Today we’d like to introduce you to A’Lisha McKinney.
Hi A’Lisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with movement and Pilates really began with my experience with epilepsy. I’ve had epilepsy since I was 10 months old, so it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was told for years that I shouldn’t exercise or push my body too much because of my epilepsy. Eventually, I decided I didn’t want fear to define what my body was capable of. I broke free from that mindset and simply started moving.
Through movement, I began to discover strength, confidence, and a deeper understanding of my body. Then I found Pilates, and it felt like the missing piece. The focus on control, precision, alignment, and the mind-body connection gave me a completely different way to move and connect with my body.
The more I learned and practiced, the more passionate I became about Pilates and about helping other people experience that same sense of connection and confidence. What started as my own journey of learning to trust my body eventually became something I wanted to dedicate myself to and share with others.
Today, I’m continuing to grow as an instructor and deepen my understanding of Pilates. I’m grateful that something I found while learning to move freely became such a meaningful part of my life and something I can now help others discover for themselves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. My journey has definitely had its challenges. Having epilepsy since I was 10 months old meant growing up with limitations and being told for years that I shouldn’t exercise or push myself physically. One of my biggest struggles was learning to separate what I was actually capable of from what I had been told I could do.
Breaking free from that mindset wasn’t easy. There was fear, uncertainty, and a lot of learning to trust my body. Finding movement—and eventually Pilates—helped me change that relationship. Pilates taught me that movement could be intentional, controlled, and empowering.
And even after finding Pilates, the journey didn’t suddenly become easy. Learning Pilates and learning how to teach it well takes work, skill, patience, and continued education. There is always more to learn and refine. The challenges remind me that growth takes time, and instead of discouraging me, they encourage me to keep going, keep learning, and keep pushing myself to become better.
Looking back, I think those struggles have shaped the way I teach. They’ve given me a deeper appreciation for meeting people where they are and understanding that every body has a different story. I want to help people discover what they can do rather than focusing on their limitations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is centered around Pilates, movement, and helping people build a stronger connection with their bodies. I’ve grown through several roles in the Pilates industry, starting as an instructor, then becoming a Pilates Coordinator, and eventually stepping into the role of Master Instructor. Each position has challenged me to grow not only as a teacher, but also as a leader and mentor.
I focus on teaching Pilates with an emphasis on control, precision, alignment, and understanding the purpose behind each movement. I believe Pilates is not just about performing an exercise it’s about learning how to move your body with intention.
What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown through my own journey and how that experience influences the way I teach. Because I’ve had to learn to trust my own body and push past limitations, I try to create an environment where people feel encouraged to do the same in a safe and intentional way.
I think what sets me apart is that I understand what it feels like to be told what you can’t do. My experience has taught me to look for possibilities rather than limitations. I bring patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning to my teaching. I’m not afraid to be challenged, and I believe there is always more to learn about Pilates, the body, and how to become a better teacher.
I’m most proud that Pilates has become more than a career for me. It has been a personal journey of learning to move, trust, and keep going. Going from instructor to Pilates Coordinator to Master Instructor has shown me how far that journey can take me—and now I get to share what I’ve learned with other instructors and clients.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that may surprise people is that I’ve had epilepsy since I was 10 months old. You would never know by looking at me, especially because it is well controlled now.
Another thing people may not know is that I’m actually very shy. That doesn’t always come across when you first meet me, especially when I’m teaching. Pilates has helped me find my voice, build confidence, and continue pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
Pricing:
- 140 Per Private 1 Hour
- Semi private 4/120
- Semi Private 8/216
- Semi Private 12/300
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ClassicallyFanci
