Meet Gia Calhoun

We recently connected with Gia Calhoun and have shared our conversation below.

Gia, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I overcame imposter syndrome by leaning on the support and wisdom of peers and mentors who had much more experience than I did. I was given the opportunity to teach Pilates on one of the most respected platforms in the industry, and while it was an incredible honor, I initially felt like I didn’t belong. Many of the teachers featured were world-renowned, with decades of experience, and I questioned what I had to offer. I worried that members wouldn’t connect with me because I wasn’t a well-known name.

When I opened up to other teachers and to my mentor, I was surprised to learn that nearly all of them had experienced the same feelings of inadequacy at some point. They reassured me that self-doubt is actually a sign of awareness and growth—and that the teachers who never question themselves are often the ones who stop evolving. Most importantly, they encouraged me to teach as myself, not as a version of someone else. They reminded me that my voice and approach would resonate with the people who were meant to find it.

That advice changed everything. Once I let go of trying to prove something and focused instead on being authentic and present, I actually enjoyed the process—and the videos ended up performing really well. It was a powerful reminder that confidence doesn’t come from trying to be someone else; it comes from trusting that who you are is enough.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve built ‘Move with Gia’ to be more than just a Pilates app—it’s a supportive space for people, especially moms, to reconnect with their bodies and carve out time for themselves. As a mom myself, I understand how hard it can be to prioritize movement when life is so full. That’s why I offer a range of pre-recorded classes that fit into busy schedules, as well as weekly live sessions that give me the chance to connect directly with my community of movers and Pilates enthusiasts.

Spreading the word about my brand comes from sharing that passion and purpose—whether it’s through social media, word of mouth, or showing up consistently for my community. My goal is to make Pilates accessible and sustainable, and to help people feel stronger, more empowered, and more at home in their bodies. When someone tells me they finally feel like themselves again through movement, that’s what drives me to keep going.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, open-mindedness, and authenticity.

Curiosity has kept me engaged and motivated to keep learning—not just about Pilates, but about people, movement, and the different ways we connect to our bodies. Open-mindedness allowed me to try new approaches, learn from different styles, and be flexible when things didn’t go as expected. And authenticity helped me build real, lasting connections with my clients and community. When I stopped trying to sound like other teachers and simply showed up as myself, everything started to click.

My biggest advice for anyone looking to develop these qualities is to find mentors or like-minded people to connect with. Having honest conversations and exchanging ideas can really open your mind and help you refine your voice and skills. It’s also incredibly inspiring to learn from others—you might hear something that shifts your perspective or sparks a new idea. And above all, don’t be afraid to be yourself. The more genuine you are, the more naturally you’ll connect with the people who are meant to work with you.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause and take a few deep breaths. That simple act helps calm my nervous system and gives me space to reflect on what’s actually triggering the feeling. From there, I try to break things down and take one step at a time, rather than getting lost in the big picture.

Movement also plays a huge role for me. Whether it’s a short walk outside or a gentle stretch, moving my body helps release tension and shift my mindset. Once I can ground myself, I’m reminded that I’m capable—and that I don’t have to do everything all at once. My advice: give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, move, and trust that clarity will come from there.

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Image Credits

Photos by Body Moves Photography

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