Bodyline Pilates

LET’S MAP PILATES. Which lane are you in?

There’s a lot of confusion in our industry right now. Almost anything done on a Reformer can be called Pilates—and maybe instead of arguing about what is and isn’t Pilates, we need a better way to describe the different ways this work is being taught.

So let’s call it all Pilates—and map the different lanes.

But I don’t want to decide what those lanes are. I want us to do it together.

If we don’t define our own industry, who will do it for us?

So Pilates teachers, I need your help:

What lane are you in?

Give your lane a name and describe it in one sentence.

Then tag another teacher who teaches in a similar style and ask them to do the same.

Put it all in the comments below. I’ll be reading your answers, sharing some of them, and using your input as we start building the map together.

Let’s Map Pilates.

Thank you for being part of this.

Pro Class is genuinely the highlight of my week. Many of you show up every single Wednesday without fail — I have new students diving into advanced work for the first time, professional movers flying in from all over the world, all in one room. It’s become one of my favorite ways to stay connected to this community, and I wanted to share the class to hopefully inspire you to get on the reformer and join me wherever you are. If you want more behind-the-scenes, business advice, my honest thoughts on the industry, plus occasional discounts and occasional free Pro Classes codes, my IG subscription is $4.99/month. AND I’ll be at the Pilates Journal in Miami Sept 12–13, come find me and say hi, would genuinely love to meet you.

—> UPCOMING Balanced Body Teacher Training
In studio/online (must have equipment). *Ref 3 in studio only*
Mvmt. Principles - Aug. 28-30
Mat 1 - Sept. 18-20
Reformer 1 - Oct. 2-4
Mat 2 - Oct. 16-18
Ref 2 -Nov. 13-15
Ref 3 - Dec 11-13

…………….

No matter your training, your teacher, your lineage — we can all agree: Stomach Massage is not a fan favorite with clients. But some teachers seem to love it on their body. Me some so much. Honestly, the setup is awkward. The why isn’t obvious. I only teach this if it is requested and that’s usually rare. So why do we keep teaching it? What’s the actual point.
Educators — I want your take.

Hunter and Miku are demonstrating this very well. They both have professional dance backgrounds and are able to handle deep range of motion. They make this look easy but it ain’t. You can take privates and group classes with them in studio or virtually.

UPCOMING Balanced Body Teacher Training
Mvmt. Principles - Aug. 28-30
Mat 1 - Sept. 18-20
Reformer 1 - Oct. 2-4
Mat 2 - Oct. 16-18
Ref 2 -Nov. 13-15
Ref 3 - Dec 11-13

PILATES JOURNAL EXPO - Miami 2026

How many springs is too many? How few is too few?

The answer is: what’s your intention?

Springs aren’t just settings. They’re load.

If my goal is control, mobility, balance or learning a new movement, I may choose less resistance.

But if my intention is building strength, that changes the conversation.

To build strength, at some point we need overload. Your client needs to work against enough resistance that the final repetitions are genuinely challenging and approaching muscular failure.

Sometimes we get so accustomed to our favorite spring settings that we stop asking whether they’re actually challenging the person in front of us.

But there’s another piece every Pilates teacher should know:

What was the traditional spring setting for the exercise?

Know the original intention. Understand what changing the springs does to the exercise. Then make an educated decision based on the body—and the goal—in front of you.

So before you ask, “How many springs?”

Ask: “What am I trying to accomplish?”

Join me for BALANCED BODY Teacher Training
LIVESTREAM and in studio

Movement Principles- August 28-30
Mat 1- September 18-20
Mat 2- October 16-18
Mat 3- January 8-10

Reformer 1- October 2-4
Reformer 2- November 13-15
Reformer 3-December 11-13 in studio only

Bodyline has been educating and certifying Pilates teachers in partnership with Balanced Body for 28 years.

Because a strong foundation doesn’t lock you into one lane—it gives you choices.

Fitness. Rehab. Classical. Contemporary. Or a teaching style that becomes uniquely your own.

And certification is only the beginning. At Bodyline, we support our students as they develop into confident teachers with discounted classes, livestream learning, continuing education, and an apprenticeship program where you can teach, practice, and receive real-time feedback.

Learn the work. Develop your eye. Find your path. This clip of Hunter Wayne Foster says it all. He is now part of our staff. Come take class with him!

Upcoming Balanced Body Teacher Training at Bodyline:

Movement Principles | August 28–30
Mat 1 | September 18-20
Mat 2 October 16-18
Mat 3 January 8-20

Reformer 1 October 2-4
Reformer 2 November 13-15
Reformer 3 December 11-13

Apparatus - In studio only
October 23-25
November 6-8



Your teaching career starts with a strong foundation.

Every time I teach overseas, I’m reminded that Pilates has its own language.

And I’ll admit—I also feel a little embarrassed that I only speak English.

In Warsaw, I met a teacher from Slovakia who actually brushed up on her English before coming to my workshop so she could better understand my teaching.

That stopped me in my tracks.

We talk a lot about commitment to continuing education, but this is another level.

She didn’t just travel to learn. She prepared in another language to learn.

Would you study another language to take a workshop with a teacher who inspired you?

Celebrate my 60th birthday with me this week-
🎂Free Pro Class for my subscribers.
Wednesday August 19th 2:30 pm PST
In studio, livestream and zoom recording
Discount code on subscriber page

Balanced Body Teacher Training
Movement Principles- August 28-30
Mat 1- September 18-20
Mat 2- October 16-18
Mat 3- January 8-10

Reformer 1- October 2-4
Reformer 2- November 13-15
Reformer 3- December 11-13

These 4 were once my students. Now they’re building successful careers—and they’re still committed to their practice.Life will always throw obstacles at you. The difference? You make it work. I’ll be back next week teaching my regular class schedule. Come train with me and my team in-studio or virtually everyday.

Or ready to start or deepen your Pilates education? Balanced Body Teacher Training starts Aug 28–30 with Movement Principles. In-studio or virtual. Make it happen.

—> UPCOMING Balanced Body Teacher Training
In studio/online (must have equipment). *Ref 3 in studio only*
Mvmt. Principles - Aug. 28-30Mat 1 - Sept. 18-20
Reformer 1 - Oct. 2-4
Mat 2 - Oct. 16-18
Ref 2 -Nov. 13-15
Ref 3 - Dec 11-13

…………….

Pilates accidents happen when we forget the original intent of the equipment. A moving machine, a high step, and a complicated sequence is high risk. So why am I allowed to post me teaching a standing reformer flow?

Because you’re only seeing a snippet. I have a protocol: intentional setup, clear cues, purposeful sequencing, constant observation, and quick modifications. Advanced Pilates isn’t about taking the biggest risk—it’s knowing when the risk is worth the reward. I always have a game plan for any scenario. So what’s your protocol for standing on the machine? Who is allowed to stand on the reformer? Comment below

UPCOMING Balanced Body Teacher Training
Mvmt. Principles - Aug. 28-30
Mat 1 - Sept. 18-20
Reformer 1 - Oct. 2-4
Mat 2 - Oct. 16-18
Ref 2 -Nov. 13-15
Ref 3 - Dec 11-13

PILATES JOURNAL EXPO - Miami 2026

This is why you need to be in the studio. Instagram can give you tips and tricks, but it can’t teach you how to see, instruct, and build movement. That comes from taking class, being in teacher training, attending workshops, and watching experienced teachers work. If you think “basic” means easy, you’re missing the point. Watch how Miku, Balanced Body Educator makes a simple exercise work with precise, effective cues—and you’ll understand the difference between knowing exercises and knowing how to teach.

I am traveling and will be back in town next week. I will be teaching Movement Principles with Miku August 28-30. I highly recommend you start your Pilates Certification here. If you’ve already taken, make sure to check for upcoming Teacher Training Schedule.

UPCOMING Balanced Body Teacher Training
Mvmt. Principles - Aug. 28-30
Mat 1 - Sept. 18-20
Reformer 1 - Oct. 2-4
Mat 2 - Oct. 16-18
Ref 2 -Nov. 13-15
Ref 3 - Dec 11-13

PILATES JOURNAL EXPO - Miami 2026

Your reformer is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your studio. Know what you’re buying.

When I started my career, I had Merrithew equipment in my studio alongside Balanced Body—and Merrithew was responsible for some important innovations in reformer design, including placing the carriage wheels inside the track so the carriage couldn’t lift out of the frame. They were also early innovators with the rebounder-style jump board.

But every piece of equipment has trade-offs.

One important detail with Merrithew reformers: the carriage is roughly 1½ inches shorter than many other reformers. That may not sound significant—until you regularly teach clients who are 6 feet and taller.

Today, there seems to be a new reformer manufacturer every week. Do your due diligence. Get on the equipment. Move it. Teach on it. Understand the dimensions, mechanics and limitations before investing in an entire studio.

You can try many of the latest equipment options at the Pilates Journal Expo in Miami, September 11–13.

I’m also sharing more in-depth equipment reviews on my subscription page, along with workshop discounts, livestream classes, behind-the-scenes access to my studio, and insights from the Pilates injury cases I’ve worked on as an expert witness.

Pretty equipment is everywhere. Great equipment is in the details.