Moving Conversations

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

Today we are joined by Eric Franklin, creator of the Franklin Method which brings imagery in all its forms into teaching and improving movement. Learn how imagery can enhance performance, minimize discomfort, improve mood and create vitality all through the power of the mind. Imagery is an incredibly valuable tool for teaching movement and Eric provides several examples you can apply right away. Expand your mind and your teaching in this episode!Eric Franklin's Invitation and Coupon:Anyone joining the Level 1 Training through your show will receive a $500 USD discount.The code PILATES500 can be applied to either full tuition or the deposit.https://franklinmethod.com/onlinelevel1Moving 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

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 

Brian and I have spoken at length(!) about posture, alignment, balance, mobility, strength and coordination but we haven’t put it in the context of how you as a mover or movement teacher take that information and use it with your clients. In this episode we connect the dots between what you observe, how you identify key elements to improve and how you help the client feel the change so they can incorporate it into their everyday lives. This may be the most useful of all our episodes because this is the secret sauce to effective and efficient 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

Lumbopelvic positioning or “neutral spine” has spawned more conversations and controversies in the Pilates world than perhaps any other single topic. Today Brian and Nora break down what it is, why it is useful and how to adjust it for the client in front of you. Join us for a deep dive into the subtleties of lumbopelvic positioning and ways to adapt it for pain relief and more efficient and comfortable movement for our clients and ourselves.Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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

Bodies are rarely symmetrical in terms of strength, mobility or coordination and sometimes asymmetries are the root of injuries, pain or poor performance. We started the discussion about working asymmetrically with the back body in the last session so in this session, we wanted to be more specific about why, when and how to incorporate asymmetrical exercises into your programs. How do I identify imbalances? After I have identified them, what do I do? Do I add more reps? More sets? What about cueing? Refining your ability to work asymmetrically can be a true game changer for your clients.Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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

We talked about the glutes two weeks ago but what about the rest of the back body? Today we dive into how posture is influenced by joint structure, mobility and habit and discuss how to create balance in the erector spinae and the hamstrings using asymmetrical exercises. Bringing all the elements of the posterior chain into as much symmetry as possible can alleviate a variety of symptoms from the neck to the knees. This episode includes exercise variations that are simple to do and deliver profound results.Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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

Jennifer Gianni, author of “A Movement Educator’s Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth” joins us today to bring her 30+ years of experience working with pregnant and post natal women to you. Her understanding of pregnancy will open up a whole new way of thinking about the pelvis and the pelvic floor for all your clients, not just pregnant women. Starting with a detailed description of what the pelvis and the pelvic floor have to do during childbirth, Jennifer breaks down key movement principles and simple exercises like walking and breathing to prepare your clients or yourself for a safe and effective delivery.Jennifer's Information:Insta: @jenniferpaigegianni - @fusionpilateseduFB @jennifer.gianni.33 - @fusionfitnessonlineLinksBook Purchase Link: https://is.gd/5UrbNA (or wherever you buy books)Book Event Tour:   https://fusionpilatesedu.com/assets/book-event/Fusion Teacher Training: https://fusionteachertraining.com/FusionPilatesEDU:  https://fusionpilatesedu.com/Book tour locations and dates: https://fusionpilatesedu.com/assets/book-event/Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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

Are stronger glutes the answer to your prayers or causing your low back and hip pain? It depends…The glutes play an essential role in low back and hip health so today we wanted to dive into how, when and why to train them. We discuss underactive glutes, overactive glutes, the relationship between glutes and hamstrings, how range of motion in hip extension affects gluteal activation, the relationship between the glutes and the core and give you lots of practical exercises for effectively assessing and training this critical area. Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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

Movement professionals are a valuable part of the rehabilitation team and in this episode we discuss where, when and how they are most useful. Whether strengthening clients before surgery, regaining strength and mobility after surgery or working with clients with chronic conditions, collaborating with medical professionals and staying within an appropriate scope of practice creates the best outcomes for clients. In this episode we discuss what movement professionals bring to the team, the value of a strong referral network and a few areas, such as touch and nutritional counseling to be cautious of. Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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

In this episode we review concentric, eccentric and isometric muscle activation and how each one can be used to effectively increase strength. Learn simple ways to vary any exercise in classes or private sessions. Changing the rhythm or timing of a movement, adding pauses or holding positions are all great ways to add variety and increase strength building.  Change it up to keep workouts fresh! Moving Conversations LIVE in Southern California!  September 13 – 14, 2025 Blue Moon Pilates 24194 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA Course include: Movement for Low Back Conditions, Training Upper Body Stability and Pilates and Osteoporosis Register through Blue Moon Pilates at: https://bluemoonpilates.com/workshops We look forward to seeing 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