We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lori Halvorson. Check out our conversation below.
Lori, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
There is so much information out there regarding fitness and wellness. It can be so much to juggle, and I think a lot of people just feel overwhlemed. They want to get started or get into something, but they just don’t know where to begin. I believe this can lead people to things that don’t actually work for them. It might be the “popular” thing to try, or the “newest fad,” but people deserve to find something that works for THEM, not everyone else. My hope is that individuals can find their voice and speak up for themselves so that they can find what they truly love!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lori, and I am the owner of POPin Pilates. I’m a personal trainer and pilates instructor, and my goal is to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone! I love to say that everyBODY is welcome to my classes, because that is what I truly want. Beginner, advanced, in between, fitness enthusiast, some time workout person, whoever you are, I want you to be able to come to a class, enjoy yourself and work up a sweat. I strive to make sure my brand is authentic and relatable – what you see is what you get! I recently started a workout subscription, and even the videos I upload are very “me;” I get real, I sweat, I mess up, and I hopefully give you an effective workout that you’ll want to come back to again!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that I should strive to fit in. I believed that trying to be “normal” was the right thing to do. Now, I realize that “normal” is not only unattainable, but also a myth – who even defines what’s normal? I know now that striving to be MYSELF is the most important thing I can do. I do not strive to be like others or fit in. In fact, it doesn’t bother me at all when I “stick out.” It’s validating that I’ve chosen to be my true, authentic self among a sea of whatever everybody else is doing, and I truly wish I would have believed in my true, authentic self as a child.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say something to my younger self, it would be “You are PERFECT just as you are.” I spent so much of my youth disliking my body, and trying to make it look like the bodies I saw on TV and in magazines. Now, when I look back at pictures of myself, I recognize how wonderful I looked just as I was, and my heart breaks for the little girl who was so unhappy with herself. The body positivity movement didn’t exist when I was a child, and the stigmas around being anything but “stick thin” were strong and penetrating, but I would tell my younger self to NOT fall victim to them. I also try to make sure and tell young girls I meet now that very thing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I do believe the public version of me is the real me – with the exception of how much I curse. I do try to temper that in public! Aside from that, I am very intentional about making sure I share only what feels real and true to me. I don’t cater to the norm or what other people expect or want. Now, do I sometimes say things with a little more finesse in a public setting than I might in private? Sure! But the message is going to be the same.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop paying into my 401k! I’d give myself that extra money to continue living to the fullest until my last breath. I would use the money already in my 401k to calculate when I can stop working completely and spend my remaining time traveling and enjoying loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://popinpilates.squarespace.com
- Instagram: popinpilates
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorihalvorson/
Image Credits
The Looking Glass Media, Shawn Coleman, Posche Visuals, Alaya Valley Photography
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