The Emergence Podcast

In this episode of The Emergence Podcast, we sit down with Alana Wilber, founder of BOA Pilates, to discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a movement educator by following your joy and trusting your intuition. Alana shares her candid journey from navigating tech sales in San Francisco to intentionally building a solo studio and a robust online infrastructure. We unpack the realities of the classical versus contemporary Pilates debate, why mastering the fundamentals is non-negotiable for client safety, and how to push past the fear of putting your work out there. If you're looking to create longevity in your teaching practice and build a business that genuinely aligns with your gut and authentic self, this conversation is for you.Key Topics Covered:The Strategic Exit: How Alana used her departure from the corporate tech world to secretly fund her Pilates career.The "House of Cards" Mistake: Why skipping the fundamentals is the biggest trap for new instructors looking to be creative.The "One Box" Method: Her simple, no-stress mindset trick for launching a solo studio without getting overwhelmed.Digital Longevity: The genius strategy Alana uses to build an online library and essentially "get paid to work out."Stop Trying to "Fix" People: Why playing physical therapist is hurting your practice—and what true empathetic teaching actually looks like.Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/⁠Substack: ⁠https://lauragunder.substack.com⁠Alana Wilbur : https://www.instagram.com/alana.moves/

Max Lobato on Studio Energy, Burnout, and Ditching the "Instagram Pilates" PerformanceTeaching movement is a massive energy exchange. This week on Emergence, we strip away the rigidity of the fitness industry to talk about the human behind the teacher with London-based classical Pilates instructor Max Lobato.We get into the reality of 12-hour teaching days, navigating the intense energy of highly scheduled clients, and why constantly filming your self-practice is killing your flow state. If you’re feeling the friction of the industry, looking to build more sustainability into your career, or just struggling to find joy in your own movement, this one is for you.Key Topics Covered:Reading the Room: How to manage "spicy" studio energy and confidently pivot a session when a client needs a nervous system reset.Training vs. Practicing: Why separating your flow state from your mechanical study is crucial for career longevity.Avoiding the Rut: Tangible ways to rotate apparatus and keep your solo practice from flatlining.The Antidote to Burnout: Why mastering the fundamentals—and actively living a life outside the studio—ultimately makes you a better teacher.What strategies do you use to protect your energy on those heavy teaching days? Let me know what you thought of the episode!Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/Substack: https://lauragunder.substack.comMax Lobatto : https://www.instagram.com/maxpilates5/

Welcome back to the Emergence Podcast! We are officially kicking off Season 2, and if the current fitness landscape feels like the "Wild West" to you, you aren't alone.In this season premiere, host Laura Gunder—ex-professional ballerina turned NYC classical Pilates instructor—sets the stage for a year focused on the human side of being a fitness professional. For years, Laura navigated the industry’s lack of a roadmap, battling the "hustle" culture that leads to burnout, health struggles, and financial instability. Now, she’s sharing the systems and mindset shifts needed to make this career not just successful, but sustainable.The Season 2 Roadmap: What to expect from our bi-weekly guest interviews.The New Resource Center: Introducing the Emergence Substack, a written companion to the podcast designed for readers and deep-divers who want tangible takeaways from every episode.The "Selfish" Approach to Service: Why protecting your own energy, health, and "financial fitness" is the only way to truly show up for your clients.Breaking the Isolation: Why building a community of instructors is the best defense against a chaotic industry.Whether you’re struggling with the 40-hour-a-week hustle or looking for a sense of grounding in your practice, this season is dedicated to you. No polish, no pretense—just real talk about the ripple effect of being a healthy, supported teacher.Connect with the Community:Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@emergencepodand resource guides.Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/Feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out with topics or questions you want addressed this season.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you're finding value in these conversations!

Laura reflects on her conversation with Kira Lamb this week, exploring the concept of reverence in movement practice and teaching. She discusses the importance of respecting your craft enough to embrace struggle, curiosity, and the discomfort of not knowing, recognizing that mastery takes years of trial and error. Laura reminds listeners that sustaining yourself as a practitioner requires adaptability and the willingness to juggle multiple paths, all while giving yourself grace through the difficulty. She challenges the culture of instant gratification and emphasizes that building resilience and self-confidence comes from working through the hard things, ultimately allowing us to show up better for ourselves and our clients.

In this week's episode, Laura welcomes New York-based Pilates instructor Kira Lamb for a conversation about building a sustainable teaching practice rooted in classical methodology. Kira shares her journey from ballet dancer to creating the viral Contrology Freak Challenge, and offers practical wisdom on navigating the early years of teaching without burning out. The conversation explores the distinction between Pilates as a workout versus Pilates as a method, and how to create a practice that attracts like-minded clients. With 23 years of teaching experience, Kira emphasizes the power of repetition, teaching fundamentals deeply, and the necessity of adaptability as an entrepreneur in the fitness landscape.

In this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with Erica Almodovar, exploring the ongoing journey of becoming a skilled Pilates teacher. Laura discusses embracing struggle as part of the learning process, reminding listeners that certification is just the beginning and true mastery comes through years of practice and embodiment. She addresses the business side of teaching, emphasizing fair pricing, professional boundaries, and continuous investment in one's own education. As the holiday season approaches, Laura offers a gentle reminder to practice self-care while showing up authentically for clients and yourself.

In this episode, Laura sits down with renowned classical Pilates instructor Erica Almodovar, who shares her journey from managing health clubs to studying directly under Romana Kryzanowska and becoming an international teacher trainer. Erica reflects on her nearly 30 years in the industry, the invaluable lessons from observing Romana's teaching, and her commitment to passing on the classical method exactly as she learned it. The conversation explores challenges facing Pilates today—from quick certification programs to the importance of embodiment and continuous practice—as well as Erica's approach to teacher training, client retention, and building a sustainable business rooted in the integrity of Joseph Pilates' original work. Erica also discusses navigating stress in modern clients, protecting your body as an instructor, and her vision for mentoring the next generation of classical Pilates teachers.

On this week's episode of The Walk, Laura shares a candid reflection on the importance of slowing down and resisting the urge to constantly push for more. Drawing on her conversation with Emilio Lara about humility and sustainable success, she discusses her own tendency to become controlling during uncertain times and emphasizes that ambitious fitness professionals must balance their drive for growth with genuine self-care. Laura encourages listeners to practice gratitude for what they've already built, recognize when pushing harder creates more harm than progress, and remember that preserving their physical and mental health is essential to serving clients and maintaining longevity in the industry.

On this week's episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura chats with Emilio Lara, a coach, trainer, and multi-hyphenate creative based in Mexico City. They dive into a focused conversation around movement and discipline and how that translates into his way of life—across fitness and creativity. Emilio shares stories from his journey, from being an active kid inspired by his older brother's transformation, to discovering his passion for fitness at sixteen with those "killer chest workouts" by the side of his bed. He opens up about how discipline on the soccer field shaped him, his inspiring approach to coaching, and his philosophy of being the coach he wished he always had. They talk about what truly motivates him—the pride his clients take in their own transformations—and the hard lesson of learning to rest, listen to his body, and let go of the guilt that comes with taking time off.

On the Walk this week, Laura discusses key insights from her conversation with first-year instructor Emma Baker, emphasizing the importance of bringing one's full life experience into teaching rather than fitting a narrow definition of fitness professional. She explores practical strategies, including focusing on "needle-moving" micro-actions over overwhelming macro goals, creating grounding spaces to combat decision fatigue, and maintaining mindfulness during challenging sessions. Laura addresses anxiety around client turnover, advocating for building a financial safety net and trusting that quality work attracts clients. She challenges listeners to radically reassess their values and boundaries, asking what kind of coach they truly want to be and what lifestyle will help them show up with energy and authenticity rather than burnout.

In this episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura sits down with Emma Baker, a New York-based personal trainer who made the leap from ballet dancer and corporate writer to fitness professional just a year and a half ago. Emma shares the realities of being a new trainer in New York City, from managing the physical and mental demands of running between studios to navigating the identity shift that comes with a major career change. The conversation explores how Emma's background in ballet and powerlifting shaped her coaching philosophy, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while building a client base, and the importance of staying grounded and present with clients in a fast-paced industry. Emma opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to set boundaries, and discovering that the best coaching comes from honoring her unique blend of movement influences—from strength training to yoga and dance—rather than fitting into a single mold.

Laura reflects on last week's conversation with Stephanie Krempa and gets candid about her own struggles with burnout and overextension. Drawing from Stephanie's holistic approach to wellness, she opens up about pushing past her boundaries despite knowing better—a tendency many ambitious, Type-A personalities share. Laura emphasizes the importance of listening to your body's cues before reaching a breaking point, sharing her personal health setbacks as a cautionary tale. She encourages listeners to build sustainable systems that allow space for rest and self-care, reminding everyone that slowing down isn't weakness—it's essential maintenance for long-term health and success.

This week on the Emergence podcast, Laura sits down with certified trainer, nutritionist, and yoga instructor Stephanie Krempa to discuss the realities of building a sustainable fitness career. Stephanie shares her journey from competitive runner battling female athlete triad to holistic coach, exploring the industry pressures around appearance, navigating injuries and weight fluctuations, and why she shifted from perfectionism to authenticity. They discuss the importance of rest and recovery, setting boundaries with clients, avoiding burnout, and staying connected to what makes movement joyful—plus why going back to her small-town roots keeps her grounded in New York City's elite fitness scene.

In this episode of The Walk, Laura revisits her conversation with strength and nutrition coach Roxie Jones, diving deeper into the concept of biodata feedback and the allostatic load model as frameworks for understanding how chronic stress impacts the body. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between productive signals from the body and persistent noise that indicates deeper issues, urging fitness instructors to prioritize individualized approaches to training and recovery. Laura challenges instructors to think strategically about career longevity, encouraging them to upskill and create sustainable income streams that protect their health while allowing them to show up fully for their clients.

In this episode, Laura sits down with Roxie Jones, a strength and nutrition coach based in New York who shares her winding journey from fashion to fitness. Roxie opens up about her SoulCycle obsession that led to teaching multiple classes a day before burning out, her honest experience with bodybuilding competitions in her twenties, and how she evolved from aesthetics-focused training to performance-based coaching that helps clients find joy in movement. She discusses the psychology behind nutrition coaching, the signs of overtraining from skin issues to sleep problems, and why focusing on deadlift PRs can be more fulfilling than chasing a certain look. Roxie also gets real about the business side of coaching, how the pandemic forced fitness professionals to adapt or disappear, her strategy of diversifying between in-person and virtual coaching, and why anyone considering a career in fitness should expect to work multiple jobs while building their reputation.

In this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with coach Kat Zenger-Atienza, exploring how fitness professionals can stay grounded amid technological and social uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of establishing morning routines and systems that anchor practitioners in their bodies, enabling them to show up more thoughtfully for clients instead of constantly reacting to external pressures. Laura discusses setting healthy boundaries as empathetic coaches, rediscovering joy in movement practices, and addressing anxieties about AI's impact on the fitness industry—ultimately affirming that the people-centered nature of their work, built on genuine human connection, remains irreplaceable.

In this week's episode, Laura interviews fitness professional Kat Zenger-Atienza about her transition from general population training to specializing in prenatal and postpartum clients. Kat discusses how becoming a mother fundamentally shifted her perspective on movement, leading her to recognize the privilege of accessing quality fitness resources and education. The conversation explores her experience teaching 15 classes per week while pregnant, the challenges of "bounce back culture", and developing systems to manage motherhood while maintaining her career. Key themes include listening to your body's signals of safety, building supportive community networks, and shifting from aesthetic-focused training to sustainable, joyful movement practices for longevity. Kat emphasizes continuous learning in the fitness industry and her core philosophy that effective coaching requires practitioners to live authentically in alignment with what they teach, adapting as their bodies and circumstances evolve.

In this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her inspiring conversation with Pilates instructor Sara Talbert, drawing key insights about authenticity and business sustainability in the fitness industry. Laura discusses Sara's advice about taking calculated risks and believing in yourself when pursuing a full-time teaching career, while exploring her own journey of embracing her unique personality rather than trying to fit a typical instructor mold. A central focus of the episode is knowing your worth as an instructor—Laura emphasizes how proper pricing prevents burnout, creates better client relationships, and allows instructors to show up fully energized. She encourages fellow instructors to value themselves appropriately and trust that advocating for fair rates ultimately benefits both their well-being and the quality of service they provide.

In this episode of the Emergence Podcast, Laura sits down with Sara Talbert, a seasoned Pilates instructor with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Sara shares her journey from discovering Pilates as a college runner to building a thriving studio business while raising three children. She discusses the transformative impact of finding mentor Sonjé Mayo after decades of teaching, which reignited her approach to the fundamentals and deepened her understanding of traditional Pilates principles. The conversation covers practical business strategies for sustainable growth, including the transition from employee to studio owner, setting firm boundaries around cancellations and pricing, and scaling from individual classes to group sessions. Sara emphasizes the importance of curiosity, coachability, and kindness for new teachers, while sharing candid insights about avoiding burnout, maintaining work-life balance, and the physical demands of teaching. She also discusses her partnership with her personal trainer husband and how to work effectively with clients of varying motor skills while preserving the integrity of classical Pilates work.

In this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with Jordan Fairclough, a former Liverpool FC performance coach, about taking calculated risks and betting on yourself in your fitness career. She emphasizes the importance of creating safety nets before making major career pivots, drawing from her own experience of building a private practice while maintaining stability at Equinox. Laura discusses staying connected to what makes you feel most alive in your work, celebrating small wins in a demanding industry, and being honest about your needs for happiness and fulfillment. She encourages listeners to take calculated risks, put themselves out there through connections like cold DMs, and tune into their intuition when making career decisions.

Laura is joined by Jordan Fairclough, a former Liverpool Football Club first-team physical performance coach who spent seven and a half years working with elite athletes before choosing to follow his intuition and pursue his own venture. Jordan shares his journey from realizing he was living someone else's dream as a footballer to finding himself "out of alignment" despite working at one of the world's most prestigious football clubs. In this honest conversation, Jordan opens up about the hidden mental health struggles in elite sports and his own battles with anxiety during his tenure at Liverpool. Now six months into betting on himself, Jordan introduces Holism—his coaching philosophy that views athletes as whole human beings—and discusses the importance of humanizing performance, trusting the universe's signs, and learning to celebrate your own achievements.

In this week's episode of The Walk, Laura opens up about her recent creative struggles and self-doubt while reflecting on her conversation with Pilates instructor Alexa Idama. She shares her personal battle with perfectionism and the pressure she puts on herself to be exceptional, which has led to a two-week creative rut and emotional breakdown. Drawing inspiration from Alexa's insights about consistency and the natural ups and downs of pursuing goals, Laura reminds listeners that being human means experiencing lulls and self-doubt, but that consistent movement toward goals — even imperfect progress — is what matters most. She encourages anyone feeling frustrated or lost in their journey to keep showing up for themselves and trust that things will work out with time and persistence.

Laura is joined by Alexa Idama, a third-generation classical Pilates instructor based in Atlanta, founder of Peachtree Pilates, and the voice behind Low Impact Fit. Alexa shares her transformative journey from earning a psychology degree and working in corporate settings to discovering her calling in movement as medicine through a life-changing encounter with chronic knee pain. In this episode, Alexa reflects on how her lineage training shaped her understanding of authentic classical work, her mission to create inclusive spaces for Black and brown women in Pilates, and how she built a thriving social media platform and teacher training program during COVID. She and Laura discuss the evolution of classical Pilates to serve diverse body types, the reality of entrepreneurial seasons and hustle, and her vision for making Pilates accessible to every body while maintaining the integrity of Joseph Pilates' original work.

In this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Gabe Snow and expands on the importance of emotional honesty, intentional growth, and redefining strength. She shares her own mid-year check-in process—from setting clear goals and non-negotiables to identifying habits she’s leaving behind in 2024. Laura explores how writing things down can create accountability and clarity, not pressure, and how protecting your peace often means setting boundaries and being mindful of where your energy goes. She emphasizes the value of checking in with your future self, making aligned choices, and using self-reflection as a way to celebrate progress—even when growth feels slow or messy.

Laura is joined by Brooklyn-based personal trainer and life coach Gabe Snow, who shares his transformative journey from struggling with mental health, body image struggles, and steroid use as a football player and model to becoming a "mind & body architect" who views movement as medicine. In this episode, Gabe reflects on how his background in psychology and neuroscience shaped his unique training philosophy of "mind leads, body follows," the role of vulnerability and grace in his coaching practice, and how he's redefined strength to emphasize resilience and emotional openness over physical power. He and Laura also discuss the shift from aesthetic-focused fitness to therapeutic movement, building authentic client relationships through presence and consistency, and his vision for a more holistic approach to wellness that prioritizes mental health alongside physical fitness.

In this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Christie Wang and explores the essential balance between ambition and self-compassion in building a career. She unpacks Christie's journey from dance and modeling into teaching and studio ownership, highlighting how rejection can become redirection when used as fuel for confidence. Laura discusses the reality that most successful ventures involve a slow uphill climb rather than instant success, and how social media can create misleading expectations. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace when timelines don't match your hopes, keeping creativity and fun at the center of your work, and learning to take guilt-free time off to decompress and detach from work.

Laura sits down with Christie Wang, a San Diego–based classical Pilates instructor and fitness entrepreneur, to talk about her journey from college student to studio owner. After years of self-doubt sparked by a mentor’s harsh feedback, Christie slowly built her business from teaching in her apartment with secondhand gear to running a thriving, modern studio rooted in classical instruction. She shares how she navigated the rigid hierarchies of traditional Pilates, what she’s learned about receiving critique, and why financial discipline matters just as much as physical precision. We also discuss the power of staying curious and how her wide-ranging interests help her balance the demands of her practice.

In this episode of The Walk on The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Michael Autore and dives deeper into the theme of betting on yourself. She unpacks the idea as a multidimensional practice—emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial—and shares how it’s less about a single moment of bravery and more about cultivating a steady, resilient mindset over time. Laura explores topics like imposter syndrome, self-awareness, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support system.

Laura sits down with Michael Autore, a New York-based coach and entrepreneur transitioning from his full-time role at MOTIV to focus on his brand SlimThick. Michael shares his journey from small-town Connecticut to NYC's fitness scene. Navigating personal loss during the pandemic while building community through Instagram Live classes, he shares how that shaped his coaching philosophy—one that prioritizes clients leaving happier than they arrived. Michael also discusses his three pillars of confidence, the power of betting on yourself, and why he believes in meeting people where they are rather than forcing them into rigid fitness boxes.

In this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent weekend with guest Saphi Gonzalez and revisits their earlier conversation on community, mindset, and personal growth. She explores the value of showing up authentically, building trust with clients, and embracing the season you're in—whether busy or slow. Through stories from her own teaching journey, Laura highlights the power of gratitude, intentional language, and cultivating integrity in your practice.

Laura is joined by Miami-based Pilates instructor Saphi Gonzalez, who shares her journey from a career in corporate marketing to running a thriving home-based classical Pilates studio. In this episode, Saphi reflects on what it’s meant to find deeper alignment in her work, the role of faith and gratitude in her business, and how she’s leveraged her digital marketing expertise to build a loyal and growing client base. She and Laura also discuss the shift from group fitness to private clients, building community through an abundance mindset, and her vision for a more intentional future in the wellness industry.

In this episode of The Walk series, Laura reflects on her conversation with Oscar Arana, a fitness coach based in New York City, and explores the importance of setting boundaries as a teacher. From protecting your energy to learning when to say no, she shares personal insights on avoiding burnout, staying present, and making space for growth, both for yourself and your clients. A grounding reminder to slow down, listen to your body, and honor where you are.

On this week’s episode, Laura sits down with Oscar Arana, a coach at Session Training in New York. We talk about what it means to meet clients where they are today, not where a program says they should be. Oscar breaks down his evolving coaching philosophy, one that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and connection over intensity for intensity’s sake. He also shares his journey from corporate finance to full-time coaching, how he manages energy and burnout, and why showing up with presence — and a great playlist — matters more than any perfect plan.

In this episode of The Walk, host Laura revisits key takeaways from her conversation with Chaz Knight, a seasoned Pilates instructor based in California. She shares insights from her own practice, emphasizing the power of "less is more," building strong foundations, and approaching the Pilates method as a system rather than a checklist. Laura also dives into the importance of self-practice, clear cueing, teacher boundaries, and honoring your own journey as both a teacher and a human being.

In this episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura talks with Pilates instructor Chaz Knight, who built a thriving practice in West Hollywood after transitioning from a career as a dancer in Martha Graham's second company. Chaz shares how he learned to hone his skills during the pandemic through virtual instruction, which unexpectedly doubled his business. Now, with a full-time teaching practice, he's interested in continuing to follow his passions, focusing on mentorship opportunities and building training programs for new teachers. Chaz opens up about preventing burnout while maintaining passion for the work, and his mission to bridge different Pilates lineages while preserving the method's traditional roots and depth.

In this The Walk episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her conversation with Alexa Javens of Session Training in New York City. She explores the importance of trusting the “season” you’re in, mastering your craft, and investing in growth. Laura shares personal stories of navigating fear, body image pressures, and shifting priorities, leaving listeners with reflective prompts to reconnect with their core values and intentions.

Laura talks with Alexa Javens, co-owner of Session, a standout workout studio in New York’s fitness scene, in this episode of The Emergence Podcast. Alexa shares how a temporary coaching role during COVID-19 turned into a long-term partnership with founder Patrick Waters, and how her background at Orange Theory shaped her approach. Now leading client-facing operations, she brings her “simple, not easy” philosophy to life through thoughtful coaching and community-building. Alexa also opens up about her experience with overtraining, her work as a Nike Well Collective ambassador, and how intentional hiring and staff development have helped create the supportive, standout culture that defines Session.

Welcome to The Walk, a solo series within The Emergence Podcast. These reflective episodes feature personal insights from Laura, highlight key takeaways from past guest conversations, and explore recurring themes to help guide your fitness, career, and mental well-being. Designed as a companion for your daily walk, each episode invites you to take 30 minutes for yourself—to recharge, reflect, and realign with your goals.

Meet Laura Gunder, your host, in this special introductory episode of The Emergence Podcast. Laura discusses her podcast's mission to connect, empower, and support fitness professionals through conversations with industry experts about finding balance in a challenging industry and chronicles her own journey toward learning to care for herself in order to better serve her clients.

Welcome to The Emergence Podcast, launching on April 15th! Hosted by Laura Gunder, a classical pilates instructor, this podcast is designed to empower fitness instructors through candid conversations about building and maintaining their minds, bodies, and business.