Nic sits down with Clara Farque, a Pilates instructor, medical doctor, and chronic illness advocate, to explore the role Pilates has played in managing rheumatoid arthritis, preventing burnout, and creating a more holistic future for healthcare.
Clara shares how a life-changing diagnosis at 18 led her to Pilates and how she balances her work as a doctor with teaching and mentoring.
This episode takes an honest look at the intersection of chronic illness, movement, and medicine.
They also chat about the realities of showing up authentically on Instagram, how Clara built a loyal online community, and what Pilates teachers need to do to prevent burnout.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Clara
01:11 Clara’s journey to discovering Pilates
01:27 Living with arthritis and its challenges
03:47 Practising Pilates during university
04:18 Training to become a Pilates instructor
07:09 Balancing a medical career with teaching Pilates
09:34 How Pilates has impacted Clara’s life and career
12:33 Clara’s philosophy on teaching and adapting Pilates
21:19 Insights into holistic health and chronic illness
33:38 Specialising in elderly care
38:00 The importance of injury checks
40:02 Empowering clients and encouraging self-awareness
42:16 Mentoring new teachers and tackling imposter syndrome
52:01 Juggling life as a doctor, mum, and Pilates teacher
53:33 The challenges of growing on social media
56:54 Embracing authenticity as a Pilates instructor
01:03:45 Quick-fire questions
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with your Pilates friends. It really helps us reach more people with thoughtful conversations like this.
Connect with Nic:
- Beyond the Reformer Instagram
- Soul Pilates Instagram
- Soul Pilates Education
- Nic’s Instagram
- Join Soul at Home
- Book a Pilates Class
Connect with Clara:
Get 5% off Balanced Body Pilates equipment with the code SOUL PILATES
If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.
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