MEET THE WINNER | Best Pilates Instructor (1), Best Personal Trainer (2)
Bekah Kingsley believes fitness should be effective and enjoyable. After starting her career as a personal trainer during COVID, she built a loyal following through one-on-one coaching and small-group strength-training sessions held at her home. As her client base grew, her classes expanded to larger group workouts that combined expert coaching with an energetic atmosphere.
A longtime fan of hot Pilates, Bekah found herself searching for a new fitness home as a student after her favorite studio closed. Realizing she could no longer find the high-energy hot Pilates class she was looking for, she reached out to mind/body HAUS to ask if she could teach it. Soon enough, Bekah had found a new home studio, both to practice and to teach, blending her background in strength training with the breathwork and movement principles of Pilates to create classes that are uniquely her own.
HER MISSION
Bekah’s goal extends beyond helping clients become stronger; she wants them to leave every workout feeling more confident in themselves. Whether she’s coaching a private client or leading a packed Pilates class, she intentionally teaches the “why” behind every movement. Rather than simply leading exercises, she explains which muscle groups are being trained, how workouts are structured, and how consistent training creates lasting results.
Her classes follow organized muscle-group splits, allowing regular members to progressively build strength while understanding how each workout fits into a larger plan. “I want people to feel confident in their workouts,” she says. “When they build confidence in the studio, that confidence carries into every other part of life.”
Perhaps her favorite moments are watching clients accomplish something they once thought was impossible, whether that’s lifting heavier weights for the first time, mastering a new movement, or simply realizing how much stronger they’ve become.
WHAT SETS HER APART
Anyone who has attended Bekah’s classes quickly learns that they are anything but quiet. Her class style combines the principles of Pilates with the energy of a high-intensity strength workout. Music is loud, the atmosphere is upbeat, and students are encouraged to challenge themselves while having fun along the way. “It’s a party,” she laughs. Bekah leans into high-energy instruction that keeps participants engaged without sacrificing proper technique or breathwork. The workouts are challenging yet approachable, with modifications available so participants of different fitness levels can succeed together. Bekah spends time throughout each session scanning her often packed classes, where she knows each student by name, and correcting form or offering modifications to ensure everyone gets the coaching they need at their level.
“My classes are definitely one flavor of Pilates,” Kingsley says. “That’s what I love about being part of mind/body HAUS. Every instructor brings something different, so students can find exactly what they need that day,” she says.
EXPERT ADVICE
Bekah encourages people to find an exercise style they genuinely enjoy while also choosing an environment that pushes them to grow. She says, “Fitness doesn’t stop when class ends.” Pairing regular movement with a diet centered around whole, nutritious foods creates the strongest foundation for long-term health. The key is finding a routine you’ll actually stick with and enjoy!
LOOKING FORWARD
As demand for her classes continues to grow, Bekah always appreciates the opportunity for the class schedules at mind/body HAUS to expand or adjust based on her students’ needs.
She’s also always welcoming new personal training clients and looks forward to helping even more Memphians discover that fitness can be both challenging and fun.
IG: @bekahgkingsley, @mindbodyhaus
By Zoe Harrison / Photo by Tindall Stephens
