Core with Shawna Beardsley | A Pilates Podcast

Spiritual Health — The Missing Link

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 connected to our body… that we’ve actually lost connection with something deeper.

Strong for Life: How I Train in My 30s vs. My Teens

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 redefining what it means to be strong—not just now, but for the long run.

The Mental Game: You Don’t Have to Believe Every Thought You Think

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 intentionally choose people who challenge me, why I refuse to have “yes people” in my life, and how honest, sometimes uncomfortable feedback has been one of the biggest drivers of my growth—in business, relationships, and within myself. If you want to evolve, you can’t stay comfortable. And that includes your environment.

What Do You Do to Feel Your Best?

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.

Advanced Beginner: Why Your First Two Years of Teaching Pilates Are Just the Beginning

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 growth phase, why confidence comes after competence, and how workshops, conferences, and real client experience shape you into a powerful, adaptable instructor. If you’re a newly certified teacher (or mentoring one), this episode is your permission to be in process.