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Laycilates utilizes her comprehensive knowledge of classical Pilates when curating each clients’ private studio session. At its core, the Laycilates method promotes muscular endurance, balance, flexibility & mobility. By incorporating small controlled but impactful movements, her unique modern method is proven to tone, lengthen & strengthen.
LACY LOONEY
Pilates Instructor, private personal trainer, and founder of Laycilates.
Pilates instructor, private personal trainer, and founder of Laycilates.
Laycilates utilizes her comprehensive knowledge of classical Pilates when curating each clients’ private studio session. At its core, the Laycilates method promotes muscular endurance, balance, flexibility & mobility. By incorporating small controlled but impactful movements, her unique modern method is proven to tone, lengthen & strengthen.
Tell me about your background and what inspired you to go into this field?
Growing up, I came from a conservative background. I grew up in Oregon in a small town, and I always thought that I had to have a “real job” when I graduated college. I originally planned to be a pharmacist, but realized that there's no way that I can just sit in a white coat all day long behind a desk. So I pursued business instead, because I had always wanted to have my own business someday, but I just never really knew what type of business.
I moved to LA after I graduated from the University of Oregon, and actually got a job in the entertainment industry as a reporter. During this time I was facing sexual discrimination in the workplace and it felt like there was no way out, and I was going to have to be somebody that I wasn't. That's luckily when I found Pilates. When I started taking Pilates classes, it really connected me to my body. People would always ask me if I taught classes anywhere, and that’s what sparked the idea in my head. I was like, “wow, I can actually turn my athletic background into a career.” I had ran since I was 10 and played basketball in high school, and I thought I had to give all that up after graduating, until I realized I could have a career in the physical fitness realm.
I ended up quitting my job as a reporter, and I called my parents to tell them that I wanted to be a Pilates instructor. They were like, “What are you talking about? What’s Pilates?” I told them just to trust me. So, I studied Pilates for a year. I started working for Equinox, at a couple boutique studios around West Hollywood. Then COVID happened, and all of the clubs and studios shut down. I knew that I needed to go out and do something on my own, but the COVID lockdown really forced me to make that happen; It was like a blessing in disguise.
And that's when I started my business. I now own a private training studio in West Hollywood called Laycilates. I also work for Lagree Fitness as one of their senior master trainers. I'm really happy with this because I can make genuine connections with other women. I often notice that when people start practicing Pilates, they feel stronger and more confident in their bodies. I work with tons of talented, amazing women and they always tell me that Pilates is special to them because it makes them confident in themselves, and helps them go about the rest of their days feeling strong. Deciding to teach Pilates was really scary in the beginning, and a lot of people didn’t really understand what it is, but this has definitely helped me connect to myself. Teaching pilates showed me that I can become whoever I want to be.
I love helping people. That's number one. I truly love seeing someone walk in having a bad day, but leaving with a smile on their face, saying that hour was the most important part of it. That's really special to me, connecting to people through movement and helping them feel stronger and more confident.
What are some of the things that you love most about what you do?
I would love to own my own standalone studio one day. For the next few years, I just want to focus on building a community within that. I'm really happy and content with the opportunities I have now, as well as working with my private clientele, but I think within five to six years I will have my own standalone group studio.
How do you see the future of Laycilates looking? Any goals that you have?
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What I appreciate most is its uniqueness, and I feel like there's a place for everyone. Everyone teaches with their own styles. Through teaching with your own style, you will draw people in. And I think building those relationships is the most unique aspect of it. I've met a ton of really neat and interesting people, and I continue to everyday.
What do you appreciate the most about the Pilates community?
Tell me about your background and what inspired you to go into this field?
How has Pilates changed your life?
It made me happier and connected me back to myself. I mentioned that I grew up in athletics, and I thought I had to give that up, and felt like I lost touch with myself. I was just trying to do things to make people happy, but when I found Pilates, it put me back into my body, and made me remember who I am, which helped me to continue being successful moving forward.
I think finding a healthy work-life balance is probably the hardest thing. Scheduling with people can be really hard sometimes. As a one-on-one private trainer, I only have a certain amount of hours in the day, and it's always my intention to be able to work with everyone and accommodate everybody. But again, I only have a certain amount of hours in the day.
What are some of the challenges or obstacles, if any, that you’ve faced on this journey? How have you overcome them?
My main mission is to help people connect with themselves and feel stronger within themselves, so they can apply that strength to all aspects and areas of their life.
How do you hope to inspire others through Laycilates?
I hope they feel empowered. I hope they feel confident, and I hope they feel strong within themselves. Pilates empowered me when I came from a dark space of my life, and I found light through movement. I just want to make sure that everyone knows that when they’re struggling, or they feel like they can't dig themselves out of a hole, that they truly can and everything will be okay. They just have to want something bad enough to make those changes.