How a Herbert Wellness Center Pilates instructor became part of the UM family

Leslie Leonard

By Myranda Tarr
Special to UM News

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2016) – When Leslie Leonard, B.A. ‘82, M.A. 85, first arrived at the University of Miami as a bright-eyed undergraduate student in 1978, she never imagined that UM and the not-yet-built Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center would one day become her home away from home.

Originally from Connecticut, Leonard traded in her winter coat and snow boots for a lifetime of flip-flops and sunglasses to pursue her education. Leonard is now a Pilates Instructor at the Herbert Wellness Center. She credits Pilates for helping her to succeed in her full-time UM position of executive assistant for student life.

“Pilates shapes my day, whether I am teaching, taking a class or taking a ten minute break away from my desk,” says Leonard. “It starts with managing my breath, which inspires me to become more open and accepting of the day.”

After receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication, Leonard left the U to enter the workforce as a sourcing manager for a local marine fuel supplier. It was during this time that she discovered her undeniable passion for Pilates.

“I started Pilates in 2000 for the same reasons many people turned to Pilates: I knew I was fit, but I also knew I wasn’t strong,” says Leonard. “I saw a sign for Pilates, and after the first few classes, I knew this would be a life-long commitment.”

Leonard started training to become a Pilates instructor herself in 2007. As fate would have it, her first Pilates instructor in Miami was none other than Brent Anderson, a UM alumnus who earned his Ph.D. in 2005 and is now adjunct professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the Miller School of Medicine.

But simply becoming a Pilates instructor was not enough for Leonard. She augmented her Pilates training by becoming a certified personal trainer and went back to school to get a degree in exercise science.

“I want to teach people that a successful movement experience can establish a greater sense of well-being,” explains the instructor. “My goal as an instructor is that each participant will use this growing self-awareness of balanced movements to enhance their life and their participation in other activities.”

Though never far from the ’Canes family, it wasn’t until 2008 that she returned to UM to teach at the Herbert Wellness Center. Three mornings a week, Leonard supervised morning workouts for the senior community participating in the LIFE program.

Leonard and her family moved back to Connecticut in 2009, but a lengthy separation from Miami was not in the cards for her. As Leonard says, it was a happy cascade of events that brought her back to UM. In 2010, her son, Stephen, continued the legacy by enrolling at UM. The rest of the family soon returned to South Florida and the mother of four picked up right where she left off at the Herbert Wellness Center, but this time as a Pilates instructor. Working at the Herbert Wellness Center turned into a family affair when Stephen became an operations assistant and later facilities supervisor. It wasn’t until 2015 that Leonard became a full-time employee at UM after reaching out to her ‘Cane network.

Leonard loves teaching at the Herbert Wellness Center because of its welcoming and comfortable environment and also because of the diverse members she encounters.

“Though no two ‘Canes are identical, when we work out together, we are all on the same page with the same goals: personal health, wellness and well-being,” adds the instructor.

Leonard praises the Pilates program at the Herbert Wellness Center, calling it one of the best in the community. With just five machines in the room, the intimate arrangement allows for one-on-one interactions and the ability to see participants from different angles to ensure safety and good form.

“Pilates is perfect for those who want to build strength from the inside out,” says Leonard. “A one-hour session is an efficient full body work out and you will see results quickly!”

Registration for fall 2016 session 1 Pilates classes closes Wednesday, September 7. Classes are open to members and non-members, and session 1 classes run from September 12 through October 23. Register by visiting the Herbert Wellness Center’s sales office Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online here.