Mechanicsburg (Walden)

Leslie started her Pilates journey as a client at Absolute Pilates with one simple goal in mind – she wanted to be able to touch her toes.  After many years of running and long hours of sitting at a desk, she realized she needed to add something to her routine to regain the flexibility that she had lost.  Pilates was a perfect match for her and with on- going practice, she not only met her goal but decided she wanted to help others to do the same. 

Leslie completed the Pilates Mat and Comprehensive Teacher Training program at Absolute Pilates in 2017, and now teaches Private, Duet and Group Classes at the Mechanicsburg Studio.  In 2018, she completed TRX Suspension Training and loves to incorporate TRX exercises into her classes.   You will mostly see Leslie in the studio in the early mornings and weekends. 

Why does she love Pilates? 

There are so many reasons why I love Pilates!  In addition to helping me become more flexible, it has also helped me to increase strength in my core, arms and legs.  When I start my day with Pilates, it gives me energy and I have better focus throughout the day.  Pilates also never gets boring and continues to challenge me.  There are so many exercises and different pieces of equipment that we have in the studio that each class is always different, whether I am taking a class or teaching.         

What are you doing if you’re not at the studio?

I like to spend time with my husband and son either going to their sporting events or traveling to new places.  I like to mess up a clean kitchen on the weekends with meal planning and prepping so that we can eat healthier throughout the week.  My newest hobby is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), so I plan to seek out different places to SUP this summer.   Lastly, I work full time as a certified Project Manager in the Health Care IT industry.     

What advice do you have for new clients?

Starting off with private sessions is really the best way to become comfortable with the equipment. Be patient with yourself and your progress.  While you may not notice your progress right away, your instructors will be able to see how far you’ve come in just a few sessions.   

I'm not a dancer. I'm not an athlete. I almost literally have two left feet. But what I am is determined to do my best. I've been taking barre at various studios and in wildly different styles nationwide since 2017. What attracted me to it was that I was being given instruction rather than left to my own devices and that I felt safe and could build my confidence. I was never much of a “gym rat” or someone that worked out regularly. I would exercise consistently for a couple weeks and then gradually have “things come up” and I would stop. Barre, especially here at the Absolute Pilates studios, creates an environment of friendship, energy, and motivation. You're not alone in shaking through that plank - I'm here with you!

Some little tidbits about me:

I'm weird, but in a charming way like Kristen Bell. Big animal person, love my plants, and quasi-obsessed with my husband. I love to spend my downtime volunteering either with various veterans nonprofits or the Harrisburg Promise program at HACC. Huge fan of always staying busy over here! Since I'm always running at a thousand miles an hour, it's rare to find me sitting still. 

How did I get started:

After a million years, I finally finished my undergrad in 2019 while working fulltime and I was looking for something to fill the gap when I'm not at work. I tried going to yoga, but I wasn't very flexible and felt weird among all these human rubber bands around me. Tried to get into cross-stitch....uh, let's just say pointy things aren't my forte. Got bored of baking within a week. Then in the winter time, I was Googling barre in Harrisburg and landed on Absolute Pilates. I was confused at first - because what is a “pie-lates”? But I showed up anyway to one of Donna's barre classes in Harrisburg and it was an immedate click. Barre is low impact, and while you will get your heart rate up and sweating, it doesn't feel like you're about to hurt yourself, so whether you're a beginner or seasoned, barre can be a great addition to your calendar. 

What's my teaching style:

As Dori said in Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming”. In my classes, you'll find that we're always moving. If something isn't working for you, we'll just do something else. I strive to keep my classes fresh and interesting, while still challenging you to grow. Form will always take precedent over volume, so if you can only do one or two reps, then that's what we're doing. I'm here to help you, so never feel shy about asking questions or seeking more. The first step to success is simple: just show up. We'll fill in the rest from there.

Here is a little about me: I was born in Philadelphia, but moved to Jim Thorpe PA at age seven. After living the majority of my life in the Pocono’s , I guess you could say I am a country girl. I grew up surrounded by mountains, trees, and wildlife. I recently got married to my best friend, Elijah Murphy, and moved to Mechanicsburg to live with my husband and explore all the new possibilities that this area offers.  In my free time, I love cooking, going out for healthy ethnic food with my hubby, hiking, biking, and just being outside.

My Resume: Growing up I participated in Ukrainian folk dance from age 10 to 18.  I feel that this helped me learn to move my body with grace and elegance. I became a Power Pilates Mat Level 1 teacher in 2016 and Mat 2 teacher in 2017. I also completed my ACE (American Council on Exercise) group fitness certification in 2017 with the goal to create my own stretch classes, and become a better leader. I have two years of past teaching experience in both Pilates, and Summer Stretch. I plan on attending Absolute Pilates Barre training, as well as completing their comprehensive Pilates certification in the next year. I am currently working my way through an Associates in Exercise Science, in hopes to better expand my understanding of how the human body functions.

Teaching Philosophy: Getting my class to flow is something that is very important to me.  I strive to create a smooth transition, both on and off the mat. I also try to teach my classes with a knowledge that everyone learns differently, whether they are visual, kinesthetic, auditory, or a blend of all three,  I try to keep this in mind as I teach. Lastly, I strive to create a balanced class that reaches all fitness levels,because everyone deserves to feel strong and fit.

My Rocks: My husband is my number one cheerleader, right along with my mom. They are both people that I will bounce ideas off, and go to for encouragement, knowing I will always receive solid advice.

I started teaching very young, I grew up in family educators and I vowed at a young age I would never do that. Never say never. I love what I do, and I am so thankful for my clients and staff. I have taught everyone over the last 15 plus years the young the old, rock star athlete, prima ballerina, injured, chronically ill, the beginner and expert. I took a step back and realized it is all fun for me but what draws me in are those who feel they can’t. (the secret is out you can!)

Here is a little bit about me:

After more than 15 years of teaching movement, most of teaching Pilates, and with 1000s of hours of pilates training. My current focus has become those that feel they can’t exercise and can’t feel good. The people who feel their body is failing them and they should sit around feeling worse and worse each day.

I not only teach clients in my studio in Mechanicsburg, but I also help the staff in all three studios with any clients that need some special TLC. Additionally I run our pilates and barre teacher training program producing quality instructors in good old central PA.

My Resume:

I have “been” in the industry since 2001. I began teaching mat pilates in college for fun money. What is better then working out and getting paid said 20 year old me! Then I ran a corporate gym in 2005. I have a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh and two undergrad degrees from PITT. (I am learning junkie) #H2P

I completed the comprehensive teacher training offered from Core Dynamics Pilates in Santa Fe, NM. This program was created in the Eve Gentry tradition. Eve is one of the Pilates elders who studied with Joe Pilates. I have taken specialty workshops for Pink Ribbon Pilates, Pilates for MS, the Center for Women’s Health and Fitness, Fusion Pre and Post Natal, Pilates for Neurological Disorders and Core Align Equipment. I am a gluten free foodie. I graduated from Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC.

My Teaching Philosophy:

Try it. You are more powerful than you realize. Your session is going to be fun and we might get some laughing in. Most of all we are going to get you moving any way we need to.

My Rocks:

I am supported by my amazing family, who I could do not this without. All the love goes out my husband Andy and daughter Alivia. I can not forget all the support from my mother who was my number one cheerleader all my life most importantly as I started this business. My dad, stepmom and best friend who now get the difficult task of being my sounding board and cheerleader.

Here is a little bit about me:

I’m an events and communications manager at a non-profit by day turned Pilates instructor at night.  While athleticism wasn’t inherently natural for me, I always found myself dabbling in staying active.  I played soccer and basketball at a young age and then turned to color guard in high school (yeah, I was the kid who tossed flags, sabers and stuff).  In my twenties, fitness became more of a task to manage my weight.  That is until I found my place at Absolute Pilates as a dedicated client and now instructor.  I finally realized that fitness is about the amazing things I can do with my body as opposed to a fight against the things that are naturally me like my curves.  Fun Fact: I love a good theme and cheesy puns!  Like seriously love them.  To the point of having a cat themed wedding, we got meowied on July 1, 2017 (did I mention I have cats).

My Resume:

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Penn State University and I am one of those people who bleed blue and white (sorry Allison).  I put my degree to work as an events and communications manager for a local non-profit with the mission of providing primary health care for those in underserved communities.

I’ve been a dedicated Absolute Pilates client since 2014.  I consistently kept up with my Sunday Jump Board (now Pilates Power Hour and More) classes and eventually upped my game to 5 classes a week.  In 2017, Allison finally convinced me to turn my passion into teaching.  I received my Mat Pilates certification in December 2017 and then started on the fast track to the full equipment teacher training.

My Teaching Philosophy:

Pilates is for ANY Body! There’s no sign saying you must be this tall or weight limit to ride the Pilates ride.  As someone who has always been curvy, I can honestly say that Pilates doesn’t discriminate.  An instructor I took class with always said, “as long as you’re moving that’s all that matters.” I’ve taken that to heart and found there’s always a modification for every exercise.  I will always modify something to fit your needs, but we will also work to improve and make the more difficult exercises a goal.

My Rocks:

My wonderful husband has always been my biggest support!  I am so grateful to have him by my side encouraging me and picking up the slack when I need it.  I am also blessed to have an amazing group of best friends that are like sisters to me. It’s been such an encouragement to have a group of women around you that are so supportive and inspiring in their own ways.

I only just started teaching Pilates and Barre in 2015. I was never an athlete during school years, but I always worked out. I loved the feeling of accomplishing a great class. I cannot remember a time when I did not workout. I think I have tried every exercise fad there was to try along the way. Working out with friends and getting out of the house as I got older and had children is what kept me sane.

Here’s a little bit about me:

Several years ago, I injured my knee and what I was able to do in the form of exercise came with a short list. I was left with cycling when it felt good, yoga, and Pilates. Well, Pilates was so hard, I hated it. Literally. I would go once a week and try, but I could always convince myself to not go. A new class came to the fitness center I belonged to and I fell in love with it – BodyFlow, a yoga/Pilates combo class. It felt right to me. I took it every day it was offered. Unfortunately, I started having serious knee issues and had to go to physical therapy. To my surprise, I was doing Pilates three times a week with the physical therapists. I became stronger and had no knee pain. At that point, I started taking reformer classes with Allison, in the basement of her house and hot yoga at a friend’s studio. It was exactly what I needed. I then added in mat and barre classes and fell in love again.

I feel stronger than I ever have in my life. I love teaching more than I thought I ever would. I like to share the knowledge I have gained and watch when a client gets that “AH HA” moment – I can do that now! Plus, one of my favorite feelings is at the end of a really hard class and you question, “Did I work out?,”  because you feel so good. Mat and barre are like a physical therapy session for the day.

I teach mat and barre at Absolute Pilates and Barre in Mechanicsburg and also at The Studio by Absolute Pilates in Mechanicsburg.

My Resume:

I have my Pilates Mat Certification from Absolute Pilates and my Barre Certification from Absolute Barre. My volunteer list and “jobs” list are lengthy. Behavioral Support Aide at Eisenhower Elementary, registrar for the Camp Hill Soccer Club, Designer of the Camp Hill Borough Newsletter, President of the Camp Hill Middle School High School Association, Communicator for New Cumberland School of Ballet where my daughter dances, and I am sure there will be something added by the time you read this.

My Teaching Philosophy:

I have never given this a thought before with not quite two years under my belt. But I am going to say, my philosophies are that you should TRY IT and if it is hard, TRY IT AGAIN, Form is everything, Slow and Methodical, Be where you are, not where your neighbor is and Embrace where and who you are.

My Rocks:

Would be my husband and my three children. They have watched me for years working out, being healthy. It was difficult for me to take the step into teaching but they all thought that was crazy because that is what I did, work out every day.

I was always fitness minded and my lifestyle always involved healthy living and exercise.  I am not over the top in any area  but my philosophy is anything in moderation and treat everyone with respect. 

Here is a little bit about me:

I am a busy wife, mother and grandmother of 8 - only one grandson lives locally.  I am caregiver for this little buddy who is 6 years old . I have him two days a week and he has special needs due to a genetic and neurological disorder so with his needs and my career my days are pretty full and rewarding as well.  Everyday has potential for great breakthroughs and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  

I am so thankful for incorporating Pilates into my life years before his birth, for I know this has provided me the physical strength I need today.

I volunteer time at my church in the cafe.  I love interacting with people and encouraging everyone to be their best in any endeavor.

My Resume:

I took my first mat Pilates class in 2011 and was thrilled with how I felt walking out of class and days later.

I found Absolute Pilates in 2012 and expanded my Pilates experience to the equipment and the wonderful instructors who encouraged me in every step. I held  the goal of completing the Teacher Training program but with my schedule limitations I was only able to complete the Comprehensive Mat Teacher Training in 2014.  Baby steps are better than no steps!  Once I was certified I began teaching two nights a week in the community and substituted at Absolute Pilates as needed. 2016 I finally completed my full Pilates Certifcation!!

My Teaching Philosophy:

I found that no matter how old or young you are Pilates will work for you.  I have participants in my class ranging from age 16-76.  You can do anything you put your mind to.  I believe in a “no judgement zone” where we all work together as a family.

My Rocks:

I definitely need to give a shout out to my husband who has supported me in all that I do.  I am also very thankful for an awesome family who stands beside me and holds me up when I am feeling overwhelmed.

I carry words with me that give me strength - these words came from my mother who lost a battle with pancreatic cancer.  While spending time with her through her treatments and numerous hospital stays I told her she was my hero.  She raised four children on her own and sacrificed so much for us.  She said that I had it all wrong and that I was her Rock!  

Some days those are the words that carry me through - you never know the impact your life and actions will have on others.

From a young age I was very active from basketball to volleyball to dance... It's how I stayed in shape. After my freshman year in high school I quit basketball and with dance being seasonal I needed something extra. That's when I joined my first gym. I was trained by the owner Kim King a heavy weight body builder. (Now a strength coach at the University of Pittsburgh) After my first year there Kim asked if I would aid in training new clients. I happily accepted and that was the beginning of my exercise teaching.

Fast forward to my wedding in October 2011; I had really put some time in to my fitness and diet. I felt confident and healthy. Then, a few months after being married I became pregnant and that all went out the window.  After gaining 70lbs in my pregnancy; I had never felt so bad and completely out of shape. 7 weeks after my son was born I found myself in my first Pilates class.

Thereafter,  as a stay at home mom I found myself struggling to maintain my motivation. Allison suggested that I get certified and start teaching. I then got certified to teach Insanity and PiYo. It was just what I needed! Teaching keeps my head in the game! Exercise is the key ingredient to keep me mentally and physically healthy.

A lifelong dancer and performer, I was looking for a form of exercise that helped me to keep dance in my life as an adult. That is when I found Pilates and Barre. I started taking Pilates equipment classes in the fall of 2013 and was hooked right away. I took my first barre class not long after that. I felt right at home in both of these classes and knew I needed to make both forms of fitness a part of my life forever.

Here’s a little bit about me:

I’ve lived most of my life in Mechanicsburg, PA. I always thought I wanted to live in New York City, but upon graduating college, moved back to Central PA and it is the area I continue to call home (only a four minute drive from the home where I spent most of my life). I had always wanted to own a business, but never knew what kind of business I wanted to own. I always thought I wanted to be a wedding planner, but there was a big part of me that always needed to have dance and theatre in my life, even as an adult. A barre studio seemed to be the perfect fit for me. When my husband and I found our house in the fall of 2015, our new neighborhood was also the perfect location for a barre studio.

I’m beyond lucky to say that being a Pilates and Barre instructor (along with being a studio co-owner) is not just my for fun job, but my day job. I have a great business partner that I work with to make our studio the better each day. I’ve also found that I love teaching teachers how to teach. I look forward to holding teacher trainings and love watching my new instructors teach classes. It is one of my great prides when clients tell me they love my classes, but even more so when they love the class of a teacher that I trained.

My Resume:

I earned my two Bachelor’s Degrees in Marketing and in Theatre with a concentration in Dance from West Chester University in 2012. Looking for a form of exercise that was similar to dance, I started taking Pilates Equipment classes from Absolute Pilates. I started my Comprehensive Pilates training in May of 2014. By the end of 2014, I completed my 450-Hour Pilates Mat and Equipment Certification, and my Barre Certification. In 2015, along with Allison Zang, I wrote the current barre training program that we use with our teachers called Absolute Barre. Since then, we’ve done about two teacher trainings a year and are working on expanding our barre training program, along with workshops that we offer. I continue to take Pilates, Barre, and Dance classes when we travel, among other fitness classes, to stay current on trends and new methods of teaching. I also take workshops that benefit me, my instructors, and my clients when they are available to me. 

Here is a little bit about me:

I was a cheerleader for about 15 years and also did gymnastics in that time.  I tried a lot different exercise programs until I found the one I like best.  Pilates has made me love exercise again, after losing the love for a few years.

My Resume:

I am a certified Absolute Barre instructor and Babies at the Barre instructor.  I plan on becoming a certified PIYO instructor in the near future.  

My Teaching Philosophy:

Take a leap and try it!  You don't know if you like it until you try it.  I love to laugh and have a great time while offering my clients a great workout.  Also, if my clients shed a layer in my class, than I have done my job!

My Rocks:

My biggest rock is my husband, Mitch.  We work together all day at my full time job, and he supports my teaching (he will even have dinner ready for me when I get home!)  My family is so supportive of any dreams that I am currently chasing.

Growing up in a family of educators, I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a very young age. My grandfather was a teacher for forty-four years and my mother has been a teacher for close to twenty years herself. It’s in my blood to teach.

Here’s a little bit about me:

I am a public high school teacher in Harrisburg and have been teaching for about ten years now. I currently teach world history to eleventh graders and absolutely love it. There is nothing quite like the thrill of watching the “lightbulb” go off for a student when they finally understand a concept in which they had previously been struggling.

I became interested in Pilates through the help of my wife, Lauren. After asking quite a few times, I finally gave in and took a few classes. I have been hooked ever since!

My journey with fitness started around the same time as my first Pilates class. I had put on a considerable amount of weight, around seventy pounds, and was struggling to find ways to take and keep it off. Even after just a few class, I could feel a difference in my body. I was losing weight, had better posture, increased my flexibility, became stronger, and was feeling more confident. With this new found confidence, I wish to spread my love of Pilates with as many people as possible.

My Resume:

I am currently a world history teacher at Dauphin County Technical School in Harrisburg and have been teaching for close to ten years now. I received my bachelor’s degree in Education from Lock Haven University in 2007 and received my Master’s Degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Penn State University in 2016. I’m currently working on my second Master’s Degree at West Chester University.

I started taking Pilates classes in 2014 and was instantly hooked. I completed the Comprehensive Teacher Training Program (Pilates Equipment and Mat) through Absolute Pilates in 2016. In addition to teaching Pilates, I am also certified through Absolute Barre to teach Barre classes and can be found teaching both Barre and Pilates Mat at The Studio by Absolute Pilates in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

My Teaching Philosophy:

Anyone can do anything; it just takes the right support to make it happen!

My Rocks:

I am supported by some amazing people, without whom I would not be able to accomplish everything in life I wish to accomplish. The first of which is my wife Lauren, who is my rock through everything! I also have to include the rest of my family who have stood by me through thick and thin!