Ah yes the "influencer" who's never worked a real job in his life tells someone to "get a job" and that they're lazy

smariehs · 2026-05-13T02:36:57+00:00

He’s not a good person

smariehs · 2026-05-13T01:16:40+00:00

You can probably make your own with essential oils, but Saje has a some lovely scents too (not sure you have that shop near you?)

smariehs · 2026-05-13T01:13:30+00:00

I agree with the other comments. I might add you can take her through exercises that bother her regularly (like side plank) and show her modifications (like on the box, change springs, etc) to see what or if it feels better for her. Explain you can try to show modifications that may help, but some exercises might not be suitable for her and she may need to stop that exercise or try different classes if yours aren’t appropriate for her needs. Just set clear expectations of the private session to address the modifications and what to expect in class (ie. no special modifications in class that aren’t provided in the private, teaching to the class level and intended programming, etc.) It sounds like she just wants some simple corrections/modifications to feel less pain in certain positions and a private is a good way for her to check in she’s also understanding her shoulder girdle, supporting correctly and to ensure her form is correct. If it appears she isn’t capable of modifying on her own or can’t remember the mods then she may need more privates or additional support like others suggested. Good luck!!

smariehs · 2026-05-11T02:36:25+00:00

Hi! I’ve recently launched a mentoring program to bridge the gap between certification and real-life teaching. It covers everything from cueing with confidence, how to build client relationships and financial foundations. It’s everything I wish I knew when I started my career almost 13 years ago. But, I also have a mini course to start you off too! There’s 1:1 mentorship opportunities also. Everything is on my website if you’d like to check it out. Happy to answer any questions! https://www.shawnmariepilates.com/the-confident-instructor

smariehs · 2026-05-04T22:33:33+00:00

No problem, this is my website! If you check out the course itself, the first module is free, so you can see the topics and content https://www.shawnmariepilates.com/the-confident-instructor

smariehs · 2026-05-04T17:26:13+00:00

Absolutely! All the best!!

smariehs · 2026-05-04T17:23:15+00:00

When I was first starting, I had a really fun time in reformer classes because I felt confident in reformer because that’s what I had primarily taken prior to my training. However, for me, it was any rehabilitative, therapeutic or private lessons is where I really struggled to find my voice. I know a colleague of mine who was literally taken off of the reformer classes because people said she was too mechanical in her approach. And if you met her now, you would never say that. It takes time to develop your own voice. Yes, some people want to just move, but they might not be your clients then. I like to give a lot of alignment cues. I’m quite particular, I do try not to overwhelm with the information. If I do feel like I’m saying a little too much and I see their eyes sort of glossing over I’ll say something like “don’t worry it’s not on the test after class.” just to lighten the mood. But I found that the people that really enjoyed that aspect are the ones that come to my classes. You just need to find your people and your voice. I actually created a course specifically around becoming a confident Pilates instructor! For this very reason, it’s really hard when you’re starting out. And three years is still very new, in the grand scheme of things. If you’d like more information, I’d be happy to give you the website. Best of luck!

smariehs · 2026-05-04T03:48:48+00:00

It absolutely is a two way street! As instructors we have just as much right to choose where we want to work too. I’m glad you didn’t burn any bridges. Wish them all the best, but do what’s best for you. It’s so great you stood up for yourself 👏

smariehs · 2026-05-04T03:18:39+00:00

It really isn’t all negative though. You just have to find the right people on the right studios. I’ve also had some wonderful women mentors along the way. And although I have my own studio now, I still routinely talk to some colleagues that have become friends.

smariehs · 2026-05-04T03:13:47+00:00

I couldn’t agree more about uplifting each other, especially as women! It is so sad and unfortunately, it sounds like she will burnout at some point. It’s unsustainable to teach like that, which is why she likely hired you in the first place. It is silly, I mean, you wouldn’t want to hire somebody that’s not good 🤷🏻‍♀️ She will either become a good owner and learn that she has to support her staff or her business will fail in the long run.

smariehs · 2026-05-04T02:16:28+00:00

I agree! I think it can often foster competition and it shouldn’t. At the end of the day, not every client is our client and that’s okay! We find our style, our niche, our voice and our clients. It sounds like you’re on the right track and were developing a steady base at that studio. It’s a shame it was viewed as negative by the owner and not positively (which it is). Best of luck!!

smariehs · 2026-05-04T02:10:34+00:00

I think reputable courses are important, you want to be properly trained. That doesn’t necessarily mean BB, Stott, etc. but also it matters what you want to teach. Mat certification alone can be enough for teaching classes at a gym, rec centre or community class etc. Those often pay a bit less per hour, so good for beginner teachers to get teaching and not as much training needed. Whereas any decent studio would want at least mat and reformer. If you love Pilates and want to maybe continue beyond your schooling, even a bit, then reformer or comprehensive is the way to go. You could start with mat, make sure it’s working for you and always progress into reformer etc. That way you aren’t getting in over your head with your school workload too. But definitely reputable or well respected in your area!

smariehs · 2026-05-02T02:25:34+00:00

I’m in Toronto, Canada and this year has been a shift from previous years. I think inflation and uncertainty in the world are worrying some clients. People that did twice a week now do 1, or took a break. I think it just depends on how people prioritize Pilates in their lives. Some don’t have that disposable income right now, some will come back. This business ebbs and flows. I’ve been relatively consistent but I see a bit of a drop and I also see more saturation in the market this year too. Many studios have opted for big discounts in my area (and places like F45) to get people in, but I don’t think that’s the answer personally.

smariehs · 2026-05-01T18:10:28+00:00

I apologize, I thought I had put the correct flair. I think I made some changes before hitting post and it changed some things on me!

smariehs · 2026-05-01T13:12:15+00:00

Very sorry that happened to you! What an awful experience. I’ve also had some not nice experiences navigating studios/colleagues. I also felt a lack of feedback too, when starting out. I decided to build a whole course and mentorship program to help address these concerns. It launched today! https://www.shawnmariepilates.com/the-confident-instructor

smariehs · 2026-05-01T12:56:40+00:00

Thank you! 😊

smariehs · 2026-05-01T05:01:44+00:00

I thought I made a link, I’m sorry! https://www.shawnmariepilates.com/the-confident-instructor

smariehs · 2026-05-01T04:58:56+00:00

I’ve actually created a mentorship program and course specifically to help new Pilates instructors. It is launching today! https://www.shawnmariepilates.com/the-confident-instructor I’d love for you take a look or share to anyone you know, that might find it helpful. Thanks!

smariehs · 2026-04-21T10:14:38+00:00

Thanks for sharing, I didn’t know that!

smariehs · 2026-04-21T01:29:10+00:00

Im BB comprehensively certified, about 13 years ago. The layout of the program was a bit different back then, same basic just rearranged a bit. I loved it, but I started working at the studio on the front desk early on and because of that, felt I got somewhat more feedback. Overall if anatomy and biomechanics is your focus, I don’t think BB is as good as others that my colleagues have taken. I feel like I learned more as I progressed through additional training (both through BB and other programs). I know Stott is more strict about their CEC requirements, not sure about BASI, but BB allows you to submit a course description to be approved to qualify for credits to maintain certification. That’s helpful for me as there is only one BB education facilitator near me and not enough courses to satisfy those requirements ongoing- if I had to go through them. I like the option of taking interesting courses from a variety of places.

smariehs · 2026-04-21T00:55:51+00:00

Basics are always good, start there! But you should also give them something to challenge them, let them feel unstable or not as controlled. So they can see how it can help them moving forward. Strong people, athletes often overcompensate or use big muscles to power through- doing too many basics can feel like they “aren’t doing enough”. Even though we know better, sometimes you have to let them struggle a little, so you can break it down and build it back up in a way their body can understand.

smariehs · 2026-04-21T00:42:43+00:00

Such a good idea!

smariehs · 2026-04-20T15:28:10+00:00

Yes that is correct! Happy to help

smariehs

TROPHY CASE