Patty McNichols
Studio Owner, Pilates Instructor
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Patty is the owner of Lift Pilates and a third-generation certified Authentic Pilates teacher through the New York Pilates Studio. ® With over 40 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Patty has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages live a healthier lifestyle. Her journey has included personal training, teaching group exercise, and currently, a deep-rooted commitment to Pilates. After years of dealing with injuries and burnout from intense fitness classes and triathlons, she found just the form of movement that she had been searching for. By fully committing her body and mind to Classical Pilates, Patty was able to see transformational benefits in her strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Right away, Patty knew that she wanted to share these benefits with others, and has since committed to spreading the true philosophies and teachings of Classical Pilates in order to help clients of all ages and abilities look, feel, and live better.
She has studied Pilates extensively through lessons by notable instructors including Elaine Ewing and Sean Gallagher. Patty teaches daily in her Fox Point studio, both in person and virtually. 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of the Lift Pilates Studio, which originated in a small handball court inside the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Over the years, The Lift has quadrupled in size to 3100 sq feet, growing into a fully equipped Pilates studio that exclusively features top-of-the-line Gratz apparatus. Aside from teaching classes, Patty is passionate about collecting and restoring archival Pilates equipment. She travels often to Rhinebeck and New York City, New York, for continuing education and lessons.
Teaching Pilates leaves Patty feeling inspired every single day, fulfilling her goal of helping clients leave the studio healthier, happier, and stronger.
She travels to Rhinebeck and New York City, New York, for continuing education and lessons with Sean Gallagher and Elaine Ewing. Patty has attended Pilates at The Pillow Conference at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA for the last 7 years.
Certifications:
- The Pilates Center, Boulder, CO, Teacher Training 2001, 985 Hours
- The Pilates Center, Boulder, CO, Master’s Program 2010, 96 Hours
- The Pilates Method Alliance, Gold Certificate, 2005
- IDEA, Group Exercise Instructor, Gold Certificate, 1986
- American College of Sports Medicine, Fitness Instructor, 1985
Ashi Negra
Pilates Instructor
Coming from a background in strength training, Ashi has always lived an active lifestyle. After dealing with an injury sustained from lifting, Ashi discovered Pilates in 2024 and not only began practicing the method, but also completed a 450-hour training program to become certified as an instructor. To expand on her knowledge and skills of the authentic Pilates method, Ashi has been a participant in the New York Pilates Studio® Teacher Training Program, an extensive Pilates Program that she will finish this year.
Ashi loves helping clients build strength, control, and confidence. Her favorite piece of equipment to teach is the Reformer. She absolutely loves teaching Pilates and is passionate about sharing it with others.
Within her own practice, Ashi’s favorite pieces of equipment are the Cadillac and Chair, and her favorite exercises are Teaser and Short Box Series. Outside of the studio, you can find her at the gym strength training, practicing yoga, dancing, walking, exploring coffee shops, trying new food spots, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
