Michelle Leung photographed by Michael Jason
Pilates can be the starting point for discovery or the practice where everything comes into focus. It connects experience, knowledge and passion, revealing a deeper sense of purpose. For Michelle Leung, pursuing a STOTT PILATES® certification was not about a fresh start. It was about building on a lifetime of growth, honoring the strength behind her journey and carrying forward lessons learned. Pilates became the bridge between her values and how she evolves through each transition, including preparing for one of her boldest moves yet by competing in this year’s Miss Universe Canada.
Michelle’s story shows that lasting change is not defined by a single moment but built through steady intentional practice. STOTT PILATES® gave her more than physical training. It provided a clear framework to strengthen focus, deepen resilience and lead with confidence. This disciplined approach shaped how she moves through every challenge and opportunity, empowering her to show up fully from daily life to the national stage.
From Corporate Life to Purposeful Calling
Michelle’s years in the corporate world sharpened her discipline and focus, but Pilates helped her reconnect with herself.
“Pilates was always what grounded me during high-stress seasons,” she says. “It was the thing I came back to when I needed to reset.”
And what began as a personal practice soon became a career direction.
“It wasn’t just about leaving corporate life,” she goes on to explain. “It was about moving toward something that felt fully aligned with who I’ve always been.”
Building Confidence Beyond Technique
Enrolling in the STOTT PILATES Comprehensive Program and apprenticeship deepened Michelle’s connection to movement and to herself.
“Training gave me more than technical knowledge,” she says. “It gave me a voice. It reminded me that I still had so much to offer, and that it’s never too late to build something new.”
Michelle Leung and colleagues at the Toronto Corporate Training Center
For Michelle, Pilates goes beyond functional, sustainable movement. It fosters a deeper connection between mind and body and encourages continuous learning and transformation. This mindful approach builds strength and resilience that support both physical health and overall well-being.
The Mindset Pilates Brings to the Stage
With Miss Universe Canada pageant happening August 7 and 9, Pilates became central to Michelle’s mental preparation.
“Pilates has been my sanctuary,” she shares. “It keeps me centered. It’s where I reset mentally and physically. Every session brings me back to myself.”
She credits Pilates with giving her quiet confidence on stage. “The control, the breath, the alignment — it all transfers. Even how I walk or carry myself in interviews — it’s different now. More grounded. More real.”
Michelle brings to the competition more than stage presence.
“Graceful movement, breath control and a strong core” she says. “But even more than that, it’s the mindset. Pilates has helped me feel calm, confident and aligned. That’s the energy I’m taking with me.”
A Foundation for Athletic Performance
As Michelle gears up for the final stretch before the pageant, this is when Pilates becomes most essential.
“Pilates is the foundation,” she says. “It’s what keeps my body balanced and injury-free. It makes everything I do in the gym more effective and safer.”
Rather than pushing through intensity, Pilates emphasizes alignment, core strength and controlled movement, making it the ideal complement to high-output training. As a lifelong athlete, she relies on Pilates conditioning to stay strong across tennis, volleyball, golf and swimming.
Strength Through Community and Support
Through every transition from corporate professional to instructor in training to pageant delegate, Pilates has been a constant for Michelle.
“It gave me structure during a time of reinvention,” she shares. “It reminded me that strength doesn’t always come from pushing harder. It comes from connecting inward and moving with clarity.”
Through immersive programming and mentorship, Michelle found connection, encouragement and shared purpose.
“Having that support from fellow learners, trainers and mentors makes the journey feel less intimidating and more like something you’re building together.”
Expanding Impact with Specialization
Looking ahead, Michelle plans to pursue the Injuries and Special Populations course to better equip you to support older adults, those recovering from injury and anyone rebuilding strength.
“I want to serve people who don’t always feel seen in the wellness world. Older adults, people recovering from injury, or anyone rebuilding strength,” she says. “This training helps me do that in a way that’s safe, personalized and really impactful.”
Her commitment to inclusive care stems from a lifetime of hands-on service. From volunteering at Whitby General Hospital at the age of 13 to guiding international travel groups for seniors aged 55 to 90, she knows firsthand how movement and empathy can uplift at any age. This ability to build trust and inspire comes from years of diverse experience and allows her to create meaningful impact wherever she goes.
A Story That Resonates
Michelle’s journey is deeply personal and reflects the shared passion of many instructors. She leads with intention and aims to create meaningful change through movement. Her presence on the national stage continues to show how Pilates can influence life beyond the studio.