Claim OwnershipCore with Shawna Beardsley | A Pilates Podcast
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Join Shawna Beardsley, owner of In Balance Pilates in Tucson, as she explores the business, art, and impact of teaching Pilates. From industry insights and studio growth strategies to teaching tips for new instructors, this podcast is your go-to source for thriving in the world of Pilates.
41 Episodes
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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 how connected they feel to their practice.
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 relationships shape careers, build confidence, and help the entire Pilates community grow stronger together.
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, learn from it, and keep showing up as better leaders, teachers, and humans.
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 as what you say. Whether you’re a new instructor or a seasoned teacher looking to sharpen your skills, this episode will help you cue with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
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 consistent without getting overwhelmed or inauthentic.
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 career centered around wellness, people, and passion.
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 workout that keeps clients coming back — sore and smiling.
In this episode, we’re diving into the often overlooked but absolutely essential topic of punctuality in the Pilates industry. Whether you’re a client, a new instructor, or a seasoned pro, understanding how time works in a class-based business like Pilates is non-negotiable. We break down why showing up early is the actual standard—not just a bonus—and how respecting the clock ultimately means respecting your clients, your coworkers, and the integrity of your work. If you think arriving at the class start time is good enough… this one’s for you.
Pilates is everywhere right now—on your feed, in your group chat, and on every boutique fitness corner. But behind the trend is a serious truth: the industry is unregulated, and not all “Pilates” is created equal. In this episode, we unpack why Pilates is blowing up, the risks of studios using undertrained instructors, and what both clients and aspiring teachers need to know. We’ll also break down why a 450-hour certification should be the baseline—and how cutting corners in training hurts everyone.
In this episode, we dive into a hot topic in the Pilates world: instructor corrections. Why do some instructors offer constant corrections while others give almost none? What’s the balance between guiding a client and letting them explore movement? And how can we, as instructors, let go of the fear of making mistakes — or letting our clients make them?
I’ll share my personal philosophy on promoting motor learning and explain why mistakes aren’t just okay — they’re essential. We’ll explore how excessive micromanaging can actually hinder progress by creating dependency, and why empowering both clients and instructors to make decisions, self-correct, and explore their own bodies leads to better, longer-lasting results.
Whether you’re an instructor who struggles with confidence in cueing, or a client wondering why your teacher isn’t constantly correcting you, this episode will give you a new perspective on growth, autonomy, and the beautiful messiness of movement.
In this episode, we dive into one of the most common—and challenging—teaching moments in group Pilates classes: how to keep the flow going when one client’s injuries, vocal concerns, or physical limitations begin to disrupt the momentum of the session. Whether it’s a client with knee pain who needs extra attention, or someone who’s particularly loud or reactive during movement, this episode offers practical, compassionate strategies to keep your class unified, supported, and on track. You’ll learn tips for managing energy, using modifications without slowing the group down, and setting respectful boundaries that honor everyone in the room—including the instructor.
Sales and Pilates might not seem like an obvious pair—but if you’re an instructor, you’re already selling every day. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of stepping into the teaching space and learning the power of sales. Whether you’re filling your classes, promoting private sessions, or building client trust, understanding sales can level up your impact (and income). Let’s break down the stigma, shift the mindset, and embrace sales as a tool to serve more people through movement.
Running a Pilates studio isn’t just about movement and muscles—it’s about managing people, making tough calls, holding the line on standards, and staying strong through all of it. In this episode, we dive into the unseen emotional load that comes with leadership. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, underappreciated, or just plain exhausted from holding it all together, this one’s for you. We’ll talk about what no one really warns you about when you step into this role—and how to keep your heart in it without losing yourself.
As Pilates instructors, we spend our days guiding others toward strength, alignment, and balance—but are we giving the same to ourselves? In this episode, we dive into why maintaining your own Pilates practice is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. From preventing burnout to refining your teaching skills, we’ll explore how showing up for your own body consistently makes you a more connected, credible, and impactful instructor.
In this special episode, we shine the spotlight on the visionary behind In Balance Pilates. From building a thriving studio community to empowering instructors and delivering real client results, she’s redefining what modern Pilates leadership looks like. We’ll dig into her journey, her values, and how she balances business, boundaries, and burnout prevention with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to run a successful, heart-driven Pilates studio—this is it.
It’s time to raise the bar—and the springs. In this powerful episode, we’re challenging a common but harmful habit in Pilates studios: underloading clients. Whether it’s doing footwork on a single spring “to feel the core” or using light resistance out of fear of injury, we’re actually holding people back—especially aging clients who need strength the most. We’ll break down why footwork should start on five springs, why hands-in-straps needs real resistance, and how progressive overload isn’t just smart—it’s life-saving. We also dive into a groundbreaking 2025 study showing the strong correlation between quad strength and lower mortality rates in older adults. Strength isn’t optional. It’s essential.
In the world of Pilates—and wellness in general—leaders are often praised for being “nice.” But here’s the truth: nice doesn’t always mean kind, and it definitely doesn’t mean effective. In this episode, we unpack the difference between being “nice” and being kind and clear, and why people-pleasing leaders can do more harm than good. From conflict avoidance to unclear boundaries, we explore how “nice” leadership often masks passive aggression, selfishness, and a fear of discomfort.
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