Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Balatgek
Hi Leigh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Leigh, and I’m a physician assistant, yoga teacher, and small business owner dedicated to merging my medical expertise with the healing powers of yoga.
I began practicing yoga on YouTube during the COVID pandemic after years of struggling with unexplained physical issues. Joint pain, weakness, skin rashes, stomach problems, insomnia, and hair loss were just the beginning. I sought help from numerous doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists, trying various medications and diets — I eliminated dairy, gluten, and even went vegan for a while. Despite my efforts, nothing seemed to alleviate my symptoms. Eventually, I realized that most of these issues were rooted in anxiety, which no medical intervention could fully address. I definitely had a genetic predisposition to anxiety, but this was exacerbated by my declining health, the stress of being in graduate school during a pandemic, and being in a long-term relationship I felt uncertain about.
Yoga became my sanctuary from this mounting anxiety. A daily practice offered an escape, and also transformed my relationship with my body, empowering me to make decisions that felt intuitively right, even when they defied logic.
In 2021, I made two life-changing decisions: I moved from Pennsylvania to Austin, and I ended the relationship that I had felt so unsure about. I began working as a PA and became involved in local communities, including Black Swan Yoga and Social Cycling Austin. I fell in love with Austin – the vibrant landscapes, friendly people, abundant sunshine, and healthy mindsets. In 2023, I completed a 5-month yoga teacher training program with Black Swan Yoga Austin, eager to share with others the practice that had so profoundly changed my own life.
Despite my love for the city, I felt a lack of belonging in my apartment complex, a sentiment echoed by many in Austin, especially post-pandemic. Shortly after earning my yoga teaching certificate in May 2023, I decided to host a rooftop yoga class for my apartment community. That first class was on a Wednesday evening in June, right around sunset, and over 40 people attended. I connected with neighbors who became friends, and I watched other friendships blossom as well. I turned that class into a bimonthly event, forming my own little community, right there at home.
Recognizing that this sense of isolation was common beyond only my apartment complex, I expanded my vision. At the end of the summer, I established Rooftop Yogi LLC and transitioned to part-time work as a PA. I spent two days a week doing “sales” – visiting different apartment leasing offices, distributing goodie bags filled with healthy snacks and information about my classes. Embracing my new role as an entrepreneur—despite having no prior experience—gave me an energy and inspiration that I had never felt before from “work.” Now, I have another instructor on board, and we teach at about 10 apartment complexes each month during the warmer seasons. I’ve also launched a weekly public class (at Vanta Athletics downtown), and hope to expand further until Rooftop Yogi becomes my full-time endeavor.
I’ve always envisioned working for myself, but never knew in what capacity. Yoga has taught me to trust in the forces beyond my control, believing that by following what feels right with an open heart and mind, my dreams will begin to take shape.
In summary, I firmly believe that many physical ailments stem from mental turmoil. I see this daily in my medical practice and have lived it myself. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and unresolved trauma have become the norm, further intensified by loneliness—an increasing issue in modern society. Unfortunately, our current environment often lacks the tools to address these challenges, so they manifest as illness.
I believe healing can occur when we find our community, tend to our bodies, and tend to our minds, which can all be accomplished through practices like yoga. That’s the essence of Rooftop Yogi.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The overall trajectory of this project has been positive, but, like any worthwhile endeavor, there have been challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been stepping into roles I’ve never had to fill before. Starting as a one-woman operation—and still primarily functioning that way—I manage nearly every aspect of the business, including marketing, communication, growth, finances, and of course, teaching the actual classes. The greatest challenge has been learning to juggle these responsibilities alongside my other roles as a physician assistant and a yoga teacher at Black Swan, socialite, traveller…etc.
Additionally, I had to develop my sales skills to effectively communicate my vision to apartment staff and demonstrate the benefits of our classes for their communities. As someone who naturally fears rejection and tends to be a people-pleaser, this was outside my comfort zone. But because this work feels so inherently “me,” it brings with it a sense of self-belief and confidence that has helped me to navigate these challenges and to continue pushing onward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rooftop Yogi LLC?
What sets Rooftop Yogi apart is our focus on building conscious community within pre-existing communities, where people may otherwise feel isolated. Our events provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with like-minded peers, who are often neighbors that don’t yet know each other, while also promoting physical fitness, mental clarity, and a connection to nature. Our all-levels classes are accessible to everyone – especially those who may not otherwise ever venture into a studio. Our holistic approach not only benefits participants but also enriches the overall atmosphere of the hosting facilities.
For the apartment complexes and organizations we partner with, the benefits are plentiful. These classes, especially when offered on a recurring basis, lead to increased resident/customer satisfaction, contributing to a positive community atmosphere that encourages higher retention rates. This also establishes their space as a distinguished leader in the market that offers on-site wellness amenities, which attracts residents who value a healthy lifestyle.
I’m particularly proud of the growth we’ve seen due to the interest the community has taken in these classes. Austin is not a city lacking in yoga – there are TONS of studios and teachers here – but the options for affordable, conveniently located, outdoor classes are limited, and that is an issue we are solving for. There are so many additional benefits to doing yoga outside: fresh air for better breathing quality, connection with nature, and sun exposure, to name a few. To be able to lead others through this experience, in so many gorgeous places around the city, has been an absolute gift.
I’m also extremely proud of the connections we’ve formed with other small businesses and brands, such as ATX Organics, Vibe Gummies, and PWR LIFT water.
Rooftop Yogi is not just offering yoga classes; we’re fostering a lifestyle of health and community. We believe that when people come together to care for their bodies and minds, healing and growth can occur. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach, helping even more individuals discover the power of community and wellness through outdoor yoga.
How do you define success?
Success to me is feeling aligned in your daily life. This feels like a sense of ease, of a natural flow of energy and creativity. It also means feeling good and healthy in my body and mind. I have felt “out of alignment” before (see the answers to question #1), and it leads to a feeling of wanting to escape yourself. As humans, this is a natural tendency — when we are not in alignment, we turn to distractions such as substances, social interactions, relationships, devices, etc —anything to avoid confronting the root of what may be pushing us out of alignment. While my journey through yoga and entrepreneurship has illuminated my own insecurities, it has also taught me to trust my intuition and to follow what feels right – to follow what makes me feel aligned with my greater purpose and values.
Pricing:
- Single Yoga Class – $199
- Single Class & Refreshments – $279
- Pack of 3 Classes – $549
- Pack of 3 & Refreshments – $789
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rooftopyogi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxrooftopyogi/
Image Credits
Eyal Amsellam with Candescent Photography
Malachi Shinault
Inn Cahoots
Vanta Athletics
The Marlowe
Bell South Shore
