weakness with walking, standing or sitting. Specific exercises from an experienced personal trainer or Pilates teacher can help clients to manage it to minimize pain and maximize functional movement. Join Brian and Nora for case studies and strategies for your clients or yourself.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Following up on our conversation with Matt McCulloch about kids and sports, we wanted to talk about strategies and training approaches to help kids become more comfortable and confident in their bodies, to learn that movement is fun and to set them up for a lifetime of physical enjoyment. Kids come into Pilates and personal training for many different reasons. If you work with kids training to improve their performance, their posture, to recover from an injury or just to work out this conversation has a lot of tips and pointers for creating success.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Matt McCulloch, the owner of Kinected Studio in New York joins us today to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of youth sports and how we can use our training as movement professionals to support our kids. Matt is a coach with two of his own boys in baseball and other sports and his experience and insights are invaluable for movement professionals and parents alike.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Continuing with our January theme of creating your vision for health and vitality, the focus of today’s episode is strategies for creating a strong fitness foundation. Creating a plan, following through, adapting the program and creating success all start with a solid understanding of where you are, where you want to go and how to get there. Whether you  or your clients are brand new to fitness or restarting their journey (again!) this episode is full of tips and tricks for getting back on track.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Lindy Royer, PT, Pilates instructor, educator and coach extraordinaire joins us today to drill down on how and why to create inspiring goals for the coming year. Lindy makes a strong case for building your vision of vitality and using it to inform your personal practice. Filled with practical exercises, this episode may change your life!For our listeners, Lindy would like to offer a 20-30 minute Vision Call where you can elaborate and get some support around discovering what's in the way of your vision for the body, and what you can do to shift it. Email Lindy directly at this email address: lindyroyer@innermatrixsystems.com

As the first episode of the New Year, Brian and Nora discuss strategies for creating change. Whether you’ve identified imbalances to work on, discomfort to manage or skills to develop, the new year is a good time to assess where you are, where you want to be and what you need to do to get there. Take this time for you!

Tom McCook joins us once again for an in depth discussion on how to improve movement patterns through education, connection and awareness. Tom’s wide ranging experience in Pilates, yoga, athletics, coaching and meditation makes him a powerful agent of change for his clients and students. Understanding what is important to a client, educating them about how their body works and connecting the purpose of the exercise to the clients goals create the best outcome. Join us for a conversation to inspire your teaching.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

In this episode we revisit our first interview with Tom McCook from Center of Balance for an inspiring discussion on creating change through engaging clients in the process, focusing on functional movement and paying attention.  Using functional anatomy as a foundation, we discuss how client education, instructor curiosity and creativity help clients take charge and create lasting change from the inside out.  Check out Tom’s latest information and offerings: https://linktr.ee/tommccook  Tom McCook/Mentorship Program 2025-dates/TBD (More info coming soon!) If interested, please email:info@centerofbalance.com Moving Conversation Socials   Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions: Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@brianrichey  Email: movingconvos@gmail.com IG: @movingconvos FB: Moving Conversations  Brian IG: @fit4lifedc FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/   Nora IG: nora.s.john.7 FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Working with a client with osteoporosis and managing their expectations can be challenging as a Pilates instructor or personal trainer. Client’s are often not given much guidance by their medical professional and are left on their own to figure out if their current workout routine is helpful or potentially dangerous. Our job is to keep them safe while doing our best to slow, halt or reverse their condition. In this episode we discuss strategies for minimizing risky moves like loaded flexion while working to improve posture, strength and bone density. We hope this conversation provides a starting point for better program design for your clients with osteoporosis.Moving Conversation Socials  Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions: Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6  Email: movingconvos@gmail.com IG: @movingconvos FB: Moving Conversations  Brian IG: @fit4lifedc FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/   Nora IG: nora.s.john.7 FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Today we are lookinga back and repeating a hot topic we discussed back in May. We are wading into a very controversial topic, osteoporosis, where guidelines for exercise tend to be vague at best. Today we touch on what it is, some general guidelines and ways to keep clients active when flexion and rotation are contraindicated. Join the conversation to see if we can make progress at developing a better answer for clients who are recently diagnosed and trying to figure out how to stay active. This is part 1, in next week’s session, we discuss programming and client management strategies.Moving Conversation Socials  Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions: Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6  Email: movingconvos@gmail.com IG: @movingconvos FB: Moving Conversations  Brian IG: @fit4lifedc FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/   Nora IG: nora.s.john.7 FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Melissa McNamara is a Stott Pilates instructor trainer with a passion for working with kids of all ages. Join us for a fascinating discussion about how to engage kids in Pilates, tips and tricks for working with different age groups and how Pilates, taught with fun in mind, can nurture a lifelong love of movement. Melissa is the author of “Pilates for Kids” and provides classes and resources for instructors looking to teach Pilates to children. Brian and I learned so much from this session not just about teaching kids but also about how to use simple props and storytelling to enhance our work with any client.Website: macpilatesforkids.com             macpilates.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@macpilatesIG@mindartcoreEtsy shop for book purchases: macPilates.Moving Conversation Socials   Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions: Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@brianrichey  Email: movingconvos@gmail.com IG: @movingconvos FB: Moving Conversations  Brian IG: @fit4lifedc FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/   Nora IG: nora.s.john.7 FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Kelly Leonardi, a Pilates instructor, educator and professional ballerina joins us today to talk about the intersection of Pilates and dance which have been strongly intertwined since the beginning of the method. Many of the elders who worked with Joe and kept the work alive and growing after he died were dancers and both emphasize precision, control and moving from the center. In this personal episode, Kelly talks with us about her journey from dance to Pilates and how the two disciplines have enriched her life, improved her dancing and created a successful career filled with the joy and passion of moving well.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

The sacroiliac or SI joint connects the ilium to the sacrum and the lower body to the spine. When it is hyper mobile it can cause discomfort in the low back, hip and leg. In this episode we discuss two case studies and strategies for helping clients manage this complex condition.Moving Conversation Socials     Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:   Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain   https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6     Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations     Brian   IG: @fit4lifedc   FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/      Nora   IG: nora.s.john.7   FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7 

Barefoot? Arch support? Anti-pronation? Zero drop? Fitness footwear is often chosen based on dogma, the latest fashion or internet influencers and may or may not be what your feet actually need to be happy. Putting dogma aside, in this episode Brian and Nora discuss the many variables in fitness footwear and strategies for finding what works best for you.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Today we are going in a slightly different direction. It has been 20 years since Al and I started the Balanced Body Education department and I am reflecting on the many different ways a Pilates or fitness professional can practice our craft and support our community. If you are at a turning point in your career or are looking to create a vision for where you want to go and how you might get there, this episode is for you. Reaching your goals takes persistence, work and training but mostly it takes knowing where you are headed. Once you have defined your destination, the universe often aligns to take you there.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Breathing well is the foundation of health but getting clients to breathe better can be a challenge. In this episode, Brian and Nora discuss strategies for improving client’s mind-body connection by helping them connect breath with movement. Beginning with ways to introduce breathing gently in the first session, we provide tips for dealing with clients who don’t like to think about breath or who find focusing on breath distracting, anxiety provoking or pointless. As clients become more comfortable using breath, we discuss ways to explore breath rhythm and how to use breath to support upper body exercises. Full of practical tips and advice, this episode will provide a path to better breathing for you and your clients.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Breathing is a hot topic and we wanted to start the conversation with Helen Vanderburg, a world champion synchronized swimmer, gym owner, international presenter and a woman who has possibly taught a greater variety of fitness modalities than anyone else we know. This conversation includes key ways to use breath to activate, balance, and restore the body and mind and provides practical examples for exploring and expanding the use of breath with your clients and classes.Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Let’s talk about upper body training. Pilates and personal training principles are quite similar when discussing the lower body or the core but when it comes to the upper body, there are some distinct differences. Today Brian leads the discussion with his take on upper body strategies in the personal training environment. Starting with posterior shoulder strength and endurance and progressing to anterior shoulder strength in functional moves, Brian creates a clear framework for optimum upper body support. Using Brian’s principles, Nora translates the moves into the Pilates environment. This episode is full of practical tips for any movement professional!Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7

Cueing is an essential skill for teaching movement, changing movement patterns and empowering our clients to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Following on the inspiring interviews with Tom McCook and Eric Franklin, Nora and Brian discuss different kinds of cueing from auditory to kinesthetic to visual and how and when to use them. Expanding your cueing tool box in this thought provoking episode!Moving Conversation Socials    Brian’s Book on Low Back Pain and Conditions:  Back Exercise; Stabilize, Mobilize and Reduce Pain  https://a.co/d/8IUb7L6    Email: movingconvos@gmail.com  IG: @movingconvos  FB: Moving Conversations    Brian  IG: @fit4lifedc  FB: https://www.facebook.com/brianrichey/     Nora  IG: nora.s.john.7  FB: https://www.facebook.com/nora.s.john.7