In this episode we welcome exercise physiologist Raphael Bender for a conversation about a few popular topics where we often see mixed messages and sometimes even misinformation. If you are a person who loves to learn about how muscles fire, how strength is built, and what current research is saying about certain topics, this is for you!

Kathryn and Raphael talk about how muscles fire and whether or not we need activations in our warm-ups. They also discus the idea of feeling a muscle working and how many people who can’t feel muscles working get told they are doing things wrong. They talk about the difference between building muscle and building strength, and why building the strength to lift heavy things is a coordinative skill. They finish the conversation with the topic of pelvic instability, if a pelvis can really be unstable, how this research is conducted and the problems with manual assessment of an area like the S.I. joint.

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Raphael has developed the skill of simplifying complex ideas into clear, actionable points. His mission is to help Pilates instructors around the world become better, happier, and more financially successful. He does this through his company Breathe Education, and as host of the world’s #1 Pilates podcast, Pilates Elephants.

Raphael has a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology. He has built two 7-figure Pilates businesses and certified more than 5000 Pilates instructors. He lives in Melbourne Australia with his wife and daughter. He is a dog person, coffee person, introvert and a pineapple on pizza lover.

To follow Raphael on Instagram Click Here

To listen to Raphael’s Podcast Click Here