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Uplift Conversations
A weekly podcast with Jaz, Zaira, and Evie, where we dive deep into all things fitness, well-being, and personal success—empowering you with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to do THE THING (whatever yours is!)
💫 Sharing conversations that help you go from “I can’t” to “I will”
Instagram: @upliftconversations @jazlifts @evolvewithevie_ @runzairarun
Uplift Conversations
Why you’re wrong about Pilates with former Olympian Pete Pallai
🎙️This week, we're joined by Pete Pallai, a leading figure in the Pilates world and owner of MyPilatesLondon. But Pete's journey is anything but ordinary. 💬💪 We'll explore his transformation from an Olympic bobsledder to a passionate Pilates instructor who once thought the practice was 'a little bit soft.'
💡 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss:
00:00 🔥 From Olympian to Pilates coach: Meet Pete Pallai
00:29 💪 "Pilates is just for girls?" – Debunking the myth
01:36 🏉 Rugby to bobsleigh: The accidental Olympic journey
03:27 🛷 World championship madness: First bobsleigh ride ever!
06:11 🧊 Surviving ice burns, crashes & fear: Life in the Olympics
07:36 🧠 Lessons from the Olympics: Discipline, dedication & grit
09:27 💔 Rock bottom to reformers: Pete's life-altering Pilates discovery
10:52 🧘♂️ What makes Pilates so addictive and powerful?
12:20 🧩 Tailoring Pilates: From elite athletes to everyday folks
14:13 🧍♂️ Pilates misconceptions: "Fluffy" workouts & male stereotypes
16:17 💡 Pilates for men: Why it’s more hardcore than you think
18:12 👣 Pilates as the foundation of all movement & fitness
20:08 ⚠️ The Pilates boom: Fads, franchises & finding real quality
22:33 🎓 What makes a great Pilates teacher (and what doesn’t)
24:55 💥 From injury to empowerment: Pilates at any life stage
26:15 😂 S&M machines? Pilates studio misconceptions & funny stories
28:45 🧘♀️ Pilates vs yoga: Similar vibes, totally different game
30:43 🧠 Mind-body connection: Why Pilates demands presence
31:57 🧑🏫 Why good coaching makes or breaks a Pilates class
33:47 🦴 Why wrist & ankle strength matters (yes, even for runners!)
36:04 ⏱ How long to train as a Pilates instructor? Let’s break it down
37:13 🧘♂️ Mat Pilates vs reformer: What’s the difference & why it matters
38:11 🔮 The future of Pilates: Towers, chairs & circuit training?
39:40 📅 What’s the ideal weekly workout blend with Pilates?
41:06 🏃♀️ Can you keep running into your 80s? Here’s what it takes
43:01 👏 Real-life transformation: From back injury to ski slopes
44:26 ⚡ Quickfire with Pete: Fave exercise, celeb dream client & more
47:21 💬 Final words: “If it didn’t work the first time, try again”