Leah Koch, originally from Florida and now an Atlanta-based ICON, is known for her contagiously positive and Muppet-like energy. Leah began her fitness career in Chicago as a professional dancer and earned her first fitness license in 2012, collecting many more since. She received her POUND license in 2018, the same year as her wedding (so much love at first strike that year!). Leah continues to teach nationally and internationally while balancing her role as a full-time marketing director and being a proud mom to her rainbow baby (though not so much of a baby anymore!). It brings Leah joy to inspire others to feel confident, strong, and like they are enough (because it’s true!).
What are your 3 earliest memories in life?
-Playing hide and seek in my old house with blue carpet and a blue roof
-Climbing trees and eating buckets of loquats until my tummy hurt
-Disney World. So many Disney trips. Probably explains why I am the way I am 🙂
If you could live in any TV home, what would it be?
I Love Lucy — either Ethel or Lucy’s apartment. I just love their antics and friendship so much to have close friends like that right next door. Or somewhere on Sesame Street. Or (rebel answer, because this is a movie) the Spice World tour bus.
If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?
My great-grandfather, Samuel. I’d love the chance to hear about our family’s experience in Poland and how he escaped the Holocaust and brought his sons and wife to America. There would surely be tears during this dinner, but also great joy in hearing about my family’s strength, love and faith.
What’s a great book you’ve read recently?
I’m such a bookworm and at any given moment have at least 3-5 books I’m reading simultaneously (different genres, of course!). Lately been loving reading a mix of memoirs and creepy thrillers (I get nightmares, but cannot stop myself!), and I’m always a sucker for the latest Jodi Picoult or Gillian Flynn. For my recent picks, follow me on GoodReads @Leahbops
If you could choose your own rockstar nickname, what would it be?
Leahbops! It’s been my nickname since middle school AIM creation (remember that?!) because I loved Cyndi Lauper’s song, She Bop.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
This too shall pass (from my mother from her mother). Everything is temporary, we’re all going to die, and we worry about so much that doesn’t even end up as our reality. Try to remove a little worry, embrace the humor, and just try our best (and have as much fun as we can!).
What makes you feel supported?
Striped socks make me feel the most grounded. Tim Burton said that about his main characters in his movies, and I tend to feel the same.
Whom do you secretly admire?
Everyone I admire knows that I admire them. Best to share compliments — even at risk for seeming creepy!
What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?
Being rescued from a blizzard while on a Greyhound bus meeting my future husband and surprisingly not getting murdered (I surely went through all nine lives in my 20’s) and becoming a mama to my rainbow baby. After my pregnancy loss, I found strength in connecting with other women that graciously shared their stories with me. Then after all that rain, I got my rainbow and still feel so grateful for my daughter every day.
What do you want people to say about you once you’re gone?
Leah made me feel better about myself and I always will remember and carry her contagiously positive energy. I also believe Leah was a Muppet.
What superpower would you most like to have?
If Floo Powder exists, then I’d like to fly. No Floo Powder because we’re all Muggles? Then teleportation. I got places to be, people to see, and travel to do!