Pilates Teachers' Manual

Hosted by Olivia Bioni

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Episodes

148

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Pilates Teachers' Manual is your guide to becoming a great Pilates teacher! I discuss everything about being a Pilates teacher, from certification, class preparation, and scheduling, to working in studios, gyms, and in clients' homes, online and beyond! This podcast is for YOU if you are a current Pilates instructor, an aspiring Pilates instructor, or anyone who wants to learn more about the world of teaching Pilates!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 17, 2026Episode 14814 min

Making Every Word Count

This episode explores how to make every word you say count by eliminating common filler words and phrases. Tune in!I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Support the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

March 6, 2026Episode 14713 min

Giving Progressions With Guardrails

Learn to cue progressions in a way that every client only takes a progression when they're ready, and in a way that helps clients understand and deliver the movement you're looking for every time. Tune in!I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Support the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

February 6, 2026Episode 14614 min

The Art Of Auditioning

This week's episode looks at one of the most important steps in the hiring process for Pilates studios: the teaching audition! Tune in for my tips and tricks for making the best impression in your audition. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes:Previous podcast episodes referenced in this episode: Foundational Teaching SkillsChoosing Studios As A TeacherSupport the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

January 9, 2026Episode 14514 min

Foundational Teaching Skills

Curious about what skills are required to be a great teacher? Tune in to learn the best practices for before, during, and after your classes!I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes:Take my prenatal workshop at the Pilates Summit on January 17! January 17th & 18th, 2026The Chicago History Museum – 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pilates-summit-tickets-1967613127832Support the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

October 17, 2025Episode 14419 min

Building Up Exercises For Client Success

This episode covers strategies for building up exercises for client success by adjusting the variable of load, base of support, complexity, range of motion, and equipment settings. The benefits of starting small are numerous, and it all ties back to OPTIMAL theory. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes:Upcoming Prenatal Workshop Info and registration: https://buymeacoffee.com/oliviapodcasts/e/466519You can read the OPTIMAL Theory article and listen to a conversation with the authors. This was a big game changer for me, so I'd love to talk with you about it if you're interested/confused/concerned because I was all those things! Here's another Pilates Teachers' Manual podcast episode discussing the article.Support the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

September 19, 2025Episode 14314 min

Staying On Top Of Your Schedule

In this episode, we're diving into the administrative side of the job and sharing top tips for managing your schedule, staying organized, and creating a sustainable workflow. From choosing the right scheduling system to the importance of consistent habits, we'll help you become a reliable and trusted teacher by building a system that ensures you're always on time and ready to teach. I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes: You can purchase the EPUB or PDF version of the book here and convert to a Kindle friendly file here: https://amazon.com/sendtokindleSupport the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

August 15, 202517 min

Names Make Group Classes Feel Personal

Today's episode shares effective strategies for making group classes feel personal through using your clients' names before, during, and after class. We look at what you can do to learn names and why it's important to make an effort to build community in your classes. Tune in!I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes: You can purchase the EPUB or PDF version of the book here and convert to a Kindle friendly file here: https://amazon.com/sendtokindleSupport the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

July 18, 2025Episode 14144 min

Special Guest - Keisha Brown

The wonderful Keisha Brown joins me on the show today! Keisha is a Master Trainer for Club Pilates, and a Pilates teacher at several Club Pilates studios in Chicago. She shares her journey from watching Mari Winsor DVDs in the early 2000s to healing her body through movement, and now leading teacher trainings in the Midwest United States. She offers valuable advice and insights to what really makes a great teacher and how to improve your teaching. Tune in! I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes: Check out what Keisha is up to on Instagram @kbrownfit and take class with her in Chicago at Club Pilates River North, West Loop, and South Loop locations! Support the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanual (and convert to a Kindle friendly file here: https://amazon.com/sendtokindle if you want)Visit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

June 27, 2025Episode 14012 min

Movement Diversity Makes Better Pilates Teachers

Are you a Pilates teacher feeling confident in your craft? This episode is for you! We're diving into why exploring movement outside of Pilates can make you an even better instructor and enrich your personal life.Discover how trying new forms of movement can deepen your understanding of the body, build stronger connections with your clients, and provide fresh perspectives for your teaching. You'll learn how embracing diverse movements can help you empathize with clients' non-Pilates activities, prevent burnout, and even boost your class attendance. Plus, find out why engaging in movement purely for yourself, without the pressure of teaching, is vital for your well-being. It's time to expand your movement horizons – your clients (and your body!) will thank you.I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes: You can purchase the EPUB or PDF version of the book here and convert to a Kindle friendly file here: https://amazon.com/sendtokindleSupport the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanualVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show

June 13, 2025Episode 13952 min

Special Guest - Seran Glanfield Returns

Seran Glanfield, owner of Spring Three and host of The Pilates Business Podcast, joins me on the podcast this week! We discuss the evolution of Seran's work in the past four years, highlighting her experience coaching Pilates studio owners and the growth of her podcast. Seran shares insights into her Thrive coaching program, which helps studio owners build profitable and fulfilling businesses tailored to their individual visions, including balancing work with personal life and family. The conversation also explores the current landscape of the Pilates industry, noting its significant growth, increased competition, and the importance of strong branding and strategic business development for success. Tune in!I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @pilatesteachersmanual. Full show notes, episode transcription, and chapter markers can be found on the podcast website here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates, and rate and review wherever you listen! Episodes now available on YouTube: *https://bit.ly/YouTubePTM*Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback. Show Notes: Check out the Pilates Business Podcast with Seran here!Interested in the Thrive program for business owners? Check it out here!Support the podcast: Get your copy of Pilates Teachers' Manual: The Book at https://book.oliviabioni.com/pilatesteachersmanual You can purchase the EPUB or PDF version of the book above and convert it to a Kindle friendly file here: https://amazon.com/sendtokindleVisit https://shop.oliviabioni.com for podcast merch! Visit https://links.oliviabioni.com/affiliates to take advantage of some sweet savings!Episode Music:Workout Dance Day EDM by Diamond_Tunes, in compliance with Pixabay's Content License (https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/)Listen/download: https://pixabay.com/music/dance-workout-dance-day-edm-123377/Support the show