Be fit Annie M. Austin

Everything you might not know

What inspired you to become a Pilates instructor?

I was drawn to Pilates after years of being a competitive athlete and realizing I wanted a form of movement that felt both strong and intentional. Coming from a Division 1 rowing background at Michigan State, I was used to pushing my body hard, but Pilates showed me how to build strength with control and connection. That shift really inspired me to start teaching and help others feel that same balance.

What is your favorite Pilates move or sequence and why?

My favorite Pilates move is our panther at the back of the machine! I truly believe it is one of the more challenging, yet effective core exercises!

What do you love most about working at BE Fit?

What I love most about working at BE Fit is that everything truly revolves around the clients. The community we’ve built is so supportive and motivating, and it’s incredible to watch clients show up for themselves day after day. Seeing them push past their limits, grow stronger, and build confidence is the most rewarding part of what I do.

How would you describe your teaching style in a few words?

Strong, precise, and results-driven

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching?

Outside of teaching, I also work as a commercial print/fashion model, which allows me to express a more creative side of myself. I love being part of shoots, collaborating with different brands, and bringing a vision to life; it’s a really fun balance to the structure of teaching.

A deeper dive

Career & Inspiration

What made you fall in love with Pilates?
I fell in love with Pilates because of how intentional and controlled it is. Coming from a competitive athletic background, I was used to pushing hard, but Pilates taught me how to build strength with precision and connection. What keeps me coming back is that it never gets easier! You’re always able to go deeper, refine your form, and challenge yourself in fun new ways.

What’s the most rewarding part of being an instructor?

The most rewarding part is being part of someone’s journey. Whether it’s building strength, improving confidence, or just showing up on a tough day, getting to support and witness that growth means everything.

How do you keep your classes fresh and engaging?

I keep things engaging by really listening to my clients and evolving with them. I like to mix up the structure, add new variations, and challenge them in different ways so it never feels repetitive and they’re always progressing. I’ll also always have that fresh EDM playlist ready to go ;).

Did you have a mentor or someone who inspired your fitness journey?

I’ve been really inspired by our previous regional lead, Jordan Sullivan. Taking her classes every week made me fall even more in love with Pilates as she has so much knowledge and such a strong presence. She encouraged me, even indirectly, to keep learning, be creative, and not be afraid to make classes my own.

Teaching Style & Philosophy

How do you approach teaching clients of different skill levels?

I approach teaching clients of all levels by always offering modifications and progressions. My goal is to meet each person where they are while still challenging them in a way that feels safe and effective. That way, everyone in the room can feel successful and continue progressing.

What’s your favorite way to motivate someone who is struggling in class?

I like to bring people back to the present moment. I’ll say things like “let it be heavy” or “let that shake happen” to remind them that the challenge is where the growth is. It helps take the pressure off and allows them to just be in it and keep going.

How do you balance challenge and accessibility in your classes?

I focus on layering movements with clear modifications and progressions, so clients of all levels can participate in a way that works for them. This allows me to maintain a strong, challenging class while still keeping it accessible and inclusive.

If someone is nervous about trying Pilates for the first time, what would you say to them?

I’d tell them to just show up and stay present. It might feel challenging at first, but that’s part of it. I’ll guide you through everything, and before you know it, you’ll feel stronger, more confident, and proud of yourself for starting.

Personal Life & Hobbies

Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of Pilates?

Outside of Pilates, I love to ski! I grew up skiing in Michigan, and it’s something that’s always been a big part of my life. Now I go with my boyfriend to Big Sky since he’s from Montana, and we even went skiing in Japan last year! It’s one of my favorite ways to stay active and travel.

What does a perfect day off look like for you?

My perfect day off is spent out on the boat on Lake Austin with my friends, enjoying the Texas sun! Then coming home, relaxing with my boyfriend, and spending time with my cat, Moonie.

If you weren’t a Pilates instructor, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor, I’d probably be a practicing lawyer. I studied pre-law in an honors program at Michigan State, but quickly realized I’m passionate about fitness and movement, and honestly have a hard time sitting still. Teaching allows me to be active, connect with people, and do something I genuinely love every day.

Do you have a favorite travel destination or dream place to visit?

I’d love to visit somewhere like Morocco and ride a camel through the desert!

Fun & Quirky

What’s your guilty pleasure (food, TV show, hobby, etc.)?

My guilty pleasure is watching Anime! I love HunterxHunter, Attack on Titan, and all things Studio Ghibli. Howl’s Moving Castle is my favorite movie!

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d have dinner with John F. Kennedy. I’ve always been obsessed with him. There’s something about his presence and the way he led that’s always interested me, and I’d love to just sit down and hear him talk.

What’s the most unexpected item in your gym bag?

A Sonny Angel doll! I love them and always carry at least one with me.

Do you have a hidden talent?

My hidden talent is that my brain is like a music library. I can hear one verse of a song and know exactly what song it is, I love music!!

Fitness Tips & Advice

What’s your go-to move or stretch to combat sitting all day?

A figure 4 stretch paired with a supine twist after is my go-to stretch. It helps open up the hips and release tension through the lower back after sitting all day.

How do you stay consistent with your own fitness routine?

I stay consistent by approaching fitness as a part of my lifestyle, not just something I have to check off. I focus on how movement makes me feel, and that keeps me intuitive with what I need some days versus others.

What’s the biggest misconception about Pilates you’d like to clear up?

The biggest misconception is that Pilates is easy or just stretching. In reality, it’s a highly effective strength workout that challenges your control, stability, and muscular endurance in a completely different way.

What’s one thing you wish more clients knew about Pilates?

I wish more clients knew that Pilates is all about quality over quantity. Slower, more controlled movements are actually what make it so effective. It’s not about rushing, it’s about intention.

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