Core with Shawna Beardsley | A Pilates Podcast

The Language of Pilates: Guiding Principles & Movement Principles

Sub Etiquette 101: Respecting Your Team, Your Clients, and Your Career

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 place at In Balance Pilates to keep things fair, supportive, and sustainable for everyone.
We’ll talk about giving proper notice, reducing spontaneous sub requests, building goodwill by helping your peers, and meeting studio expectations. If you want to grow as a reliable, respected Pilates instructor, this episode is a must-listen.

Landing Your Dream Pilates Studio Job the Right Way

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.

Instructing vs. Teaching: Elevating Your Pilates Practice

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.

The Power of Mentorship in Pilates

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.

When Feedback Hurts: Growing Stronger from Criticism

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.

Cue the Magic: Mastering Communication in Pilates Instruction

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.

Post It or Ghost It: Why Pilates Instructors Need to Be on Instagram

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.

From Boardroom to Box Spring: A Corporate-to-Pilates Pivot

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.

More Than a Mic: What Makes a Great Instructor

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.