Founder, Posture Studio and The Posture Method: A Functional Based Teaching Approach to Pilates Master Instructor, Postural & Corrective Exercise Specialist, Teacher Trainer
Posture Studio Founder, Carla Shifflett is a Pilates instructor and Movement Educator who is known for her innovative functional-movement-based approach to Pilates.
She has mentored teachers throughout her career and is sought out as an educator to professional movement trainers including physical therapists, athletic trainers and movement educators who are interested in integrating Pilates, functional movement or postural principles into their practice.
Carla’s transformative approach is thoughtful and integrative — honoring the individuality of her clients while helping them build sustainable strength and address root causes of habitual movement dysfunctions
Carla Shifflett
She customizes her programs to suit each client: assessing irregularities in posture and movement patterns, exploring exercises to resolve impingements and working with client strengths and weaknesses. Her private sessions are beloved for their customized, detailed instruction to each client’s unique needs — focusing on whole body wellness, restorative strength and alignment.
Carla’s hope is that through the Posture Method her clients are empowered and able to life free of pain, whether they have a movement background or not. To that end, Carla has been evolving and creating The Posture Method - a teaching method that integrates a functional movement and postural education approach to Pilates.
In 2002, Carla became a certified Pilates instructor through The Physical Mind Institute. Her coursework includes all apparatus courses and levels through STOTT PILATES®. Her continuing education includes studying under various medical professionals including doctors and DPTs. She has achieved over 10,000 hours of study, focusing on integrating the Pilates method and functional-movement-based rehabilitation techniques. She is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor.
Outside of work Carla enjoys geeking out about anatomy and movement, creating through music or art, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves photography and graphic design.
She lives in Charlottesville with her husband, two children and their animal friends.
Credentials + Training
Over 10,000 hours course work and independent study including education through The Physical Mind Institute & Stott Pilates
20 Year Veteran Pilates Instructor
Founder and Owner of Posture Pilates Studio, est. 2005
Worked at The Albemarle Center for Health and Rehabilitation as a Pilates-based rehab specialist 2002-2005
Peer Mentor Boutique Fitness Summit, mentoring current and upcoming studio owners
Public speaker for events and podcasts focused on ergonomics or movement education
Worked with Dr. Myla Goldman at The University of Virginia Neurology Department on a comparative study on the benefits of Pilates-based functional strength training on moderately disabled MS.
Has studied and continues to study biomechanics of movement under various mentors including doctors, nurse practitioners and doctors of physical therapy who specialize in the field.
200 Hour Certified Yoga Instructor
Lululemon Ambassador 2021
B.A. Philosophy & Eastern Thinking with additional 2 years of pre-medical school.
Co-owner of The Barboursville Bean vegetarian cafe and coffeehouse in the late 1990s-early 2000s.