Life & Work with Julie Leonard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Leonard.

Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always been interested in the human body, fitness, and wellness from an early age. I was a high-level competitive swimmer for 15 years, so it made sense that I studied Exercise Science in College. I worked as an Exercise Physiologist for a few years out of college and as a Strength Coach/Personal Trainer. When I had my first child in 2012, my world was turned upside down. I went through a very traumatic emergency C-section that left me confused and overwhelmed as a first-time mom.

I quit my job and became a stay-at-home mom. Fast forward a few years later, I had 2 more children and experienced beautiful and empowering births. But with those birth experiences also came some pelvic floor dysfunction. I became passionate about sharing my knowledge of the human body to help women prepare better for birth and postpartum and hopefully avoid the struggles I went through. I did lots of continuing education and mentorships in pelvic health as well as a Pre and Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification. I opened my studio in Westerville, Ohio in 2019 and I’ve been working with women from all around the world since.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were definitely some struggles to build my business as I was also a stay-at-home mom of 3 little ones.

Time management, working odd hours, and juggling both mom life and business were difficult. I learned early on that setting boundary around my work and family was very important (and is still a work in progress!).

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work with expecting and postpartum women to help them achieve an easier birth and faster postpartum recovery through education, fitness, and preparation. I specialize in core and pelvic health and help moms to minimize diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunctions as well as heal from these conditions in postpartum. I cover all things fitness, core, pelvic floor, and birth preparation including both physical and mental preparation. On the postpartum side of things, I help moms find themselves again, strengthen their bodies safely and get back to the activities they love stronger than before.

I am proud of the support I am able to provide to my clients both virtually and in person by truly listening to their stories and providing empathy. A listening ear really goes a long way in this important life transition. My background as an athlete combined with my bachelor’s and master’s degree in Exercise Science as well as my own struggles and triumphs as a mom of 3 set me apart from others. I take a whole-body approach to my coaching including the mind + body. I am able to relate to my clients and provide solutions and coaching to better their birth and postpartum experiences.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve had many mentors over the years but one that stands out is Tracy Sher from Global Pelvic Health Alliance. I had the pleasure to meet Tracy back in 2018 and she opened my eyes to the world of pelvic health. She helped me personally with my own pelvic floor issues and truly instilled a passion to help other expecting and postpartum moms. I also have learned a ton from my good friend Sarah Highland, Occupational Therapist and Pelvic Floor Therapist.

Sarah is amazing at what she does and has been my mentor since the beginning of my journey into the pre/postnatal world. She is always there to answer questions, and discuss cases, and she is my biggest supporter! I have the pleasure to refer clients to Sarah and she also refers patients to me on a regular basis. Business-wise, my clients have been amazing at spreading the word about my work and I am really thankful for every single person I get to work with.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.strongbodystrongmama.com
• Instagram:@strongbodystrongmama
• Facebook:@JulieStrongMama
• Other:@strongbodystrongmama

Image Credits
Erin Burke, Sugar Plum Creative