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From the Powerhouse

Your hub for all things Pilates and industry insights. “From the Powerhouse” explores the evolving world of Pilates, challenges fleeting trends, and celebrates thoughtful movement. From expert advice to honest discussions about the fitness industry, we’re here to inspire a balanced, long-term approach to health and wellness.

SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Mat Pilates: The Method That Started It All

As March Matness draws to a close, we’ve loved seeing social media light up with snippets of the original 34 Mat exercises—each one a little window into the brilliance of Joseph Pilates’ method. But beyond the Instagram moments, March Matness is a reminder of something deeper: Mat isn’t a ‘lite’ version of Pilates. It’s the heart of the method.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Why I Did a Pilates Mentorship And why I created one of my own

There’s a point in every teacher’s journey where you feel like something’s missing. You’ve got the certification, the clients, and the schedule, but there’s this quiet itch—like you're going through the motions, following the manual, but not really seeing the bigger picture.

That’s exactly where I was when I started looking for a Pilates mentorship.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

The Worst Thing We Ever Did Was Call the Neck a Neck (And Give a Name to the ‘Lower Back’)

One of the biggest problems in movement, pain, and Pilates is not actually movement, pain, or Pilates. It’s language

The worst thing we ever did was call the neck a neck. And worse still, give a name to the “lower back.”

Because the moment we name something, we separate it. We give it an identity of its own. We turn it into something that exists apart from the rest of the body. And in doing so, we make it vulnerable.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Own Your Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common issues people face, and if you’ve been to a physiotherapist, you’ve probably been given exercises to help manage it. But let’s be honest—how often do you actually do them?

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Reformer Instructor vs. Fully Trained Pilates Teacher: The Truth About Short Courses

In recent years, the demand for reformer Pilates has skyrocketed, leading to a surge in short reformer certification courses. These quick-fix programs make it easier than ever for fitness professionals to start teaching reformer Pilates. But here’s the problem: many of these courses don’t prepare teachers to work safely or effectively with real clients.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

5 Common Mistakes in Pilates (And How to Fix Them)

Pilates is a practice built on control, precision, and connection. It’s not just about movement—it’s about how you move. While Pilates can strengthen, lengthen, and energize your body, some habits can hold you back from fully experiencing its benefits.

The good news? Awareness is the first step toward change. Here are five common mistakes in Pilates—and how to shift your approach for a more connected and fulfilling practice.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

A Family Built This Pilates Studio—Here’s How It All Started

In 2001, my mum did something most people wouldn’t dare to do in their fifties—she started over. She didn’t have a big financial safety net, a business background, or a five-year plan. What she had was a deep belief in movement, a relentless work ethic, and a quiet but unshakable determination.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Pilates: The Ultimate Strength Secret for Men

Let’s get one thing straight—Pilates was invented by a man, for men. Joseph Pilates, a German-born athlete, boxer, and self-defense instructor, developed his method in the early 20th century to rehabilitate injured soldiers and improve strength, control, and mobility. At a time when women weren’t even encouraged to exercise, Pilates was focused on building strong, resilient men. So, if you think Pilates is just for women, you’re kidding yourself.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Small Steps to Big Results

The Importance of Consistency in Pilates

Pilates is a powerful practice that can transform your body and mind—but like any form of exercise, the key to seeing real, lasting results lies in consistency. Whether you're looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or enhance your overall well-being, making Pilates a regular part of your routine will bring you the biggest rewards.

But let’s be honest—life gets busy, motivation fluctuates, and it’s easy to skip a session here and there. So, how do you stay consistent and committed to your Pilates practice? Let’s explore why consistency matters and how you can make it a lasting habit.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

How Pilates helps manage stress and anxiety

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become part of everyday life for many. From meeting deadlines to juggling responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, Pilates offers a powerful, holistic approach to managing these challenges by focusing on the connection between mind and body. Let’s explore how Pilates can help alleviate stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling centered and refreshed.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Why You Should Add Pilates to Your Weight Training Routine

When it comes to fitness, many people gravitate toward weight training to build muscle and boost strength. But what if there were a way to enhance your results, improve your performance, and reduce the risk of injury? Enter Pilates — the perfect complement to any weightlifting routine.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

When did Pilates become an aesthetic?

The Pilates method has long been celebrated for its ability to strengthen and align the body, but in recent years, Pilates has transcended the fitness realm and entered the world of aesthetics.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Why “New Year, New You” is a load of rubbish

And why Pilates is about the long haul

Every January, we’re bombarded with messages urging us to reinvent ourselves. “New Year, New You” shouts from billboards, TV ads, and social media feeds. The implication? That the person you’ve been all year isn’t good enough—and a drastic, overnight transformation is the only way forward.

Here’s the truth:

That mentality is not only flawed, but it’s setting you up to fail

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Why Reformer Studios Aren’t the Full Pilates Experience

Reformer classes have taken the fitness world by storm, offering dynamic, high-energy workouts that leave you feeling strong and accomplished. And while Reformer exercises are an important piece of the puzzle, they’re just one piece. Pilates is so much more —it’s a transformative method that brings strength, balance, and control to your body and mind through a rich variety of movements and tools.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Choosing the Perfect Pilates Studio

A Guide to Finding Comprehensive Training Beyond Reformer Workouts

When it comes to Pilates, not all studios are created equal. While the reformer has gained immense popularity for its dynamic workouts and versatility, the essence of Pilates lies in a holistic approach to movement, strength, and alignment.

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SARAH LISTON SARAH LISTON

Why Golfers should add Pilates to their Training Routine

If you’re a golfer looking to up your game, you probably focus on practicing your swing and spending time on the green. But have you ever considered how your body mechanics, flexibility, and strength might be holding you back?

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