Raphael Bender: The Evolution of Reformer Pilates in Australia

In this week’s episode of the Nathan Ross Rees Reformer Podcast, I sat down with Raphael Bender, CEO of Breathe Education since 2016, to explore the evolution of the reformer Pilates industry in Australia.

Raph, a longtime educator and movement professional, has built a reputation for cutting through dogma and pseudoscience by challenging outdated thinking in the fitness industry. His passion lies in helping instructors and educators ground their teaching in real science and deliver better outcomes for their clients. 

What makes his insight so valuable is not just his educational lens, but his longevity! Raph's industry experience predates the rise of all the major Pilates franchises. Sharing what the industry looked like long before the boom. It was a time when reformer Pilates was niche, unknown, and in its infancy in Australia. What’s followed is a rapid timeline of growth — from underground to oversaturation — a story that may mirror the early days of American car manufacturing, from massive expansion, to inevitable consolidation.

We also took a critical look at the franchise model — its advantages in providing structure and speed to market, but also its flaws. Specifically, we unpacked the misalignment between franchisor and franchisee goals. When brand expansion becomes the main objective, education and instructor quality often take a back seat.

This episode is essential listening for any instructor or studio owner who wants to understand where the industry has come from — and what’s coming next.

Episode coming soon. Stay tuned via www.reformeracademy.com/nathan-ross-rees-reformer-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.