Core with Shawna Beardsley | A Pilates Podcast

Graceful Flow: Teaching Pilates with Disruptions in the Room

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.

Teaching & Selling: Why Pilates Instructors Should Embrace Sales

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.

The Weight No One Sees: Managing Without Applause

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.

Practice What You Teach: Why Your Own Pilates Practice Matters

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.

Leading with Balance: The Woman Behind In Balance Pilates

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.

More Springs, More Strength: Why Underloading Is Failing Our Clients

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.

The Danger of ‘Nice’: When Leadership Lacks Clarity, Courage, and Kindness

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.

Letting Go with Grace: When a Leader No Longer Fits Your Pilates Studio

In this episode, we explore one of the toughest, yet most necessary parts of running a Pilates business: knowing when—and how—to part ways with a leader who no longer aligns with your studio’s mission, energy, or direction. Whether it’s a lead instructor, manager, or mentor figure, releasing someone from a leadership role can feel personal, emotional, and risky. But it can also be the key to protecting your culture, your vision, and your peace.

Pretty Privilege in Pilates: What No One Talks About

The Pilates industry celebrates wellness, movement, and confidence—but underneath that can lie a quiet bias: pretty privilege. In this episode, we tackle the uncomfortable but necessary conversation around appearance-based advantages in the Pilates world. From social media influence to hiring decisions and client loyalty, we explore how looks can shape careers—and what it means for instructors and studio owners trying to build success based on skill, not aesthetics.

Burned Out or Fired Up? Managing Burnout as a Pilates Studio Owner

Running a Pilates studio isn’t just about cuing breath and movement—it’s about managing people, schedules, growth, and your own energy. In this episode, we unpack the realities of burnout for studio owners and what you can do to reclaim your time, purpose, and peace. From setting boundaries and learning to say no, to building a strong support system, this is a must-listen for anyone leading a wellness business while trying to stay well themselves.