Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Harper.
Hi, Leila; having you on the platform is an honor. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Thank you so much for having me! It’s a long story but will try to make it brief so as not to bore anyone. 😉
I’ve moved and lived in many states and some countries throughout my life. This has given me more of a global perspective that helps with the diverse clientele I’ve worked with over the years. Growing up, I was always super active. I took an array of sports such as, gymnastics, swimming, skating, and karate with my brothers. I loved it and was also a bit rebellious. Then, as a teenager, I was sent to Utah to live outdoors at a program that would give me school credit, for my rebellious ways. In this program, I lived on the land and hiked at least 10 miles daily in the most beautiful areas. We slept on the ground and bathed in the rivers, waterfalls, and lakes that we encountered. There was no civilization around. This event planted a deep seed within me of connection and love of nature. It also gave me a sense of perseverance, gaining an internal strength much needed in the world later. I left there feeling amazing and was in the best shape, but more importantly, I realized how important our Spirits’ connection is to nature. I learned a great many things about myself from this experience that has stayed with me since.
I later lived in Portugal and then went to India to do volunteer work at the Baha’i Temple in New Delhi. I also did some traveling during those years abroad to other countries. All of these experiences opened my mind further to the spiritual oneness of all. When I later returned to the States, I went to the University of New Mexico and got my Bachelor of Science in Public Health. During those years, I was always active, taking many sports or activities that stimulated my interest. I also loved being outdoors and would go hiking, climbing, or jogging & walking on trails. When I finished with my bachelors, I thought of getting another one in nursing and took a year of nursing. I got burned out though and instinctively knew it wasn’t for me. So, I decided to take a job in Chicago with the Baha’i National Assembly for 2 years.
During this time, I mainly sat at a desk. I realized this type of job was not for me. I would always leave right at 5 pm to go to the gym. I’d help my friends with working out there as well. One day a friend suggested I become a personal trainer, which rang true in my heart. I could not stand sitting at a desk as this was not part of my life’s journey, and my Soul knew it. I then studied to get my PT certificate and got a job working for Jim Karas PT. He was a celebrity trainer and had an elite in-home training company. I learned a lot of good business stuff from him that would help me later in my business.
Next, I moved to Ft. Lauderdale, where I met Dan Hellman, one of the nation’s best Physical therapists. I started my own business working with him and rented space from him. During that time, I learned a lot working with him. He encouraged me to take the courses he taught for the CHEK Institute and later for Guy Voyer, DO.
Throughout my very long career, I’ve taken a ton of courses. I became an ELDOA trainer, Animal Flow instructor, and Chek practitioner. All of this has given me the tools to better help my clients, friends, and family with their musculoskeletal issues, spinal dysfunctions, pelvic floor instability, and more. I’ve had my business for about 18 years in several different states.
I learned long ago that I was better suited to working for myself but, learning from people who were brilliant like Dan, Paul Chek, and Guy Voyer Do. I have written many articles and an ebook and helped edit my father’s and brothers’ published books. The lessons I’ve learned thus far are incredible. My spirit grows and deepens with each experience. At times I’ve felt like I’ve lived a few lifetimes but also know there is more to come. More people to help and communities to serve to create a better world.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in life is ever what you expect it to be. When I was younger, I would take the harder path because it seemed more exciting. As I’ve gotten older and well, hopefully wiser I now see that it doesn’t have to be so difficult.
The challenge with having your own business is that you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. It isn’t easy, and I think that it’s best suited for certain types of people. Some months can be slow, so you have to save, but then you have great months or years. Still, you must save since you never know when a slow one comes again or, a pandemic. And if you love to travel, you must save for the time you are off. There is no one to pay you for vacation time or for health insurance.
> When I first started I’d take any client but as grow you learn that taking on too many clients decreases the quality of what you give. Balance is key. Also, moving and starting over in a new state can be hard. Learning the business side of things is important to help with those changes. To me, the stress is worth the freedom it provides of owning my own time. I may at times work 6 days a week, but then some days are shorter than others. And I can take a Friday or Monday off when I want to. I can also be done half day and then decide to write, play, dance, whatever I feel. I am not tied to a computer or desk and that is priceless. Challenges – definitely, Worth it – definitely 🙂
We’ve been impressed with Sculpted Physiques by Leila, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a holistic personal training business specializing in sculpting the body to suit clients’ unique goals and heal their musculoskeletal aches and pains. I use different modalities of movements that include bodyweight exercises, strength training, mobility and flexibility, postural alignment techniques, pelvic floor dysfunction, myofascial stretches, and ELDOA exercises.
I am one of only a few people in the Austin area who specialize in ELDOA. ELDOA spinal method is active postural exercises. They help with postural issues, scoliosis, and other joint pathologies. The primary goal is to increase space within a chosen articulation (joint). For example, if a person has a disc bulge or pathology at L5/S1, there is a specific ELDOA to create space there. The compression and pain will decrease. ELDOA also helps improve joint mechanics, increases blood flow, reduces pressure on the discs, reduces pain, and hydrates the discs. In today’s age of computer desk bodies, it is an incredible tool to have in your toolbox!
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
Visit my website at www.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
sculptedphysiquesbyleila.com - Instagram: sculptedphysiquesby
leila - Facebook: Sculptedphysiquesbyl
eila - Youtube: @leilaharper
- Yelp: Sculpted Physiques by Leila
Image Credits
Georges Instagram is @georgespictures
