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MICHELLE LEPP
I'm from... I am a Florida girl. I spent the first 11 years of my life in Miami and then moved to Parkland for middle and high school. I then went to Florida State University (GO NOLES) before I made my way up to NY. My education and training... I received my BS in Fashion Merchandising and Business from FSU. Once in the real world I learned quickly that I was meant to be in the wellness industry and transitioned into becoming a personal training and yoga instructor. I received my first training with National Academy of Sports Medicine and Pure Yoga. Over the years I have continued my education in both fields. I specialize in pre and postnatal strength training and love helping mamas in all stages of motherhood. Additionally, I am a yoga therapist earning my certification with International Alliance of Yoga Therapists with a specialization in back pain and oncology. My backstory… Okay, so I just told you I was a fashionista in the first chapter of my adult life but I should also tell you have always enjoyed exercise and fitness. I was on the color guard in high school and we took it very seriously. We were even ranked 10th in the country when I graduated. But it was not until I stumbled upon yoga did I cultivate a deeper connection between my mind and body. I became more intentional about how I treated my body, and how I sought fulfillment through physical activity. So unfulfilled by my career in fashion, my fitness routines became a source of creativity, freedom, and accomplishment. I explored a thrilling range of physical challenges including yoga, boxing, cycling, weight training, fitness competitions, and competitive obstacle courses. Beyond the gratification from exercise, I had always harbored a notion that I would love being a teacher – I enjoy collaborating with people and helping others improve themselves. I began wondering, “maybe I should become a fitness instructor?” Then at 28 years old, just two weeks after my wedding, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. It was completely jarring to descend from health to weakness during my chemotherapy. Thankfully, my treatment was effective and my cancer was quickly put into remission. But out of that trial, a new determination was born in me – I realized that every day I did not pursue my joy, I was losing precious time. I was no longer willing to spend my days quietly wondering what might be, especially with such a new perspective on my own physical health. So, I left my career in fashion to become a certified trainer and yoga instructor, and now I am having the time of my life helping people become healthier and more in touch with their bodies! I love being a wellness professional because... Nothing makes me happier than when a client reaches a new goal with me. This can be as simple as they learned how to breathe better or walk more comfortably or as complicated as nailing the Turkish get up. My work style... I will meet you where you are at. I am happy to tone up or tone down our program to meet your needs as long as we are safe and healthy in what we do together. My passion... Oh my, I am just so passionate about helping others understand their body and feel good in their body. Everything about me is a caregiver from my astrological sign being a cancer/crab and my ayurvedic dosha being partially kapha. When I am not teaching or practicing what I teach I am… Playing with my family!! This includes my husband, baby, and pup! I also love the beach and will go to great lengths to enjoy the sunshine. |
