Mechanicsburg (Walden)

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.

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.

As a self-proclaimed fitness
guru, I am passionate about learning and living a healthy
lifestyle! From a young age, I made a commitment to myself to never
take my body and my capability for granted. Often, I find we place
too much of our self-value in what others think and this affects
our attitude about ourselves. I want myself and OTHERS to feel
empowered and proud of what they can accomplish while being
conscious of health and making healthy life choices!
Here’s a little bit about
me:I began my fitness journey at Penn State
University (WE ARE!) taking an intensive fitness program training
for a full year. I learned basic principles of teaching all
different types of fitness- yoga, dance, cardio; from there I have
continued to learn more and dedicate myself to staying fit, happy,
and healthy! After college, I worked for Penn State as an
Admissions Counselor and Recruiter for the University Park and
Harrisburg campuses (so if you need any advice there, I got you
covered!). Recently, I have made the jump into to the sales for a
medical device organization and have thoroughly enjoyed being able
to marry my passion for helping others stay healthy with my
professional goals.
Luckily, I have the support of
my partner, Ben and the love of my puppy dog, Rufio to keep me
motivated and busy outside of my teaching commitments and work. For
fun, Ben and I absolutely love traveling and try to take a trip to
somewhere new at least once a year. Last year was Germany for
Oktoberfest – this year, it is IRELAND!
My Resume:I started my focus on weight lifting and cardio
when I was a cheerleader and athlete in high school; since then, I
continued my commitment to fitness by learning to teach fitness
classes at Penn State through a training program. In my 10 years of
teaching, I have had the opportunity to teach a wide variety of
classes including, cycling, kickboxing, boot camp, yoga, Pilates,
dance remix, and much more!
After recently moving to
Mechanicsburg, I was thrilled to participate in the Barre training
and begin teaching with Absolute Pilates and The Studio by Absolute
Pilates.
My Teaching
Philosophy:“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get
what you’ve always got.” I have lived by these words from the first
time I saw them when I was in high school. I have always embraced
change and jumped in with 2 feet. You will never know what you’re
capable of until you have given it what you’ve got. Work hard to
prove to yourself you can do it and your light will shine for
others. Being healthy doesn’t mean being skinny…it’s about balance
in order to live the life you desire.
My Rocks:I am lucky to have the support and network of
many family members and friends; but, I wouldn’t be able do
everything I do without my husband, Ben, by my side. Despite the
difficulty in balancing our schedules sometimes, he has always
wanted me to do what makes me happy and knows that teaching fitness
classes is something that I have a great passion for!

As a self-proclaimed fitness guru, I am passionate about learning and living a healthy lifestyle! From a young age, I made a commitment to myself to never take my body and my capability for granted. Often, I find we place too much of our self-value in what others think and this affects our attitude about ourselves. I want myself and OTHERS to feel empowered and proud of what they can accomplish while being conscious of health and making healthy life choices!

Here’s a little bit about me:
I began my fitness journey at Penn State University (WE ARE!) taking an intensive fitness program training for a full year. I learned basic principles of teaching all different types of fitness- yoga, dance, cardio; from there I have continued to learn more and dedicate myself to staying fit, happy, and healthy! After college, I worked for Penn State as an Admissions Counselor and Recruiter for the University Park and Harrisburg campuses (so if you need any advice there, I got you covered!). Recently, I have made the jump into to the sales for a medical device organization and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to marry my passion for helping others stay healthy with my professional goals.

Luckily, I have the support of my partner, Ben and the love of my puppy dog, Rufio to keep me motivated and busy outside of my teaching commitments and work. For fun, Ben and I absolutely love traveling and try to take a trip to somewhere new at least once a year. Last year was Germany for Oktoberfest – this year, it is IRELAND!

My Resume:
I started my focus on weight lifting and cardio when I was a cheerleader and athlete in high school; since then, I continued my commitment to fitness by learning to teach fitness classes at Penn State through a training program. In my 10 years of teaching, I have had the opportunity to teach a wide variety of classes including, cycling, kickboxing, boot camp, yoga, Pilates, dance remix, and much more!

After recently moving to Mechanicsburg, I was thrilled to participate in the Barre training and begin teaching with Absolute Pilates and The Studio by Absolute Pilates.

My Teaching Philosophy:
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.” I have lived by these words from the first time I saw them when I was in high school. I have always embraced change and jumped in with 2 feet. You will never know what you’re capable of until you have given it what you’ve got. Work hard to prove to yourself you can do it and your light will shine for others. Being healthy doesn’t mean being skinny…it’s about balance in order to live the life you desire.

My Rocks:
I am lucky to have the support and network of many family members and friends; but, I wouldn’t be able do everything I do without my husband, Ben, by my side. Despite the difficulty in balancing our schedules sometimes, he has always wanted me to do what makes me happy and knows that teaching fitness classes is something that I have a great passion for!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.   

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.   

Mary’s lifelong devotion to fitness drew her to Pilates in 2006.
Just months after taking her first class, she became aware of the
many benefits of Pilates, noticing improvement in her overall
well-being and posture as well as making her core stronger leading
to improved performance of her other favorite activities including
hiking, bicycling and kayaking. It seemed a natural progression for
Mary to follow this new passion and become a Pilates
instructor.
Mary loves the way Pilates can benefit everyone no matter their
age or physical condition. She enjoys the rewards that come with
teaching Pilates and helping students move better and feel better.
She loves helping students understand how to use their mind and
body together to improve core strength. . She believes there is no
other exercise system that is gentle to the body while giving it a
challenging workout. Her passion for Pilates, desire to help others
enjoy its benefits and her commitment to continuing education has
led her to further her teacher training through ABSolute
Pilates.
Mary brings a warm smile and positive attitude into every class.
She encourages her students to embrace the details and technique of
Pilates.

Mary’s lifelong devotion to fitness drew her to Pilates in 2006. Just months after taking her first class, she became aware of the many benefits of Pilates, noticing improvement in her overall well-being and posture as well as making her core stronger leading to improved performance of her other favorite activities including hiking, bicycling and kayaking. It seemed a natural progression for Mary to follow this new passion and become a Pilates instructor.

Mary loves the way Pilates can benefit everyone no matter their age or physical condition. She enjoys the rewards that come with teaching Pilates and helping students move better and feel better. She loves helping students understand how to use their mind and body together to improve core strength. . She believes there is no other exercise system that is gentle to the body while giving it a challenging workout. Her passion for Pilates, desire to help others enjoy its benefits and her commitment to continuing education has led her to further her teacher training through ABSolute Pilates.

Mary brings a warm smile and positive attitude into every class. She encourages her students to embrace the details and technique of Pilates.

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. 

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. 

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!

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!