Core with Shawna Beardsley | A Pilates Podcast

This episode is for new Pilates teachers entering into the industry. Be sure to educate yourself on how you’re getting paid and if you’re getting paid properly!

I truly believe that spiritual health is the missing link for most people when it comes to real fulfillment and happiness. We live in a world that is obsessed with physical health—how we look, how we perform, what we weigh, what we eat. And don’t get me wrong… I’m in the fitness industry. I love Pilates. I love taking care of the body. But I think we’ve over-identified with it. We’ve become so con...

In this episode, Shawna dives into the evolution of her fitness journey—from overtraining and burnout in her teens and 20s to a more intentional, balanced approach in her 30s. She shares how shifting her mindset from “more is better” to “train for life” has changed not only her body, but her energy, recovery, and overall quality of life. This episode is all about sustainability, longevity, and red...

Your thoughts feel real—but that doesn’t mean they’re true. In this episode, I’m diving deeper into the mental patterns that shape how we show up—people-pleasing, overthinking, and the daily discipline of letting go. But we’re also going beyond just internal work. Because growth isn’t just about what’s happening in your head—it’s also about who you surround yourself with. I’ll share why I intentio...

What does it actually take to feel your best—not just look your best? In this episode, Shawna breaks down the three pillars she believes create a full, grounded, energized life: physical health, mental health, and the often-missing piece—spiritual health.

You finished your 450-hour comprehensive Pilates teacher training… now what? In this episode, we break down what it really means to be an advanced beginner in your first 1–2 years after certification. That comprehensive training laid the foundation — but mastery comes from repetition, mentorship, continuing education, and putting in the reps. We’ll talk about how to embrace the uncomfortable growt...

You didn’t become a Pilates instructor because you wanted a job—you became one because you loved Pilates. You loved how it made you feel, how it challenged you, how it connected you to your body. You practiced constantly, often daily, before teacher training ever began. And then something shifted. In this episode, I’m talking about a pattern I see every single year—and one I personally lived. When...

As a Pilates studio owner, teacher trainer, and employer, you end up wearing a lot of hats—and one of the most important (and uncomfortable) ones is learning how to have direct conversations. In this episode, I talk about why clear, honest communication matters so much in a Pilates studio setting, especially when you’re leading a team, hosting a teacher training program, or giving and receiving fe...

Pilates is everywhere right now — and while accessibility can be a beautiful thing, the rapid rise of watered-down certifications and weekend “teacher trainings” is quietly eroding the integrity of the method. In this episode, we talk about what comprehensive Pilates education actually means, why Joseph Pilates’ original work (Contrology) still matters, and how both instructors and consumers have...

In this episode, I reflect on a question from teacher training that stayed with me long after the room went quiet: Where do you see the Pilates industry going? What came up—again and again—was accessibility. A shared desire to make Pilates more inclusive, more welcoming, and more available to people across different bodies, backgrounds, and income levels. At InBalance, we hold accessibility as a c...

As Pilates instructors, it’s easy to confuse our own physical abilities with our role in the room—but you are the coach, not the player. In this episode, I break down what that really means, especially during our Posture Perfect theme at In Balance Pilates, where we’re focusing on prone work, spinal extension, and helping clients stand taller and stronger. One of our peak poses this month is High...

this episode, we’re talking about a type of inquiry we see more and more often—clients who discover Pilates through YouTube, come into the studio asking for very technical sessions, and want to focus heavily on things like rib flare, diaphragmatic breathing, and “perfect” form from day one. We’ll break down why Pilates is a practice, not something you intellectually master in one session, why obse...

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of Pilates sub etiquette—one of the biggest indicators of professionalism, teamwork, and long-term success as an instructor. Whether you’re brand new to teaching or a seasoned instructor refining your standards, this episode breaks down why subbing responsibly matters, how your habits affect your reputation, and the systems we’ve put in...

Breaking into the Pilates world isn’t just about having a certification—it’s about finding a studio where you truly belong and showing that you’re invested in the community. In this episode, I’ll share what studio owners like myself look for when hiring, why culture and connection matter more than a cold email, and how you can take real steps toward landing a job in a Pilates studio you admire.

In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between instructing Pilates and teaching Pilates. There’s a big difference between simply guiding movement and truly educating clients about their bodies and the purpose behind each exercise. Whether you’re a new instructor or a seasoned teacher, understanding this distinction can completely transform how your clients experience their sessions—and ho...

Behind every confident Pilates instructor is someone who offered guidance, reassurance, or wisdom along the way. In this episode, I share my own story of starting out as a teacher—without an official mentor, but with my sister encouraging me not to be fearful—and why mentorship is essential in the Pilates world. Whether you’re looking for a mentor or hoping to become one, we’ll explore how these r...

Every business owner and instructor will eventually receive feedback that stings—whether it’s a Google review, a client comment after class, or critique about your teaching style. In this episode, I open up about how client feedback can sometimes feel personal, but how we can choose to use it as fuel for growth rather than letting it shrink us. Together, we’ll explore how to reframe criticism, lea...

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most powerful tools an instructor has: cueing. Great cueing isn’t just about guiding movement — it’s about building trust, creating flow, and elevating the entire Pilates experience. We’ll talk about how to avoid the common mistakes of over- or under-cueing, how to use your voice as a dynamic tool, and why the way you say something is just as important...

In today’s digital world, having an Instagram presence isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re building a client base, filling up classes, or simply standing out in a saturated market, Instagram is your visual resume, referral engine, and personal brand all rolled into one. In this episode, we break down why instructors must be on IG, how it actually drives success, and tips to stay consis...

What happens when you leave behind the corporate grind for a career in mindful movement? In this episode, we dive into the journey of transitioning from the structured, fast-paced world of corporate work into the more personal, purposeful environment of teaching Pilates at a small business. We talk identity shifts, money mindset, autonomy, community, and what it really means to trade a 9–5 for a c...

In this episode, we break down the real ingredients that separate a good Pilates instructor from a great one. It’s not just about the cues — it’s about the connection, the energy, the delivery, and the creativity you bring to every class. From remembering a client’s cat’s name to using your voice like a conductor’s baton, we cover all the ways instructors can build community and deliver a killer w...