Carla Shifflett, Founder | Instructor | Mentor
Carla Shifflett is the founder of Posture Studio Pilates & Physical Therapy. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, she is known for her thoughtful, integrative style that blends corrective exercise, postural education, and sustainable strength training.
Carla approaches every session with curiosity and care, tailoring her programs to each client’s unique needs. She begins by assessing posture and movement patterns, then designs exercises that address limitations while supporting individual strengths. Her private sessions are recognized for their detailed, personalized instruction, emphasizing whole-body wellness, restorative strength, and alignment.
In addition to her client work, Carla mentors teachers and collaborates with professionals in physical therapy, athletic training, and movement education. She is passionate about helping both clients and instructors understand how functional movement can restore balance, improve posture, and reduce pain.
Outside the studio, Carla enjoys music, art, photography, gardening, and time with her family. She lives in Charlottesville with her husband, two children, and their beloved animals. A Charlottesville local with family roots spanning generations, Carla feels grateful to carry on that legacy while raising her own family and sharing her love of movement through Posture Studio.
Training & Background
20+ years of Pilates teaching experience
Certified Pilates Instructor since 2002 (PhysicalMind Institute) (over 500 hours)
Coursework through STOTT PILATES® on all apparatus and levels (over 500 hours) in Pilates Mat (beginner, intermediate, advanced), Pilates Reformer ((beginner, intermediate, advanced)), Pilates Chair (beginner, intermediate, advanced), Pilates Cadillac (beginner, intermediate, advanced), Pilates Barrels (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor
Over 10,000 hours of coursework and independent study, observation and practice hours including biomechanics of movement under mentorship from doctors, nurse practitioners, and doctors of physical therapy
Collaborated with Dr. Myla Goldman at UVA Neurology Department on a study examining the benefits of Pilates-based functional strength training for individuals with MS
Speaker on podcasts about Pilates and health
Lululemon Ambassador (2021)
Former Pilates-based therapeutic instructor at The Albemarle Center for Health and Rehabilitation (2002–2005)
BA in Philosophy & Eastern Thinking, MBC
Pre-Medical Coursework, MBC