Pilates Teacher, Denver, USA

When global pandemic hit in 2020, we scrambled to find outlets to combat anxiety, prevent stagnation and alleviate stress. For those without the access to the great outdoors, it was the year of online workout classes, Insta-live dance parties as well as the various e-learning and mediation platforms. The best thing that happened to me online in 2020 was Ms. Beth Sandlin’s Pilates YouTube channel, Trifecta Pilates. The workouts Beth offers are thoughtful and sensible; she is methodical and realistic about real people, with real bodies working out with her. I also found her demeanour extremely approachable, yet stern; she is an expert at succinct instructions for those of us with English as a second language. In fact, throughout the pandemic I was virtually joined by a Russian speaking friend and a WOW Woman, from Amman, Jordan, and together we crushed the slow and effective sessions, with Beth “by our side”. One of my favourite things about community Beth built is reading the comments from folks in Italy, Australia, Egypt and other places - clearly she resonates with the like-minded women and men from across the globe. Although there is membership content on her site, I appreciate that Beth chooses to create incredible volume, over 100 videos, that are accessible for everyone, in all income brackets. This, especially during hardships experienced by many in pandemic times, was really appreciated and important.

I was fortunate to cross paths with Ms. Sandlin in Denver, USA, where we grabbed lunch and talked about her platform, Trifecta Pilates, discussed where her YouTube channel is headed, and mused about post-COVID dream scenarios.

Here is the WOW Woman interview with a woman who kept me, and many many others, healthy throughout the Stay-at-Home campaign.

1. Name

Beth Sandlin

2. Where is your hometown? 

Orange County, California

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like? 

I’m a Pilates teacher. Even though I teach Pilates, I spend a lot of time in front of the computer due to the business being online. Besides that, walking our dog, working out, supporting our kids, and trying to get to bed on time. 

4. What did you study in school? 

Health Education and I completed my Pilates Certification around the same time.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? 

It has been a journey with a lot of twists and turns. In college I was pursing a degree in Floral Design with the aspiration to open my own shop when I was diagnosed with Cancer. After that I changed my degree to Health Education. When I transferred schools, I enrolled in a Pilates class, though I didn’t know it since it wasn’t labeled as a Body Conditioning class.

I was encouraged to become certified to teach Pilates by my professor. In 2003, I graduated with a degree in Health Education and shortly after completed my Comprehensive Pilates Certification. For years I worked in a Pilates studio and two hours a week at a University teaching Pilates. In 2011, an opportunity arose to coordinate the University’s Mind Body Fitness program and I took it. The following year I was offered a job that included this and the Health Education Coordinator. In 2018, I was promoted to Assistant Director of Educational Services. I also taught Academic Pilates classes and Peer health Exchange Class. It was during my time here that I made major transformations in the way that I taught, began teaching on YouTube and incorporated Trauma Informed Practices. In late 2020, it was time for another major transition and I stepped away from College Health so I could devote all of my time to the business. 

Story of why YouTube: I knew I was 100% committed to teaching Pilates online a few years ago. I was at a point in my life where I was looking into opening a Pilates studio again. (This was while I was working full time.) After stepping off the train from my commute, a mom ran past me carrying one child and holding the hand of another. She was trying to make the bus since our train was late. If it was a movie scene, it would have been the moment for a dramatic pause and all of the pieces clicked together. Here I was working full time and I hadn’t been to a Pilates studio in years. It’s not that I didn't value Pilates or my health, studio Pilates didn’t fit in with my life. I worked from 8-5, five days a week with an hour commute each way. On my “free time” I devoted this to my family. I still worked out, just at home. And that’s when I realized that I never was consistent in a Pilates studio with working out, even when I worked in one. I always have enjoyed working out at home. I really wanted to bring Pilates into the homes of people and make it accessible. 

Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

It’s all the little steps, taking action that made sense at the time but also laid the foundation where I am now. So if there’s something I’m proud of, it’s taking action when a lot of people had doubts or really questioned why I was doing something. It was listening to the little voice before it’s too late and starting to foster trust in yourself.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20? 

At 20 I was battling cancer so I wasn’t even sure I’d be here and had no idea I would be teaching Pilates online. Not only did I not know what Pilates was but there really wasn’t anything online. 

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Yes, Cancer, Appendicitis surgery, Death of my dad, being an overwhelmed working mom. 

Cancer was “easy”. I was young and I didn’t have kids. I could be completely selfish for my recovery. The death of my dad was the catalyst that threw me into deep grief and depression, and at the same time led me to where I am now. Movement was helpful during this time, even when I would cry on my mat. His death and not being here to watch my kids grow up is another reason why I’m committed to my health and want to help others. I want to live this life to the fullest and be here as long as I can on my terms, feeling good and having fun along the way.

Shortly after his death I read the book, Eat, Pray, Love. I hated it. Here was a woman who, in my summary, wrote about how to find yourself, you have to give up everything you know and walk away. Well, that wasn’t an option for me. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be that selfish. I had two young kids and a husband. I loved them dearly and yet, I was not happy at all. I didn’t know what the missing piece was. Unlocking this took the form of healing, and this means experiencing all emotions so there was a lot of crying, reading and movement.

Just keep moving. When I blended Pilates Workouts and overall wellness together, that is what was helpful for me. I also shed what working out had to look like. I started to find joy in the process, not the outcome.

For the appendicitis surgery it was a rough and complicated surgery and recovery. With two very young kids, I couldn’t do much. My husband did everything… cooking, cleaning, laundry. And although it sounds like a dream, it wasn’t. He was stressed to the max. I could barely walk for some time and was in so much pain I couldn’t cuddle with my kids. I went from being in the best shape of my life to barely walking to the bathroom post surgery. I had to give it time and heal slowly. Fast forward and this connected me deeper into the Pilates method, how hard it can be and also the value of taking time off, adding workouts back in slowly and doing more restorative classes.

8. Advice for other women?

Take time for yourself, it’s the best thing you can do for you and those you love. They always follow by example.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

We have to look back to inform this movement because at different times it’s left a lot of people out. The way I see the feminist movement is accepting people for who they are and working towards equity.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

My happy place is creating new workouts that resonate with people.

Disconnecting and camping with my family.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Does Pilates count and working out in general? When I was a child I HATED gym class. With the exception of the sit and reach test, I felt like I failed at everything, and push-ups, forget it. I enjoyed dancing but didn’t consider that a workout. (Now I do!) I said I would NEVER own a pair of tennis shoes, but can you blame me, they were pretty ugly when I was growing up. So I’m proud of being open to shedding the story I was telling myself, that I wasn’t good at working out and that I hated it.

I also love to cross-stitch and have made each person in my family a Christmas stocking. I enjoy scrapbooking, digitally and find getting the pictures off the computer to a printed book is a precious keepsake for our family.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

When I was very young I dreamed of being a dancer. I still love to dance now it’s at home.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Would a fear of people making wrong assumptions about me count? As women we are conditioned to socialize a certain way, and I often go against that conditioning. This leads to assumptions people make about me.

15. What inspires you?

Real people who show up and make it work. People who listen to what they need, are open to new experiences and ask questions.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I’m hopeful that we can listen to ourselves and each other in a respectful and authentic way. 

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

The global pandemic didn’t change this for me. What changed it for me was my cancer journey, my dad’s death and appendicitis. I turned to living in the now and finding joy while supporting my future vision. I don’t have a bucket list because I’m living it. A statement I live by is Honor your past, look forward to the future, be in the present.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

Being honest because without this you can’t find what’s best for you and the world.
Being adaptable, this is how you can continue to make changes to work in alignment.
Finding the lining. I’m not a pollyanna, however we can learn from the past and this can inform our future. So if I mess up, well that’s okay. 

My superpower is asking questions and finding an alternative narrative. 

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Humans are humans. Even when you grow up, some people will still be that rude, angry and belittling child. Don’t let that diminish your shine or jade you. There are beautiful souls.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

My favorite reads are: Being Mortal, Letter to My Daughter, Return to Life, When Breath Becomes Air, Talking To Strangers. I’m currently reading Caged Lion.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why?

I think every woman is a WOW WOMAN and has a story to share. 

My “Las Vegas” Grandma who had a shine on the inside and outside with all of her jewelry. She had a bit of a rebel streak which I can relate to. 

My Buna  who told it like it was.  

My mom who allows people to be who they are without judgement.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

 trifectapilates.com or on YouTube at Trifecta Pilates.

Bonus quick round:

1. What and who is worth suffering for?

Truth and family.

2. What would you stand for if you knew that nobody would judge you?

I think I already do that in different ways. 

3. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you?

I think I’m already doing it! I really don’t care if people judge me (okay, I DO! somewhat) but this isn’t going to hold me back.

4. What are a few things you thought you would never get over when you were going through them?

Cancer and the loss of my dad.

6. What do you not want anyone else to know about you?

I don’t always feel strong. I don’t want to be labeled as such and strength can come in many forms. 

7. What would be too good to believe if someone was to sit down and tell you what's coming next in your life?

That I have a team of people working with me on the business so I can solely focus on the creative side. This is coming!

8. Who from your past are you still trying to earn acceptance from?

Hmm, I don’t really resonate with this one. I think in the end we are all trying to find self acceptance and unpack from all of the “shoulds”.

9. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days?

I’d spend more time hiking, reading and allowing time for outdoors.

10. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people?

When people make assumptions and cast blame.

I love people who hold space for others and validate their experiences.