Episode Overview

Podcast: Pilates Business Podcast
Episode Title: Elevating Pilates Teachers as Professionals: What the Industry Needs Now
Host: Seran Glanfield
Guest: Victoria Torrie-Capan
Date: February 9, 2026

In this episode, Seran Glanfield interviews renowned Pilates teacher, mentor, and business owner Victoria Torrie-Capan, creator of the Music City Moves Me conference. Together, they discuss the evolution of the Pilates industry, what’s missing in its current professional landscape, the key obstacles holding Pilates teachers back from long, sustainable careers, and why it’s time to change the narrative on teacher support and development.
They also highlight the value of curiosity, connection, and community while previewing the unique approach of the upcoming Music City Moves Me event.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolving Pilates Industry

• Industry Transformation
  • Victoria reflects on the early days (index cards, no advertising, accepting checks) and the increasing operational complexity and visibility Pilates now enjoys.
  • "The way the transaction happens has changed immensely in 20 years... If you've been in this industry for a long time, you know what I'm talking about. That business cannot compete with what's happening now." (Victoria, 06:05)
• Opportunities Today
  • The boom in Pilates awareness presents seasoned teachers and studio owners with new opportunities to shine as trusted experts, provided they adapt and stay visible.

2. Integrating Business and Teaching Growth

• Dual Responsibility
  • The business and instructional sides of Pilates careers are inseparable. Focusing only on one aspect limits growth.
  • "You can't dissect your business development from your teaching growth. You have to know this... you're creating a message, your brand, your process for the client—in their workout but also in their experience." (Victoria, 12:13)
• Personalization and Strengths
  • Teachers are urged to identify and lean into their individual strengths, rather than compare themselves to others, and to structure both client service and professional development accordingly.

3. The Confidence Gap and How to Bridge It

• Common Blockers for Teachers
  • Comparing oneself to others can breed insecurity and stall growth.
  • "What you offer is not what the person next to you offers. If you get into that, you're going to start down a path of insecurity." (Victoria, 13:10)
  • Accepting that it’s normal not to have all the answers frees teachers to partner, learn, and expand.
  • Building professional relationships—inside and outside Pilates (e.g., with physical therapists, even hairstylists!)—broadens perspective and support.
• The Power of Curiosity
  • Staying curious is linked directly to building enduring confidence.
  • "Curiosity is the gateway to confidence. If you walk in a room and think you're the smartest person there, you're already closing off opportunities." (Victoria, 16:25)

4. Embracing Technology and Modernization

• Shifting Mindsets about Tools
  • Studio owners may resist investing in tech, but re-framing these tools as enablers can transform workflow and competitiveness.
  • "How can this now alleviate work that we used to do?... Be curious about it, rather than just scared of it, and then you can be analytical and compare all the options." (Victoria, 18:01)

5. The Importance of Community and Professional Gatherings

• Why In-Person Events Matter
  • The isolation felt by many Pilates professionals—exacerbated by COVID—is motivating a return to in-person workshops and conferences.
  • Professional relationships formed at events can span decades, support referrals, and catalyze growth.
  • "Those professional relationships expand over decades... Get your conference buddy." (Victoria, 29:45)

6. Music City Moves Me – A New Type of Conference

• Conference Philosophy
  • Multifaceted focus: personal practice, teaching, business, and networking.
  • Explicitly rejects compartmentalizing professional growth: "Is this a business thing or a teaching thing? ... I’m not gonna do that." (Victoria, 21:33)
  • Designed for holistic development, with support from thoughtfully chosen sponsors.
• Program and Lineup
  • Workshops on teaching led by esteemed instructors (Sanjay Mayo, Miguel Silva, Mariano Dullegari).
  • Sponsors include Graz Pilates, Pilatesology and more, ensuring alignment with the needs of serious teachers.
  • Personal practice segments, business panels, nourishing catering, and opportunities for deep connection.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Curiosity is the gateway to confidence."
  —Victoria Torrie-Capan, 16:25
  (A core theme emphasized as crucial for ongoing development.)

• "You can't dissect your business development from your teaching growth... we try to divorce these things, and we can't actually."
  —Victoria, 12:13

• "What you offer is not what the person next to you offers. If you get in that, you're going to start down a path of insecurity."
  —Victoria, 13:10

• "Be curious about [technology], rather than just being scared of it... my only choice was MindBody. I think it's amazing there's so many options out there."
  —Victoria, 18:01

• "The desire that wasn’t being met by these smaller weekends... is that [they] fail to grasp the complexity of what our industry is; it’s focused mostly on teaching and the client—and that’s really only one part of your growth."
  —Victoria, 20:09

• "Those professional relationships expand over decades—I mean, I still have those friendships. Conference buddies—get your conference buddy!"
  —Victoria, 29:45

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 05:40–07:04
  Reflecting on industry changes, from analog to digital business models.

• 08:13–12:37
  The learning curve and importance of aligning personal strengths and communication with client needs.

• 13:10–16:25
  Discussion on teacher insecurity, the dangers of comparison, and confidence-building strategies.

• 16:25–18:01
  Curiosity as a critical trait and as a way to navigate change and gain confidence.

• 18:01–20:09
  Embracing technology and the mindset shift required for modern studio operations.

• 20:09–24:23
  Genesis of the Music City Moves Me conference—addressing the holistic needs of Pilates professionals.

• 26:29–28:22
  Conference program highlights and sponsor partners.

• 29:45–31:45
  The lasting value of professional community and in-person networking.

• 31:45–33:38
  Event logistics, registration details, and closing remarks.

Conclusion & Takeaways

This episode champions the evolving identity of Pilates teachers and studio owners as true professionals—requiring not only technical and teaching mastery, but also curiosity, confidence, business skills, and community connection.
Victoria's Music City Moves Me conference seeks to support this holistic growth, offering a rare convergence of education, networking, and fresh inspiration for Pilates professionals.

"Whatever it is that you want to do, create, or offer—you’ve got this."
—Seran Glanfield, 33:38

Resources & Next Steps

• Music City Moves Me Conference:
  Dates: April 10–12, 2026
  Location: Nashville, TN
  Registration & schedule details available via the conference website (linked in show notes).

• Spring3 Free Resources:
  For more studio business tips, visit spring3.com.

• Contact & Connection
  All listeners attending the conference are encouraged to introduce themselves to both Seran and Victoria for continued community growth!