Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonye Lynch
Hi Tonye , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
SYNCD Pilates started as a vision rooted in connection—between movement, mindfulness, and community. I’ve always been passionate about fitness and wellness, but when I found Pilates, I knew I had discovered something special. I fell in love with how it challenged both the body and mind, and I wanted to share that experience with others. After completing my certification in 2021, I started hosting occasional small community pop-ups and doing private lessons, which quickly grew into larger events—especially our popular monthly rooftop class at POST HTX.
Through these experiences, I saw firsthand how few spaces truly reflected the diversity of the Pilates community. I knew that if I wanted to see the space I envisioned, I had to create it myself. That’s how SYNCD Pilates was born—the only Black-owned mat-based Pilates studio in Houston. My mission is to make Pilates more accessible and inclusive, creating a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered in their movement journey.
Starting a studio from the ground up has come with its challenges, but seeing this community grow makes it all worth it. From the people who show up for class each week to the opportunities we’re creating—like our rooftop series and upcoming brand partnerships—this is just the beginning. SYNCD Pilates is more than a studio; it’s a movement toward connection, representation, and redefining what Pilates can be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting SYNCD Pilates has been anything but a smooth road—it’s been a journey filled with learning curves, late nights, and plenty of problem-solving. Opening a studio, especially as an independent business owner, comes with its own set of challenges. From securing the right space to managing the financial realities of running a business, every step has required a mix of patience, persistence, and adaptability.
One of the biggest hurdles has been balancing growth with sustainability. As a new studio, building a consistent client base takes time, and there’s always the challenge of standing out in an industry that’s already so saturated. On top of that, being the only Black-owned mat-based Pilates studio in Houston, I’ve felt the weight of representation—wanting to not only succeed but also create a space that feels truly inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Another challenge has been finding balance while wearing multiple hats. Right now, I’m both the owner and the primary instructor, which means I’m constantly juggling teaching, marketing, operations, and everything in between. It’s rewarding, but it can also be exhausting, and I’m still learning how to navigate that without burning out.
There have been moments of doubt, especially navigating this as a self-funded venture, but every challenge has reinforced my commitment to this mission. Seeing the community that’s forming around SYNCD Pilates, from our dedicated members to those who attend our pop-ups, reminds me why I started in the first place. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it—and I know this is just the beginning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SYNCD Pilates ?
SYNCD Pilates is more than just a Pilates studio—it’s a space built on connection, inclusivity, and community. We specialize in mat-based Pilates, offering classes that focus on building strength, mobility, and mind-body awareness. While many studios lean heavily into equipment-based Pilates, I wanted to create an experience that makes Pilates more accessible.
What truly sets SYNCD Pilates apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. As the only Black-owned mat-based Pilates studio in Houston, I’m passionate about breaking down barriers in the wellness space and creating an environment where everyone—regardless of background, body type, or experience level—feels welcome. Pilates should be for everybody, and at SYNCD, we’re making sure it is.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built, both inside and outside the studio. The feedback I’ve received from clients about the quality of the class, how inclusive and comforting it feels to see so many different body types in the space and also how the classes have helped people feel stronger in their bodies!
At SYNCD Pilates, we offer a variety of classes, from foundational sessions to more dynamic, full-body flows. We’re also have specialized formats like Prenatal/Postnatal Pilates and a series for February called Soulful Sundays where we offer a slow flow yoga class hosted by a guest instructor.
At the heart of it all, SYNCD Pilates is about movement with intention—syncing breath, effort, and energy to create a deeper mind-body connection. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening your practice, this is a space where you’ll feel supported, challenged, and part of something bigger.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is seeing people find joy in movement—watching someone step onto the mat, maybe a little unsure at first, and leave feeling stronger, more connected, and more confident. Pilates has given me so much, and being able to share that with others, especially in a space that feels inclusive and welcoming, is incredibly fulfilling.
Beyond Pilates, I’m happiest when I feel aligned with my purpose—building something meaningful, creating space for others, and knowing that, even in small ways, I’m helping people connect with themselves and their well-being. That’s what keeps me going.
Pricing:
- Single Class $28
- 5 Class Pack $110
- 10 Class Pack $200
- Intro Offer (3 Class Pack) $60
- Unlimited Membership $189
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.syncdpilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncdpilates
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/61568322785464/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/qS4pbyeX9KY
