Meet Allie Lochary | Pilates Instructor & Owner of Allie Lochary Pilates

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allie Lochary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After over a decade of teaching Pilates in New York City’s boutique fitness scene, I moved back home to Charlotte and quickly realized that the kind of Pilates experience I was used to—personalized, intentional, and rooted in deep education—wasn’t easy to find. Most of what I came across were large group classes that focused exclusively on the reformer, often prioritizing choreography over real progress. I wanted to create something different.

My goal was to bring the level of training and individualized attention that was standard in NYC to Charlotte. I wanted to offer clients more than just a workout. I wanted to help them understand their bodies, build strength with purpose, and feel supported through all phases of life, whether they’re recovering from injury, training for a marathon, or navigating pregnancy. Starting my own business was the clearest way to make that vision a reality.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been teaching Pilates for nearly 15 years, but my journey started as a professional modern dancer in New York City. Like many dancers, I found Pilates as a way to build strength and prevent injury. What started as cross-training quickly became a career path I was deeply passionate about.

I trained and taught in some of NYC’s most respected studios, including serving as a Teacher Trainer at Core Pilates NYC and later as Lead Teacher Trainer for Equinox. Educating other instructors helped me refine my own skills, deepen my understanding of the work, and develop a clear, thoughtful approach to movement that is rooted in both function and longevity.

What sets my work apart is how personalized it is. I specialize in one-on-one sessions because I believe people get the best results when they feel seen, supported, and challenged at the right level. Whether I’m working with an athlete, someone recovering from an injury, or a new mom returning to movement, my focus is on helping people feel stronger and more capable in their own bodies.

Starting over in Charlotte after years in NYC wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a client base or a big studio name behind me, but I saw a gap in the Pilates offerings here that I knew I could fill. I focused on service first, built relationships, and prioritized quality over volume. Growth was slow in the beginning, but sticking to my mission and vision proved successful as I now have a steady client base that continues to grow.

One important lesson I’ve learned is that meaningful progress in both Pilates and business comes from patience and consistency, not quick fixes or chasing trends. Allie Lochary Pilates offers a truly personalized Pilates experience that respects individual goals and challenges. In a fitness landscape dominated by large group classes and generic workouts, my approach stands apart by offering individualized attention and thoughtful instruction built on years of top-tier training. This is the kind of Pilates experience I believe Charlotte deserves: authentic, intentional, and truly transformative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Charlotte, I’d want them to experience the best of the city. Besides insisting on a private Pilates session, I’d plan a week full of charm, adventure, and really good food.

We’d spend the afternoons exploring neighborhoods like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, and South End. Each has its own vibe and plenty of great spots to eat and drink. The Goodyear House in NoDa is a go-to for dinner, especially on a nice evening in their outdoor space. Optimist Hall is another favorite for lunch, with a wide mix of local food vendors and something for everyone.

At some point, we’d head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Even if we’re not rafting, it’s a great spot to grab a drink, stroll the trails, and watch the kayakers go by. If a good show is in town, we’d catch a concert at The Fillmore or a comedy show at The Comedy Zone. Both venues always have something fun happening.

For something more low-key, we’d take my dog Beans, the official mascot of Allie Lochary Pilates, for a walk around the neighborhood or explore The Bowl at Ballantyne. For a little indulgence, I’d treat them to a massage at Reid Massage & Wellness, followed by a visit to one of the city’s sauna houses. We’d definitely swing by The Pearl Pagoda for boutique shopping and stop at Renaissance Pâtisserie in SouthPark for croissants or dessert.

My favorite Mexican restaurant, Mal Pan in Piedmont Row, is perfect for a casual dinner. It’s such an underrated spot for fresh, flavorful Mexican. And if time allows, I’d plan a quick getaway to Asheville or Blowing Rock, two of my favorite nearby mountain towns for fresh air and a change of pace.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! No one builds something meaningful alone. I’m incredibly grateful to every client who has trusted me over the last 15 years, especially those who supported me as I started my business from the ground up in Charlotte. Their trust, word-of-mouth referrals, and commitment keep me going.

I’m also thankful for the mentors and teachers I had the privilege of learning from in New York City. Their high standards and focus on critical thinking shaped the teacher I am today. Special thanks to Teri Steele for sparking my passion for Pilates, Core Pilates NYC for providing a strong foundation and comprehensive education, and Equinox for helping me understand the business side of the industry.

Most importantly, my parents, Nancy and Ben, have always supported me in pursuing this non-traditional, winding career path. To my husband Jim, thank you for believing in me and cheering me on every step of the way. I couldn’t have done this without you all.

Website: https://www.allielocharypilates.com

Instagram: @allielocharypilates