If you’re looking to open your first Pilates studio, this episode is packed with the advice you need to hear!

Nic sits down with Catherine Hebb, founder of Runway Pilates, a three-studio collective based in the UK and business coach to movement professionals worldwide. Catherine’s journey from a high-performing corporate career to grounded, values-led studio owner is filled with lessons for anyone navigating growth in the wellness space.

They talk honestly about what scaling a studio really involves- systems that support your team, boundaries that protect your energy, and the identity shift from teacher to leader.

If you enjoyed this episode please make sure to subscribe and rate the show 5 stars!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Catherine Hebb

01:45 Catherine's early journey with Pilates

05:20 Opening the first studio in Manchester

10:07 Challenges and strategies in studio expansion

18:46 The importance of knowing your numbers

21:07 Supporting and managing instructors

24:52 Consistency in teaching and practice

25:16 Supporting and onboarding new teachers

27:21 Introducing new equipment to the studio

32:17 Learning how to lead

35:48 Preventing burnout and work–life balance

38:50 Team connection and building culture

40:20 Advice for running a successful studio

40:52 Quick-fire questions

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Catherine:

• Runway Pilates Website
• Runway Pilates Instagram

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Reformer! Nic is joined by renowned educator, author, and studio owner Claire Sparrow.

Claire shares her inspiring journey from growing up surrounded by strong, inspiring women, to discovering Pilates during her time as a contemporary dancer, to eventually becoming an internationally recognised teacher and bestselling author of Hope for Your Pelvic Floor.

Nic and Claire have a deep chat about how Pilates transforms people far beyond the physical, why proper education matters in the industry, and how we can reclaim the power to trust our bodies, even when the experts are telling us otherwise.

Whether you’re a teacher, student, studio owner, or simply a Pilates lover, this episode is a must-listen for anyone craving more depth and connection in their Pilates practice!

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Claire Sparrow

01:17 Claire's background and inspiring women in her life

04:53 Discovering dance and Pilates

07:13 The journey to teaching Pilates

13:26 Listening to yourself instead of just the ‘experts’

17:10 The desire to help more people

19:10 Mentoring with Lolita

25:22 Balancing business, teaching and personal life

32:13 Shifts in Pilates over the years

37:12 Long-term benefits of Pilates and the value of it

40:18 What’s missing in the conversation about Pilates education

44:05 Holistic teaching approaches

46:37 Specialising in pelvic floor health

51:51 Writing a book as a dyslexic author

56:14 Balancing career and family

01:00:39 The future of Pilates

01:02:48 Quick-fire questions

Thank you for listening to the first ever episode of Beyond the Reformer!

If you enjoyed it, then please make sure to rate the show 5 stars and share it on your Instagram so that we can grow the show.

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice one step further and sign up for Nic’s comprehensive teacher training programme, use the code BEYOND at checkout: Soul Pilates Teacher Training

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Claire:

• Claire’s Instagram
• Whole Body Pelvic Health Website
• Hope for Your Pelvic Floor Book

Welcome to Beyond the Reformer, the podcast where Pilates professionals and enthusiasts come together for thoughtful conversations, genuine insights, and inspiring stories.

Make sure to subscribe so you can join Nic every Monday morning to feel more connected, inspired, and empowered in your Pilates practice, teaching, and beyond...