Core with Shawna Beardsley | A Pilates Podcast

Not All Pilates Is Created Equal: Protecting the Method in a Trend-Driven World

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 a responsibility to protect the quality of what’s being taught.
At In Balance Pilates, our 450-hour comprehensive teacher training spans all apparatus, anatomy, biomechanics, history, and real-world application — because teaching bodies is not something you master in a weekend. Whether you’re a teacher, a studio owner, or someone just trying to find quality Pilates in a saturated market, this episode is your reminder: depth matters, lineage matters, and not all Pilates is created equally.

Accessibility Without Apology: Belonging, Balance, and the Future of Pilates

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 core value—and we believe deeply in running a healthy, sustainable business. These two ideas are not in conflict. In fact, they depend on each other.
This episode is a conversation about balance: how profitability allows us to give back, how thriving studios create free education and community resources, and how the future of Pilates can be both inclusive and sustainable—without apology.

Coach, Not Player: Why Great Pilates Instructors Don’t Limit Their Clients

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 Bridge on the Reformer—a powerful, advanced extension exercise. And here’s the truth: I’ve been teaching Pilates for over 10 years (going on 11), and I cannot personally do a High Bridge.
But that doesn’t mean I won’t teach it.
We’ll talk about why your job as an instructor is to coach technique, progressions, and confidence, not to prove your own physical ability—and why holding back clients because of your own limitations does them a disservice.
If you’ve ever avoided teaching an exercise because you couldn’t do it yourself, this episode is for you.

YouTube Pilates, Rib Flare, and the Myth of ‘Perfect Form

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 obsessing over technique early on can actually slow progress, and why some popular online Pilates talking points lean more toward pseudoscience than evidence-based movement.
This episode is also an honest look at why not every studio is the right fit for every client—and why that’s okay. If you’re new to Pilates, curious about form, or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online, this conversation will help you reset expectations and refocus on what actually builds strength, confidence, and long-term results.

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.