Pain does not mean your body is broken. If you work with clients in pain or you have ever felt afraid to move, this conversation is for you.
In this episode of Beyond The Reformer, Nic sits down with Pilates teacher, movement specialist and chronic pain educator Dana Karen (DK) Ciccone to explore what pain really is, how fear shapes the way we move, and why every body is meant to move.
Drawing on DK’s personal journey of chronic pain, injury and rebuilding trust with her body, the conversation looks at the stories people carry into the studio and how much those stories influence their movement.
Nic and DK share practical tools for teachers who work with clients in pain, including how to ask better questions, how to build psychological safety, and how to use springs and equipment intentionally to rebuild confidence.
They discuss inclusivity, representation, the evolution of Pilates and the importance of teaching in a way that celebrates strength rather than limitation.
Timestamps
00:00 Nic’s personal updates
02:07 Intro to today’s guest, DK Ciccone
03:36 DK opens up about her early experiences with pain and movement
07:09 How Pilates became a turning point in DK’s healing journey
13:44 DK’s path into teaching and rediscovering purpose
15:58 How to understand and support clients who arrive with pain
27:41 What creates a safe movement experience for every body
34:09 Helping clients build confidence with spring choices
35:28 Why inclusivity in Pilates studios matters
38:22 The boom of Pilates and how the industry is shifting
43:59 Pain, fear and how language influences the way we move
51:33 DK’s insights on Pilates in Scotland compared with America
56:21 What the future of Pilates education needs
01:03:13 Quickfire questions with DK
01:04:55 Where to connect with DK
If you enjoyed this episode, follow Beyond The Reformer, share it with a friend or fellow teacher, and leave a rating so more people can discover these conversations.
Nic also loves hearing your takeaways, so feel free to message on Instagram!
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 DK
- Movement Remedies Website
- Cultivating Courage Workshop
- Meant to Move Foundations
- DK’s Instagram
- Email DK:
Interested in joining the February Reformer+ Teacher Training intake? Find all the details and book a call here.
Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.
To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.
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