With over three decades of experience, countless certifications, and an unshakable passion for movement, Leslee Bender has helped shape the modern fitness landscape. As the creator of the Bender Ball Method and founder of the Ageless Training Academy, her mission has always been clear: to bridge the gap between exercise science and real-world application.
Here are five timeless lessons from Leslee’s journey that every fitness professional can learn from.
If you want to learn more from Leslee live, join her on November 8th at 11am ET for “The Ultimate Bender Ball Workshop.” Register here.
1. Find a Mentor and Get in the Trenches
“You cannot understand the complexity of the human body by a textbook. You’ve got to get into the trenches. I always recommend to a new trainer to be mentored by somebody who truly understands the biomechanics and functionality of movement.”
Leslee emphasizes that certifications provide the foundation—but true mastery comes from hands-on experience and mentorship. Learning directly from seasoned professionals allows trainers to apply science with precision and empathy, translating theory into results.
2. Learn from Your Mistakes—and Protect Your Longevity
“When I first started in this industry, I was doing all the stupid stuff—it landed me a knee replacement. Had I known then what I know now, I would have no joint issues. I simply want trainers to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing, so they have a long, healthy life without unnecessary injuries.”
Her honesty is refreshing and essential. Longevity in fitness depends not only on training clients smartly—but also training yourself with purpose and care. Understanding why you move a certain way keeps both you and your clients strong for decades to come.
3. Focus on Function, Not Fads
“We train with the fads and what’s cute—‘squeeze your booty,’ all this crazy, stupid stuff—and we’re not really looking at how our clients are moving. If you just take a moment to observe and digest, you’ll actually see where their dysfunctions are.”
Leslee challenges trainers to rise above social media trends and flashy gimmicks. True professionals assess, observe, and correct movement patterns instead of chasing the latest fitness craze. Function will always outlast fashion.
4. Treat Certification as the Starting Line
“You don’t become an accountant in a day. A certification is just your stepping point. Jump in with both feet, invest in education, and find what genre turns you on—yoga, Pilates, functional training, whatever. It has to be something you’re passionate about.”
According to Leslee, earning your certification isn’t the finish line—it’s where the real learning begins. The most successful professionals are lifelong students, constantly evolving their knowledge and staying curious about new modalities.
5. Help People Move—and Live—Pain-Free
“Most people associate foam rolling with pain. But when you ease into myofascial work and move immediately after, the pain dissipates. It’s like an intense, deep tissue massage with similar benefits. People leave my class saying, ‘I came in stressed out and left with a sense of peace.’ That’s what keeps us ageless.”
Leslee’s Ageless Training Academy focuses on sustainable, intelligent movement designed to reduce pain, restore balance, and help people thrive at any age. For her, success isn’t defined by aesthetics—it’s about helping people move well and live well.
Final Thought
From mentorship to mindfulness, Leslee Bender reminds us that fitness is more than just movement—it’s mastery, compassion, and lifelong learning.
👉 Want to hear more from Leslee?
Watch the full interview for deeper insights into her career, methods, and the future of intelligent fitness training. If you want to learn more from Leslee live, join her on November 8th at 11am ET for “The Ultimate Bender Ball Workshop.” Register here.
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