Episode Overview

Title: Teacher Training for Studio Owners: Build a Stronger Team (and a Stronger Studio)
Host: Seran Glanfield
Guest: Jessica Spillane (Founder, EYT Pilates Teacher Training)
Date: January 12, 2026

Main Theme:
This episode explores how Pilates studio owners can solve the common challenge of finding and developing well-qualified instructors by integrating teacher training into their studios. Jessica Spillane draws on her deep experience as both a studio owner and founder of EYT Pilates Teacher Training to discuss building a high-caliber team, elevating teacher standards, and creating strong mentorship models. The conversation offers actionable insights for owners seeking to grow a more sustainable and impactful Pilates business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jessica Spillane’s Background and Studio Growth (03:21–06:38)

• Jessica’s career began in advertising before she pivoted to Pilates for a more family-friendly lifestyle.
• Her journey as a new studio owner:
  • Opened her first Pilates studio in New Jersey within a week of her goal post-graduation.
  • Was a pioneer in her market: “I caught lightning in a bottle… on my first day of opening, I had zero clients, obviously… and within six months, I was teaching 50 private sessions.” (05:01)
  • Expanded from humble beginnings to a 3,000 sq. ft. studio, acquired other studios, bought and sold a gym, and created a boutique retail store.
• Developed a teacher training program out of necessity due to a lack of local access and restrictions from national programs.

The Evolution of Teacher Training & Studio Owner Challenges (06:38–10:33)

• Jessica’s teacher training arose from a local need and expanded post-COVID to help other studios in “secondary or tertiary markets” with accessibility.
• Hybrid model development during COVID: live broadcast plus in-person mentorship.
• Over time, the program has grown and improved, moving beyond mere necessity to a wider industry impact.

Defining a Well-Trained Pilates Teacher (10:33–13:56)

• Jessica identifies a gap in the industry: the difference between teachers with real, adaptable skills and those with “script-memorization.”
• Memorable quote:
  • “Anybody can learn the academic piece… but a teacher problem-solves, a teacher connects, a teacher knows how to communicate. There’s the soft skill side, there’s the learning to adapt for the person in front of you, not learning a script.” (10:43)
• Two paths for teacher training:
  • “High touchpoint, more intensive programs that focus on tools that create the lasting client base and successful studios.”
  • “Quick fix… script memorization to a certain beat of the music… they aren’t sustainable.” (11:34)
• The mismatch between teaching approaches often leads to studio owners feeling that applicants “aren’t qualified… they don’t know how to think on their feet.” (12:11)

The Role of Mentorship in Teacher Development (13:56–16:20)

• Jessica emphasizes the necessity of mentorship/apprenticeship, referencing the tradition and importance of ongoing support in the Pilates profession.
• “It takes a village to raise a Pilates teacher,” involving not just the program but host studios, advisors, and assessors. (15:00)
• Critique of programs that lack real mentorship:
  • “…the programs that just basically hand a manual, go through a seminar and then say, sayonara, good luck, go source your own apprenticeship... we’re failing those people and we’re failing our industry.” (15:36)

Standards, Hours, and the Learning Journey (17:34–22:13)

• Jessica outlines the structure and rationale of her program:
  • 300-hour minimum: “We can see a difference in somebody’s exam… something magical happens around a hundred hours of practice teaching.” (18:37)
• The progression of learning:
  • Initial overwhelm (“buyer’s remorse sets in”), then growth in confidence and capability at each stage (beginner/intermediate mat, intermediate reformer, 100+ hours practice teaching).
• Quote: “Once you finish your apprenticeship and you get your hours done and you take your test, that’s actually when the learning starts.” (17:37)
• Adult learners face unique motivation challenges:
  • “As adults, it’s very easy to pull the covers over your head if there’s nobody knocking on your door…” (21:22)
  • Importance of early-stage support and encouragement to help students push through tough phases.

Real-World Impact: What Makes a Great Teacher (22:13–25:19)

• Difference between engaged, attentive instructors vs. those going through motions:
  • “You have someone… looking at their watch and disengaged, and then you have someone who is present and making changes… which studio is going to keep full classes?”
• Jessica’s experience as a “mystery client” (23:13–25:19):
  • Reveals that even experienced teachers can lack the “hang time” and connection that great teaching requires.
  • “Dead air… those are opportunities… that’s what a teacher is.”
• Quote: “We’re striving… to create teachers, not someone who can just deliver a set of instructions.” (24:20)

The Future of Pilates, Industry Growth & Owner Opportunities (25:19–28:37)

• Pilates’ boom is not a short-term bubble, but a sustainable, growing market.
• Franchise studios’ possible future closures could present significant opportunities for boutique studios as “the pie is going to get bigger.” (27:25)
• “This isn’t a moment to be afraid. This is a moment to say, I’m all in. I’m all in to get my piece.” (28:33)
• Key to growth: cultivating great teachers—those who can deliver on brand promise and client results, and who embody the studio’s values.

Closing Resources and Connections (29:34–30:15)

• Jessica outlines ways to engage with EYT Pilates Teacher Training:
  • Studios can host, use the curriculum for their own programs, or license a white-label option.
  • More info at eytpilatesteachertraining.com.
• Resources and links to be included in show notes and at spring3.com.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On transitioning to Pilates:
  “I looked at my Pilates teacher and I said, you know what? This is a career path that I can do and be a mom at the same time.” — Jessica (03:37)

• On the need for in-depth training:
  “A teacher problem-solves, a teacher finds new ways in… there’s the soft skill side, there’s the learning to adapt for the person in front of you, not learning a script.” — Jessica (10:43)

• On mentorship:
  “It takes a village to raise a Pilates teacher.” — Jessica (15:00)

• On the true start of learning:
  “Once you finish your apprenticeship and… test, that’s actually when the learning starts.” — Jessica (17:37)

• On the difference great teaching makes:
  “If you are just simply textbook delivering the instructions bullet by bullet, there’s nothing happening. It’s a waste of everybody’s time and money.” — Jessica (24:52)

• On opportunity in the industry's future:
  “This isn’t a moment to be afraid. This is a moment to say, I’m all in. I’m all in to get my piece.” — Jessica (28:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jessica’s Origin Story and Studio Growth: 03:21–06:38
• Birth and Evolution of EYT Teacher Training: 06:57–09:24
• Challenges of Finding Quality Instructors: 10:33–13:56
• Why Mentorship Matters: 13:56–16:20
• Training Hours, Standards & Learning Milestones: 17:34–22:13
• How Great Teachers Transform Studios: 22:13–25:19
• The Future: Industry Growth and Boutique Studio Opportunity: 25:19–28:37
• How to Engage with EYT/Final Resources: 29:34–30:15

Overall Tone

The conversation is candid, supportive, and grounded in real experience—both host and guest are clearly invested in elevating Pilates education and helping boutique studio owners thrive in a rapidly expanding landscape. The episode balances practical guidance with a sense of possibility, highlighting the strategic and human aspects of building a truly great Pilates team.

For resources, links, and more, visit the episode show notes at spring3.com or eytpilatesteachertraining.com.