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Is your Pilates studio switching you from a 1099 independent contractor to a W-2 employee? Before you get offended, quit your job, or assume your studio owner is changing the rules for the wrong reasons, there's a bigger conversation we need to have. In this episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane tackles one of the most misunderstood and potentially contentious issues in the Pilates industry: the relationship between studio owners and teachers. Drawing on real-world scenarios and her own experience as a studio owner, Jessica explores why the traditional independent contractor model may not fit the way many Pilates studios actually operate, the risks of worker misclassification, and why employment agreements and non-solicitation clauses can matter more than you think. She also shares a personal story about a business partnership that took an unexpected turn, illustrating how quickly circumstances can change when the right protections aren't in place. In this episode, we discuss: The key differences between 1099 contractors and W-2 employees in a Pilates studio.Why the way a studio operates can matter more than what a worker is called.The potential financial and legal consequences of worker misclassification.Non-solicitation agreements, client relationships, and protecting the business you've worked so hard to build.Why contracts aren't necessarily a sign of distrust—and how they can protect both teachers and owners.How better communication can prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary tension.Plus, Jessica shares exciting updates on the EYT network, the upcoming Stream EYT class library, and the development of Get EYT booking software designed by teachers and studio owners, for teachers and studio owners. Whether you're a Pilates instructor, an independent contractor, or a studio owner navigating growth and change, this is a conversation worth having. Know someone in the Pilates industry who needs to hear this? Share this episode, leave a five-star rating, and help us grow the conversations that move our community forward. As always, exhale.

What happens when physical therapists discover that Pilates can completely change the way they approach movement, pain, rehabilitation—and even their careers? In this eye-opening episode of Chat EYT, host Jessica Spillane sits down with three physical therapists—Samantha McGuire, Bianca [Last Name], and Debbie Dieter—to unpack the powerful crossover between Pilates and physical therapy. The conversation gets real about why these two worlds remain surprisingly disconnected, how insurance and declining reimbursement are impacting physical therapists, and why the future of care may be moving toward wellness, concierge medicine, cash-based services, and prevention. And then there's Debbie's unforgettable patient story: a patient with severe stenosis went from 8/10 pain to ZERO after incorporating Pilates-based movements into his treatment. As Debbie says, “That doesn't happen” in the traditional PT world. The panel also explores: • Why Pilates can be a powerful clinical tool for physical therapists • The missed opportunity when patients “graduate” from PT but aren't given a long-term wellness plan • Why PT schools should introduce Pilates into their curriculum • The growing shift from reactive healthcare to preventative wellness • How cash-based Pilates could complement—not replace—traditional physical therapy • The impact of insurance, reimbursement and private equity on the PT profession • Why some physical therapists are moving toward concierge care and wellness • How Pilates may help patients reconnect with their bodies after major trauma or injury • Whether group-based rehabilitation could make PT more accessible and affordable • And what the future of physical therapy might actually look like This isn't just a conversation about Pilates. It's a conversation about where healthcare is going—and whether we're finally ready to rethink how we help people stay well. And, of course, the episode ends with everyone's favorite Pilates exercises—including the Double Leg Kick, Teaser and Short Spine—plus one final reminder from Jessica: when in doubt, exhale.

What if the thing holding your Pilates business back isn't your clients, your competition, or the economy… but your fear of being disliked? In this deeply honest and fascinating episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane sits down with licensed psychologist Dr. Nadine O'Reilly to explore the psychology behind some of the most common—and complicated—things happening inside Pilates studios. Because Pilates studios aren't just places where people exercise. They're places where people feel vulnerable. They move. They breathe. They slow down. They open up. And sometimes… they tell you things you never expected to hear. Jessica and Nadine dive into why movement can unlock powerful emotions, why clients sometimes treat their instructors like therapists, and where a Pilates teacher's responsibility ends—and a mental health professional's begins. But that's only half the conversation. They also tackle one of the biggest challenges facing studio owners and teachers: fear. Fear of raising prices. Fear of difficult conversations. Fear of disappointing clients. Fear of losing people. Fear of being judged. And, perhaps most importantly, the fear of not being liked. Nadine explains the concept of “money wounds” and the stories we inherit about what it means to charge for our work. Jessica explores why so many teachers and studio owners struggle to value what they actually provide. And then comes one of the biggest mindset shifts of the episode: Stop calling it a confrontation. A price increase isn't a confrontation. A difficult conversation isn't necessarily a confrontation. Setting a boundary isn't an attack. Sometimes it's simply a proposal. The conversation gets even deeper as Jessica shares a real-life story about a client revealing a potentially dangerous situation at home—and the moment Jessica realized the situation was far beyond her role as a Pilates instructor. Together, they explore: • Why Pilates can become a “confessional booth” • How movement can unlock unexpected emotions • What teachers should—and shouldn't—ask when clients disclose personal trauma • The importance of recognizing your professional boundaries • Why being a good listener can actually leave you emotionally depleted • What “transference of trauma” can feel like • Why studio owners and teachers operate from fear • The psychology behind money wounds and money scripts • Why charging more isn't selfish • How to stop making business decisions based on whether people like you • How small, incremental “baby steps” can help you become more comfortable with hard conversations • And why sometimes giving people what they need is more important than giving them what they want This isn't just an episode for Pilates instructors. It's for anyone who has ever struggled to set a boundary, charge what they're worth, have a difficult conversation, or cared a little too much about whether someone liked them. And Jessica and Nadine may have opened the door to an entire series of conversations. Because what happens when the person everyone confides in finally needs someone to talk to? Listen, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—and then tell us: Are you making decisions based on what is right… or based on being liked?

The response to our last episode was HUGE. Downloads tripled. The DMs, texts, emails and conversations kept coming. And one thing became very clear: we hit a nerve. So we’re going back in. In this follow-up to our Pilates Journal Expo episode, Jessica Spillane breaks down the questions, conversations and non-answers that sparked such a strong reaction — and, more importantly, starts talking about what we can actually DO about them. Because it’s easy to stand on a panel and say, “These are the big conversations our industry needs to have.” But what happens when everyone goes home? Jessica tackles some of the biggest challenges facing Pilates studio owners and instructors right now: • Why studios need to build an actual teacher-training pipeline instead of constantly scrambling to hire instructors • The instructor shortage — and whether the real problem is a shortage of certified teachers or a shortage of teachers who are truly ready to teach • Why salary and predictable compensation could change the teacher/studio relationship • The hustle culture that has instructors running from studio to studio just to make a living • Why studio owners and teachers are often being pitted against each other when they actually need each other • The subbing problem — and why both sides need to rethink how it works • Why throwing a newly trained instructor onto the schedule on “day one” may be setting everyone up to fail • The burnout problem when one instructor is teaching 25+ classes a week • How experienced instructors can move into mentorship, leadership and business roles instead of simply teaching more classes • And the bigger question: Are we actually solving the problems in Pilates… or are we just talking about them? Jessica also reveals more about the thinking behind the EYT Network of Studios — a concept designed to bring studio owners together to create practical, actionable solutions from the ground up. This isn't about bashing Pilates Journal Expo. It’s about continuing the conversation that started there. And this time, Jessica wants to hear from both sides of the reformer. Studio owners. Teachers. Operators. Industry leaders. Come to the table. Because talking about the problems is easy. Now let’s see if we can actually solve some of them. Exhale.

What happens when the people supposedly leading an industry stop listening to the people actually doing the work? Jessica is back from the Pilates Journal Expo in Miami — and she has A LOT to say. What started as an exciting opportunity to connect with the Pilates community quickly turned into an eye-opening experience that left Jessica frustrated, angry, and determined to speak up for the teachers and small, independent studio owners who she believes are being overlooked. In this no-holds-barred episode of Chat EYT, Jessica takes listeners inside the Expo and calls out what she sees as a growing divide between the big companies shaping the Pilates industry and the everyday teachers and studio owners keeping it alive. She talks about: 🔥 Why she believes the Pilates industry desperately needs to raise its level of professionalism 🔥 Why more teachers and small studio owners need to SHOW UP at industry events 🔥 The education crisis — and why she believes apprenticeships should be non-negotiable 🔥 The jaw-dropping response she heard when an education company was asked about apprenticeships 🔥 The brutally frustrating conversation about teacher retention — including the suggestion that sending a teacher a birthday card could help build loyalty 🔥 Why small studios simply cannot compete with companies like Equinox on money and benefits 🔥 The difference between “culture” and actually paying people what they're worth 🔥 The shocking $1 MILLION-A-MONTH benchmark presented to a room filled largely with teachers and small studio owners 🔥 Why Jessica believes industry leaders are talking TO themselves instead of listening TO the people on the ground 🔥 Her personal solution: ownership, community, collaboration — and building something of their own And then Jessica makes it very clear: She isn't looking for a fight. She IS looking for a fight. This is Jessica completely unfiltered — passionate, frustrated, angry, funny, and unwilling to apologize for advocating for the people she believes deserve a bigger voice. The Pilates industry is changing. And Jessica thinks it's time for the people who actually make it work to stand up, lock arms, and make sure their voices are heard. This one is a rant. But it's also a call to action. Listen. Share it. And then tell us: Is Jessica right?

Gen Z Is Done With Corporate: Why They’re Choosing Pilates Instead What happens when a generation raised on technology, social media and a rapidly changing workplace starts questioning the traditional career path? In this episode of Chat EYT, the Podcast, Jessica sits down with three Gen Z Pilates apprentices — Jacqueline, Kate and Mia — for a candid conversation about why younger people are increasingly turning toward Pilates, wellness and alternative career paths. And their answers may surprise you. Kate shares how being laid off from a data analytics job because of AI changed the way she thinks about career security — and why she'd rather be happy than earn a bigger salary. Mia talks about balancing a full-time job with her passion for Pilates and why she believes she has a calling to work in the wellness space. Jacqueline explains why Pilates started as a side hustle while she finishes school, but could eventually become something much bigger. The conversation goes beyond career choices, too. Jessica and the apprentices tackle the stereotypes surrounding Gen Z, social skills, phones and the impact of growing up with technology. They talk about whether Gen Z really struggles with face-to-face interaction — and why teaching Pilates might actually require many of the interpersonal skills people assume this generation lacks. For studio owners, there's especially valuable insight into what the next generation of instructors is looking for. What makes a studio feel like home? What makes an instructor want to work there? And is money really the most important factor? The answers: community, trust, flexibility, mentorship, a healthy work environment, supportive owners — and, yes, being treated like an actual human being. You'll also hear why these young instructors aren't necessarily looking for the prettiest studio. They want a great workout, instructors they connect with, a real sense of community and classes that are worth their time and money. And because this wouldn't be Chat EYT without getting a little personal, the episode ends with everyone's favorite Pilates exercises — including jackknife, half roll down, criss-cross, teaser and roll-up. In this episode: • Why Gen Z is questioning the traditional corporate career path • How AI and job insecurity are influencing career decisions • Why happiness may matter more than salary • Pilates as a side hustle — and potentially a full-time career • The reality of Gen Z's relationship with technology and social skills • What younger clients really want from a Pilates studio • Why community can be more important than aesthetics • What Gen Z instructors want from studio owners • Flexibility, mentorship, pay and workplace culture • Why smaller Pilates teacher-training programs deserve a closer look • Advice for anyone who's afraid to make a career change • And, of course, everyone's favorite Pilates exercises If you're a Pilates teacher, studio owner, wellness professional, Gen Zer questioning your career, or simply curious about where the future of work is headed, this conversation is for you. Listen, share it with a studio owner or someone questioning their 9-to-5, and let us know: Would you choose happiness over a higher salary?

I’m Giving Away Ownership: Why I’m Building a Business Revolution Jessica reveals a major move she’s been quietly working on for months: giving ownership shares of EYT Pilates Teacher Training to a select group of women business owners — with no money required. But this isn’t just about Pilates. It’s about what happens when women stop operating in silos and start linking arms, sharing resources, creating buying power, and building businesses together. In this episode, Jessica pulls back the curtain on the EYT Network of Studios, a “reverse franchise” designed to help independent studio owners compete with the deep pockets, private equity, franchises, and corporate forces reshaping the industry. She also gets real about another force holding women business owners back: fear. Fear of losing clients. Fear of upsetting employees. Fear of changing the business model. Fear of saying no. Fear of what people will think. Her message? You cannot build the business — or the life — you want while allowing everyone else to make your decisions for you. This episode is part big announcement, part business strategy, and part wake-up call for women entrepreneurs who are ready to stop playing small. And this is only the beginning. Jessica promises there’s much more coming.

What if the smartest way to open your own Pilates studio isn't to start from scratch? In this episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane shares the unexpected business lessons she's learned from more than 20 years of buying, building, turning around, and selling businesses—and one acquisition came with a shocking surprise. It started with a simple conversation with an apprentice who dreamed of opening a small Pilates studio. Instead of encouraging her to find a space, buy reformers, build a brand, and fight for customers in an increasingly saturated market, Jessica suggested something she hadn't considered: Why not ask an existing studio owner if they want to sell? Jessica knows firsthand that making that phone call can change everything. She tells the story of buying a struggling gym that was threatening to take down her thriving Pilates business with it—and how taking a huge risk ultimately saved her business, turned the gym around, and led to a profitable sale years later. Then comes the acquisition that nobody saw coming. Jessica bought an established Pilates studio that appeared to be a turnkey, thriving business. The numbers looked good. The clients were there. The teachers were there. The systems were in place. Five days after taking ownership, she discovered that $159,000 had been stolen from the business. The theft involved manipulation of the studio's booking system, credit-card payments, checks, and a hidden payment account. What followed was a deep dive into how the scheme worked, what Jessica discovered, and what every studio owner or potential buyer should learn from it. But beneath the jaw-dropping story is a much bigger lesson: You never really know what's happening inside someone else's business. And sometimes the biggest opportunity isn't creating something new—it's taking over something that already works. Jessica also explains why buying an existing studio can be a smart strategy in an oversaturated fitness market, how to approach an owner without offending them, what to look for before buying, and why simply asking, "Would you ever consider selling?" can open a door you never expected. And because this is Chat EYT, Jessica closes with a Pilates lesson on Long Box Pulling Straps and the T position, including the tiny hand-positioning detail that can completely change which muscles you're actually working. In this episode: Why buying an existing Pilates studio may beat starting from scratchThe studio acquisition that saved Jessica's original businessHow she turned a failing gym into a successful businessThe Pilates studio deal that looked too good to be trueThe shocking discovery she made just five days after taking ownershipHow $159,000 was allegedly stolen over approximately 16 monthsThe loophole that allowed the theft to happenWhy business owners need stronger financial controlsWhat prospective buyers should investigate before signing a dealWhy you should never be afraid to ask an owner if they're ready to sellHow to spot opportunities hiding in plain sightWhy buying an established business can help overcome market saturationLong Box Pulling Straps: the hand-positioning detail many people missJessica's advice for aspiring studio owners is simple: Pick up the phone. Ask the question. You never know what might happen. And, as always: when in doubt, just exhale.

The Pilates Industry Is Changing… Are We Ready? This week on Chat EYT, Jessica welcomes her very first guest, CJ Zarb, founder of The Pilates Journal and creator of the internationally recognized Pilates Journal Expo. CJ shares the remarkable journey from dancer and journalist to one of the most influential voices in the Pilates profession. Together, Jessica and CJ explore what inspired the creation of The Pilates Journal, why the industry desperately needed a more collaborative and inclusive platform, and how meaningful conversations—not competition—are shaping the future of Pilates.  They dive into topics every Pilates professional should be thinking about, including mentorship, professional development, business growth, teacher education, and why it's time for the industry to embrace curiosity instead of gatekeeping. If you've ever wondered where Pilates is headed over the next decade—or how you can grow alongside it—this conversation is for you.  Whether you're a new instructor, seasoned educator, studio owner, or simply passionate about the method, this episode offers valuable insights into building a stronger, more connected Pilates community. In This Episode  CJ Zarb's journey from journalism to Pilates leadership  The story behind launching The Pilates Journal Why collaboration beats competition  Breaking down barriers between Pilates schools and teaching styles  The importance of mentorship in developing great instructors  The evolution of the Pilates Journal Expo  Business lessons for studio owners  Building an inclusive industry where everyone belongs  Raising professional standards without gatekeeping  Where the Pilates profession is headed over the next 5–10 years  Jessica and CJ's favorite "underrated" Pilates exercises

Every business has a story—and this week, Jessica is sharing hers. In one of her most personal episodes to date, Jessica takes listeners behind the scenes of her 22-year journey from opening a single Pilates studio in New Jersey to building a nationally recognized teacher training and licensing program. She shares the successes, failures, pivots, and lessons that shaped her career—including how the challenges of COVID unexpectedly became the catalyst for creating an entirely new business model that's now helping studio owners around the world solve one of the industry's biggest problems: finding and developing exceptional teachers. If you've ever wondered who Jessica is, why she teaches the way she does, or what makes the UIT teacher training program different, this episode answers it all. Whether you're a Pilates instructor, studio owner, aspiring educator, or entrepreneur, you'll walk away with valuable insights about leadership, resilience, innovation, and never stopping the pursuit of excellence. In This Episode  Jessica's journey into Pilates  Opening her first studio in 2003  Growing from zero clients to a thriving business  Why she created her own teacher training program  Lessons learned from building a studio during the early boutique fitness boom  How COVID transformed her business forever  The evolution of the UIT Teacher Training Program  Creating a licensing model for studio owners  Why continuous improvement is at the heart of everything they do  The biggest challenges facing Pilates studios today  Building authority without relying on social media  Why teaching teachers became Jessica's true calling

This week, Jessica tackles two topics every studio owner should hear. She begins with a deeply personal story about her own cancer journey and explains why she made the decision to eliminate plastic water bottles from her studio long before research began connecting plastics, inflammation, and rising cancer rates. It's an honest conversation about leadership, health, and the responsibility wellness professionals have to influence the communities they serve. Then Jessica shifts gears into one of the most overlooked profit centers in boutique fitness: retail. Drawing from her own experience building an incredibly successful in-studio boutique, she shares the retail strategies that actually work—and why most studios approach merchandising all wrong. In this episode you'll learn:  Why plastic water bottles may be doing more harm than you think  How wellness businesses can lead by example  The biggest retail mistakes studio owners make  What products actually sell to repeat clients  How to merchandise for your specific community  Why basics often outperform trendy inventory  Creative ways to keep retail feeling fresh  When outsourcing your retail operation might be the smartest business decision you make Whether you're looking to create healthier habits for your clients or increase retail revenue without wasting inventory dollars, this episode offers practical advice you can implement immediately. When in doubt...just exhale.

What happens when mentorship becomes harder to find in the Pilates industry? Jessica shares the inspiration behind Chat EYT and explains why AI isn't here to replace great teachers—it's here to preserve the knowledge, guidance, and mentorship that every new instructor deserves. She also tackles one of the most common questions Pilates professionals face: "How often should I do Pilates?" Learn how to answer without sounding salesy while empowering clients to make the right decision for themselves. Plus, Jessica dives into one of the most overlooked drivers of a successful studio: emotional consistency. From creating loyal clients to retaining great teachers, she shares simple but powerful strategies that build stronger relationships, a healthier studio culture, and long-term business success. In this episode: Why mentorship is becoming a challenge in today's Pilates industryThe vision behind Chat EYT and how AI can support—not replace—great teachingHow to answer client questions without sounding like you're sellingJessica's approach to recommending class frequencyThe importance of emotional consistency for client and teacher retentionPractical ideas to strengthen your studio culture and build lasting loyalty

Inspired by the latest season of The Bear, Jessica explores the powerful parallels between exceptional restaurants and exceptional Pilates studios—from apprenticeship and mentorship to leadership, team culture, and creating unforgettable client experiences. She shares why investing in your teachers ultimately creates better outcomes for your clients, how transparency builds stronger teams, and why hospitality is about making people feel truly seen. Jessica also reflects on a recent leadership retreat at Apple's headquarters, where one message stood above the rest: in an increasingly technology-driven world, human connection is more valuable than ever. It's a philosophy Pilates studios are uniquely positioned to embrace. She wraps up the episode with a teaching spotlight on Neck Pull, explaining why this challenging intermediate mat exercise is a true test of spinal articulation, core strength, and proper movement mechanics. Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, or Pilates enthusiast, this episode offers fresh perspective on building stronger businesses, stronger teams, and deeper human connections.