Behind the Business: Selah Pilates Health and Wellness

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - For years, Leah Rodgers has helped women build strength and even ease pain as a Pilates instructor at Selah Pilates Health and Wellness in Ocean Springs.

“I’ve been teaching movement for about two decades,” said owner Leah Rodgers. “I started teaching movement at 16- with my degree background I had to study that, and then I got yoga certified and then I am on my second comprehensive teacher training, so I’ll be classically certified and contemporary certified as well as injuries of special population certified.”

As a former dancer, Rodgers is familiar with the body’s strength and muscle and joint movement. Through Pilates, she has educated other women on how this form of exercise is a big factor in health and wellness.

“Debilitating back pain and just searching for a solution and the benefit of Pilates was not only able to address the back pain, but I have somebody actually spotting me and making sure that I don’t re-injure myself,” said Amanda Palov, who has been a client of Rodgers since 2020.

Leah shared that there is no age or size barrier with Pilates. However, there is specific equipment that best suites different body types.

“For me financially, we chose to specifically purchase a couple pieces of equipment- the two taller pieces here for larger body frames, that way no one feels excluded based on their body,” Rodgers said. “I like to use the term with my clients, ‘real Pilates for real bodies,’ and so no matter your body type, no matter your level, we have something here for you.”

From mat exercises to machine work, Rodgers said the response from clients is what keeps her going.

“I do teach a client who has severe scoliosis... For someone to come in in pain and for you to be able to help them, to the point that they leave that same day out of pain or reduced pain... That’s the best feeling in the world, knowing that your lighting their load. Cause the world is hard, life can be hard sometimes and if you can help lift that suffering, that’s the best feeling,” Rodgers said.

If you’re interested in learning more about Pilates and classes with Leah, click here.

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