How Pilates Helps Manage Chronic Conditions with Clara Farque

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 Clara01:11 Clara’s journey to discovering Pilates01:27 Living with arthritis and its challenges03:47 Practising Pilates during university04:18 Training to become a Pilates instructor07:09 Balancing a medical career with teaching Pilates09:34 How Pilates has impacted Clara’s life and career12:33 Clara’s philosophy on teaching and adapting Pilates21:19 Insights into holistic health and chronic illness33:38 Specialising in elderly care38:00 The importance of injury checks40:02 Empowering clients and encouraging self-awareness42:16 Mentoring new teachers and tackling imposter syndrome52:01 Juggling life as a doctor, mum, and Pilates teacher53:33 The challenges of growing on social media56:54 Embracing authenticity as a Pilates instructor01:03:45 Quick-fire questionsIf 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 InstagramSoul Pilates InstagramSoul Pilates EducationNic’s InstagramJoin Soul at HomeBook a Pilates ClassConnect with Clara:Pilates with ClaraWebsiteMentoring for teachers