EPISODE 1

Building a Lasting Career in Pilates

A conversation with Maria Leone

We explore what it really takes to build a lasting career in Pilates, from developing your teaching craft and adapting to industry change to finding the mentors, methods and movement philosophy that sustain you over time.

LISTEN NOW

34 MINS

Cover of the Pilates Journal podcast episode titled "Conversations Shaping the Future of the Pilates Industry" with a clean, minimalistic design featuring black text on a white background.

Episode 1

The Gap in Pilates Education

A conversation with Tracey Mallett

EPISODE DETAILS

DATE

July 4, 2026

34 minutes

DURATION

Maria Leone

GUEST

Teaching, Business,
Longevity, Industry

CATEGORIES

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this episode, Maria Leone joins us to discuss what it truly means to build a long and sustainable career in Pilates. Drawing on decades of experience as a teacher, studio owner and creator of the Bodyline Method, Maria reflects on the realities of longevity, the importance of mentorship, and the skills instructors need to thrive in an industry that continues to evolve.

What separates good instructors from those clients stay with for decades
Why Pilates has always been fragmented - and what is changing today
The hidden skills required to sustain a successful teaching career
How studio owners and instructors can adapt to changing trends
The role of mentorship, apprenticeship and lifelong learning
Why charisma, intuition and business skills matter as much as education
Building a strong foundation while remaining open to new idea
Maria’s vision for a clearer, more defined future for the Pilates industry

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"To have a steady book of business…it takes a lot of effort and conviction. It’s not so easy peasy."

"The really great teachers have an intuition. They see things in the body that can’t always be taught."

"I don’t exercise to lose weight. I exercise to feel good."

"If you have a method of teaching rooted in traditional education, you’ll always be able to adapt."

ABOUT MARIA LEONE

Maria Leone is the founder of Bodyline Pilates and creator of the Bodyline Method. A Pilates teacher, studio owner and educator with decades of experience, Maria has built a career defined by curiosity, adaptability and a deep commitment to movement. Alongside Pilates, her background spans yoga, martial arts and fitness, shaping an approach that blends strong fundamentals with modern thinking. Through her teaching, mentorship and education, Maria continues to influence instructors and studio owners around the world.