Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates

Kerrie Murphy - Infinity Pilates

In this interview I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Kerrie Murphy from Infinity Pilates studio in Balaclava, Melbourne.
Kerrie has owned and operated her Pilates studio for 21 years now. When you look at statistics related to business success, it is no mean feat to be running a thriving business for that long, in any industry. In this interview we discuss the many changes she’s seen in the industry in that time - from the explosion of Clinical Pilates, to the current Reformer studio model in the market of late. 
Kerrie draws from a number of influences in her work. She is a deeply curious and educated teacher of the Pilates method and it was a privilege to chat with her.
In this interview we discuss:
How Kerrie found Pilates while training as a dancer
Her early education in Pilates, including her time spent apprenticing in the UK
The birth of her Pilates studio and how she started small and grew over time
The long term relationships she has with her clients, some as many as 25 years in the making
The people that have been influential in shaping her as a teacher.
Her approach to melding together the scientific application of body movement with a deep intuitive sense of the body.
Moments when Kerrie felt burnt out and isolated in her business life
How she views the current state of the Pilates industry and how we need to remember our value as instructors and business owners. 
And so much more!
Additional Resources:
Tom Myers Author of Anatomy Chains.
 
Dr Robert Schleip : Leading fascial researcher
 
John Sharkey :Clinical Anatomist.
 
Dr Emily Splichal:  Podiatrist and Movement specialist.
 
Podcast: Liberated Body: Brooke Thomas
And you can find Kerrie here:
Infinity Pilates 
Email: info@infinitypilates.com
Socials: @infinitypilatesmelbourne
 
More about Kerrie:
Kerrie is the owner and principal trainer of Infinity Pilates Studio, Balaclava Melbourne.
A life-long to dance, especially to perform classical ballet, underpins an even greater
fascination for Kerrie Murphy—the mystery and magic of human movement.
Dancing from the age of eleven and helping to teach discipline since she was 15, Kerrie
completed her year 12 in Canberra. She went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from
the University of Western Sydney, where she was first exposed to Pilates.
The degree gave her the impetus to return to Canberra where she danced professionally
with the Canberra Dance Theatre for three years. She also worked with the Australian
Institute of Sport, instructing gymnasts aiming for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and also taught
ballet at local ballet studios.
A two-year stint in the UK in the mid-1990s gave her the chance to explore Pilates further.
She completed a two-year apprenticeship with a Highgate, London studio led by Heather
Sampson, before returning to Melbourne in 1996 to a combination of performance, ballet
teaching and Pilates instruction.
Pilates gradually absorbed her other activities leading to an official course with the Australian
Pilates Method Association, followed by a two-year course with Body Arts and Science
International with Rael Isacowitz.
Kerrie now holds the highest levels of certified Pilates qualifications available in Australia. It
includes the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Practice through Sydney’s Pilates International
Training Centre with Sally Anderson.
After the highly competitive dance world, she loves the balance and absence of judgement
Pilates brings. And an environment in which both client and instructor continually learn and
grow.
Travelling to NYC 2007 Kerrie began further training with Deborah Lesson who worked with
Elder Carola Trier and Blossom Leilani Crawford who worked with Pilates Elder Kathy
Standford Grant. Over the years their mentoring continues to inspire and shape Kerrie’s
teaching and practice.
The interest in human movement inspired Kerrie to dig deeper into the human form.
Training with Dr Robert Schleip in Fascial Fitness 2014. Later training with clinical anatomist
John Sharkey who shared his knowledge on Bio tensegrity.
Drawing inspiration from the full integrated system of the natural world that works collectively
to keep life in motion shines the light on the true value and purpose of the Pilates Method.
Heading into 21 years operation at Infinity, Kerrie still strongly believes, more certainly than
ever that the Pilates Method gives you the space to explore the full purpose and potential of
your body. This gift means you can live a full and meaningful life.

Kate Shelby-James: Pilates Barossa and 'Pilates for Rural Living'

Today I am excited to be talking to fellow South Australian, Kate Shelby-James of Pilates Barossa and creator of ‘Pilates for Rural Living’.
Kate has owned and operated her studio, Pilates Barossa since 2016 , and in the past 12 months has moved into her amazing custom built space.
Kate is passionate about creating programming for members of her rural community and has developed her ‘Pilates for Rural living’ program to specifically take care of the mind and bodies of local farmers and their specific physical needs.  If you are familiar with the Barossa region (and if you are a wine lover than I expect you’d be very familiar), this area of South Australia is filled with award winning vineyards as well as a large farming community.
 
I’m excited to talk to Kate about her evolution from the finance and admin career change in her mid 30’s as well as her thoughts on the state of the industry and where she sees her business growing into the future.
 
If you’re a Pilates business owner outside a metropolitan area, this one is definitely for you!
 
In this interview we talk about:
 
How Kate segued from a career in finance and admin in the wine industry to a career in Pilates
How her studio grew from her living room into her custom built studio over the course of several years.
How she built her own commercial space to accommodate her growing business
Her new initiative: ‘Pilates for Rural Living’ a program designed for her rural community and how it supports the local farming community and beyond
How she grew her teaching roster, despite being in a smaller community. 
How she prioritises down-time and holidays to avoid burnout
How she supports new teachers in the industry
Her thoughts about the future of the Pilates industry in relation to her rural location
Kate mentioned the following resources in the podcast:Are you bogged Mate?
https://areyouboggedmate.com.au/bogged-blog/article/are-you-bogged-mate
Beyond Blue - For small business owners
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/small-business-owners
 
Her PAA Article: https://www.pilates.org.au/kate-shelby-james-bringing-pilates-to-farming-communities/
 
Pilates for Rural living program:
https://pilatesbarossa.com.au/core-strength-pilates-for-rural-living/
 
And where to get a hold of Kate:
Socials: @pilatesbarossa
Email: kate@pilatesbarossa.com.au
 
More about Kate: 
Kate Shelby-James is the founder and senior instructor at Pilates Barossa, formally known as
Pilates by Kate.
Pilates is a form of exercises conducted on mats and / or apparatus. It focuses on core
strength, overall body strength, toning, balance, flexibility, functional movement patterns and
mindfulness.
She holds the following qualifications; a Diploma in Studio and Rehabilitation Pilates, a
Certificate 4 in Mat Instruction and an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. She has grown her
business from a new concept in the region in 2016, to now being a viable long-term business,
with multiple instructors by her side. In 2023 Pilates Barossa relocated to a new purpose
built, self-funded studio at the northern end of Nuriootpa.
Kate continues to focus on her education and engagement within the Pilates community.
She lives Tanunda with her husband and their two fur babies. When away from her studio
she can be found, cycling, enjoying general outdoor activities, travelling and relishing in good
food and wine.
 

Nic Psarros of The Movement Refinery

Nicholas Psarros is the owner of the Movement Refinery. Nic is a creative entrepreneur and connector in the industry here in Australia and someone I very much admire.
He is also the creator of the well known resource: The Pilates Teacher Network and creator of TMR Academy. In this interview, Nic talks honestly and openly about his business journey from his first studio in 2005 to today. We chat in depth about:
How he found Pilates as a young, injured dancer
How Nic feels about the immense teaching talent we have here in Australia (and New Zealand)
How important imagination, self belief and creativity is in the running of his business.
His vision to create ‘The Pilates Teacher Network’ and how it was a source of valuable information through Covid as well as his hopes for the future of TPTN.
How he navigated his business through Covid (when Melbourne was the most locked down city in the world.)
His advice to those new to the industry.
 
Find out more about Nic here:
www.themovementrefinery.com.au
Nicholas@themovementrefinery.com.au
 
And on the socials:
@themovementrefinery
Nic mentioned this resource in the Podcast:
How we built this - Podcast
Thank you Nic!
 

Ben Rashleigh - Aligned for Life and Benjaminrashleigh.com

In this interview, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ben Rashleigh of Aligned for Life Pilates. Ben came to Pilates from a career as a chef with chronic lower back pain. Pilates helped him strengthen his back and his fascination with the method changed his career trajectory from chef to Pilates teacher.
 
In this podcast we talk about:
How Ben approaches his work as a collaborative and educative process with his clients
Why our role as experienced instructors is to mentor the next generation of teachers.
How he marries Pilates with other modalities and influences
His feelings about the current gap in the market with finding experienced instructors as the Pilates teaching profession has boomed.
The importance of getting out from under the ‘tribal’ mentality of the Pilates industry to foster greater community and the sharing of ideas.
Ben mentioned:
Centered - By Madeleine Black
Where to find Ben:
www.alignedforlife.com.au
www.benjaminrashleigh.com
@bjrashleigh_pilates_movement
Thanks Ben!
 

Helen Fletcher - Equipoise Pilates

In this interview I had the pleasure of interviewing Pilates entrepreneur Helen Fletcher.
Helen is the creator of Equipoise Pilates and Movement Education. Since 2012, Helen has created clinics and more recently, online content bringing together Pilates with Equestrian Riding.
 
In this podcast you’ll discover:
How Helen found PIlates in the early 1990’s when it was an ‘underground’ movement modality
How her first Pilates session planted the seed for her future business idea.
Her ‘Deep sense of knowing’ that Pilates would be her future career
How she’s adjusted her business strategy over time to suit her demographic
How she dealt with the push back from the equestrian world when she started marrying riding with Pilates
Her optimism for the industry moving forward with the strong sense of community that’s growing amongst the Australian Pilates community
Her advice on how to ‘quieten the noise’ to develop your instinct as a new instructor.
 
RESOURCES:
 
You can learn more about Helen here: 
https://www.equipoisepilates.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/equipoise_pilates_
 
Helen mentioned the book: Slings Essential:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Slings-Essentials-Resourced-Oriented-Integrative-Learning/dp/B09JDQ18M5
 
Thanks Helen!
 
To stay up to date with the latest podcast drop, go to kimpaxton.com.au to subscribe to my newsletter.
 
And, if you would like to join me in my online mentoring group, starting very soon, be sure to head to kimpaxton.com.au to put your name on the waitlist!

Eve Fairbairn (Ward) - ME Pilates, Melbourne

Welcome to the podcast Eve!
Eve is a well loved and dedicated Pilates teacher that has recently opened her new studio in Melbourne: ME Pilates. In this insightful interview you’ll discover:
 
How Eve approaches her own Pilates practice with a sense of play and curiosity
Her move from Canada to Australia and her early Pilates training
Her challenges teaching Pilates in English, as her 2nd language
Her journey into opening her new studio and how her clients came along for the ride
How working from her garage before opening her studio brought her Pilates community closer
How she nurtures and appreciates her long term relationships with her clients and how she kept them top of mind when fitting out her studio.
Her self doubt around opening her studio and how she juggles family life with studio ownership
How she feels the word ‘Pilates teacher’ is being used too loosely in the current industry.
Eve’s opinion of the current state of the industry and why she feels hopeful.
And so much more!
You can learn more about Eve here:
https://mepilates.com.au/
 
On the socials: 
Instagram: @mepilatesbayside
 
Thanks Eve!
 
To stay up to date with the latest podcast drop, go to kimpaxton.com.au to subscribe to my newsletter.
 
And, if you would like to join me in my online mentoring group, starting very soon, be sure to head to kimpaxton.com.au to put your name on the waitlist!

Renae Blackmore - Renae Blackmore Pilates

Renae Blackmore is a well loved and respected teacher in the Australian Pilates Industry. She is a veteran teacher and has owned her own studio Renae Blackmore Pilates for 17 years. In this interview, you’ll discover:
Her days as a full time dance student and how she found the Pilates method to supplement her dance training
How she has built up her home-based Pilates business through the years and all about her recent studio expansion
How community is important to her as a way to share ideas and grow as a teacher
Her new role as a Pilates teacher trainer
How she has struggled with self doubt and imposter syndrome in her career
Her words of wisdom to new teachers of the method and how she believes comprehensive Pilates training is integral to the future of the industry.
And so much more!

Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates - Trailer

Hi, My name is Kim Paxton.  I’m a passionate Pilates studio owner, PIlates teacher trainer and business coach.
 
In this podcast, me and my special guests are going to be sharing with you the things that have worked in our businesses, the failures and setbacks, the aha moments, and the hard work that goes into following your passion for helping people move and feel better with Pilates.
 
Running a Pilates business  is so much more than following your passion and hoping for the best. It takes hard work, tenacity and a commitment to staying true to your vision.
 
We’ll be diving deep into the barriers that might be holding you back: Self doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure and lack of resources as well as celebrating the amazing self development and personal growth that comes from running your own business.
 
I can’t wait to dive deep with you into the real deal of owning and operating a Pilates business with  my friends and colleagues from around the Pilates world. 
 
And don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay up to date with the latest!