We recently had the chance to connect with Allie Lochary and have shared our conversation below.
Allie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, the change in seasons and the slightly cooler weather have been a huge source of joy. It’s so refreshing to spend more time outside, whether it’s for a long walk with my dog or just relaxing on the porch with my family. I always look at a season change as a chance to reset, reflect, and look ahead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In a fitness world dominated by large, one-size-fits-all classes, Allie Lochary Pilates is a private studio dedicated to one-on-one Pilates training. We believe this individualized approach is the most effective way to help people build strength and confidence, so they can move through everyday life with more ease. Located in Charlotte’s Stonehaven neighborhood, we provide an authentic, boutique experience built on years of top-tier Pilates training.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
It will likely come as no shock that as a professional dancer and Pilates instructor I have some perfectionist tendencies. I was trained to be meticulous and precise. This has served me incredibly well in some ways, but the constant need for perfection can also be rigid and paralyzing. I’m making an effort to let go and find more freedom, but I’m also aware it will be a lifelong journey.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
The most significant change of mind I’ve had was deciding it was a good idea to start a business in my spare bedroom! While it was something I had always wanted to do, I was waiting for the right moment to take the leap. After moving back to Charlotte from New York City I realized there was a big void in classical Pilates training in Charlotte, so I saw an opportunity to bet on myself. Now, just two years into Allie Lochary Pilates, it’s been the most rewarding decision, and this is just the beginning.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie our industry tells itself is that if you call yourself a Pilates studio, it means you’re teaching Pilates. The truth is, because the industry is unregulated, a consumer has no idea how to differentiate between a studio that teaches based on Joseph Pilates’ method of Contrology and a studio that simply uses reformers for a generalized fitness workout. It’s absolute chaos out there!
A key way to spot the difference is to check instructor bios. A comprehensively certified Pilates instructor will have completed a rigorous, minimum 500-hour certification program on all apparatus, not just the reformer. Of course, there is a lot more nuance to this that can be saved for offline conversations. This commitment to expertise is what Allie Lochary Pilates is built on. Clients can expect top-tier authentic training with us, regardless of what’s trending.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I started dancing at two years old and went on to earn a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography before dancing professionally in New York City. For me, movement has been a lifelong pursuit. My path to Pilates wasn’t a change in direction; it was a natural evolution that allowed me to continue my passion for movement while helping others feel stronger and more confident in their own bodies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allielocharypilates.com
- Instagram: @allielocharypilates
