Meet Leah
What’s your favorite piece of Pilates equipment?
The reformer (of course) & a medium resistance band
Favorite Pilates exercise?
Swan, because the movement is so graceful & fluid … plus it sneakily doubles as a stretch that leaves you standing inches taller
What’s one of your non-Pilates hobbies?
Writing poetry
Describe your classes in 3 words:
Intentional, layered, sculpting
What’s on your playlist?
Every playlist I make for class tells a story! Each track is intentionally chosen & timed to build on the last, just like exercises in class :’) I usually play a mix of throwbacks, dance/electronic, upbeat pop & r&b - & I always bookend with instrumental covers of the “pinnacle” song in the playlist.
What would you tell someone who’s afraid to try Pilates?
Don’t be, Pilates is the most inclusive practice! It allows every person to start where they’re able & progress from there. Exercises are adaptable & easily modified to be safe & beneficial for almost all ages & fitness levels, those rehabilitating from injuries or with medical conditions, & even perinatal mothers.
The only thing you have to be afraid of when it comes to Pilates, is becoming so obsessed that you can’t stop talking about it :’)
3 items you’d bring to a desert island
Tower28 SOS Spray, Laneige lip balm, all-natural rainbow sprinkles from Off Track :’)
& if the genie gave me an extra: stakt mat pro
What’s a tv show you could watch a million times?
Friends
What’s your ideal day in Charleston?
Walk around the neighborhood & mosey over to Harken or Sorelle for a morning latte & pastry, go to the studio & teach a few classes, take class, grab a bite & study at Babas or Harbinger, walk around Hampton Park with a friend, browse at Ladybird Books or Serena & Lily for inspiration, have din din with Justin at 167 Sushi, Vern’s or FIG, get desert from Carmella’s & then cozy up at home to watch a series … my favorite place to be in Charleston is honestly at home or the studio, I’m a homebody.
Favorite place you’ve ever visited?
St Tropez or Oia … such different vibes, I can’t choose one!
Post workout snack?
I’m a meal gal after working out! After a morning workout, I’ll go home to make an açaí or matcha protein pancake topped with fresh mango, berries & peanut butter. After a pm workout, I’ll usually get a Naughty Burger with sweet potato fries from Basic Kitchen or make a gf pesto pasta.
Pre workout snack?
Perfect Bar & a Bloom
What’s your best advice for starting a workout routine?
Find a form (or forms) of exercise you genuinely enjoy enough to do consistently, & then pencil those workouts in the calendar like you would any other commitment. Finding movement you look forward to (most of the time) & that feels like self care is key!
One fun fact.
I can wiggle my eyes