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/onlinelevel1


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 

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 - @fusionpilatesedu
FB @jennifer.gianni.33 - @fusionfitnessonline



Links
Book 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 

Rolling out the iliotibial or IT band has more conflicting advice than almost any other single topic in fitness. To roll, or not to roll, how often to roll, soft roller or firm roller, is it useless or damaging? All of these questions and concerns come up when the topic of rolling out the IT band is mentioned. In this episode we discuss what the IT band is, how it works, what rolling may (or may not) be doing and some straightforward ideas about when, how and if you should do it. As far as getting together, I am available Friday and Saturday afternoon and can meet you at the convention center with recording equipment quite easily. I know you may have additional responsibilities or meetings beyond your booth time so just let me know when you are available.

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 

Brian brings us an interesting client who came in preparing to get a hip replacement. Follow along as Brian lays out his assessment, movement drills and what he learned. Following the presentation, Nora and Brian discuss other cases to illustrate how to assess, understand and design hip centric programs for clients with very different symptoms. This is a great example of how to use anatomy and critical reasoning to create positive change!

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 

Proprioception or understanding where your body is and what it’s doing is the first step in improving movement, decreasing pain and empowering clients to take care of themselves. In this episode Brian and Nora discuss ways to use verbal cues, mirrors, unstable surfaces, tactile feedback and more to help people tune in to what their body is doing. We hope these tips and tricks will make your teaching more effective and more fun!

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 

Tension headaches are a common concern for many. Optimizing posture, decreasing neck and shoulder tension and balancing the muscles around the neck and upper back can bring relief. While movement is not the answer to every headache, this discussion of mobility, ergonomics and relaxation may help you manage or minimize pain and discomfort. 

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 

Amy Boone Thompson is the owner and CEO of IDEA, this country’s largest organization for fitness professionals. In this conversation we discuss current trends in the fitness world, the importance of fitness conferences for creating community, upleveling our industry and supporting the growth of the profession and “Lead like a Woman” a fantastic book she contributed to. Join us for a glimpse into the present and future of the fitness industry. 

For an additional $50 off registration at IDEA World use Voucher Code: WORLD50

Amy Boone Thompson 
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/amybthompson 
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/amyboonethompson/ 
Facenbook - https://www.facebook.com/amy.b.thompson.31 

• Lead Like A Woman: Grateful Book 

You can find the book and purchasing information here: 
Volume 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXCQQH1P 
 

•  IDEA World Landing Page: 

https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2025-idea-world/ 

• IDEA Mentorship Program 

https://www.ideafit.com/idea-mentorship-program/

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