Beyond the Reformer

Using neuroscience to transform the way we teach Pilates with Heba Abdel Gawad

• Nic Lenny • Season 1 • Episode 9

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Want to know how to combine Pilates and neuroscience?

In this episode, Nic is joined by Heba Abdel Gawad, who is a two-time Olympic synchronised swimmer turned Pilates educator and founder of the Neuro Pilates method.

They explore Heba’s fascinating transition from elite athlete to pioneering educator, how her sporting background shaped her teaching style, and how neuroscience has deepened her understanding of movement.

You’ll hear about how Heba discovered Pilates and later integrated applied neuroscience into her classes, and why she believes the future of movement education lies in understanding the brain!

She also opens up about burnout, business growth, and her passion for raising the next generation of teachers.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Heba

01:14 Heba's early Pilates experience

04:18 Transition from synchronised swimming to Pilates

13:46 Discovering the Neuro Pilates method

16:00 Integrating Neuro Pilates into teaching

19:37 The impact of Neuro Pilates

29:12 Building a Pilates community

33:30 Developing the Body Hack education program

34:13 Challenges and adjustments in teaching

35:25 Expansion into personal training

36:32 Pilates education and accreditation

38:48 The importance of in-person training

41:06 Balancing business and quality education

49:00 Finding and training quality instructors

56:05 Preventing burnout in the wellness industry

1:01:01 Quick fire questions!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your Pilates friends. It helps more people find the show and supports meaningful conversations like this one!

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

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