ABOUT ME: Melissa is originally from the east coast and was introduced to yoga in college. She continued to practice various forms of yoga upon completion of her undergraduate degree, but did not begin to practice regularly until she moved to Chicago to obtain her MFA in Acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University in 2004. Her acting training led her to begin working more with movement, biomechanics, and physical theatre. Melissa noticed that regular yoga practice not only assisted with greater strength and flexibility, but helped improved mental focus and provided great stress-relief. She also was amazed to experience first-hand that yoga and other methods of physical activity could relieve pain/discomfort from previous injuries and health conditions.

After graduate school, Melissa began working in the fitness and wellness field as both a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She is certified through the American Council on Exercise and loves to help others feel good and achieve goals through movement and body awareness. She is a member of Crossfit Chicago, instructs various cardio- and strength-based group exercise classes (cycling, boot camp, kick boxing, weight training) and works one-on-one with clients ranging in age from 18-70 at various gyms and health clubs on the north side of Chicago.

Melissa started looking to return to regular yoga practice in 2009. She completed the 200-Hour certified Yoga Teacher Training Program with the Shambhava School of Yoga at ChiTown Shakti and has continued her study with additional training hours focusing on arm balances and advanced anatomy. Yoga has provided Melissa with exciting physical and mental challenges, immense joy, and a sense of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. She enjoys working with people from all ages and backgrounds and delights in helping students on their personal journey with yoga. She aims to inspire her students to understand, accept, and appreciate their bodies and minds.

For more info about Melissa, her weekly classes, and private session info visit: http://www.melissadileonardo.com/index.html

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Weekly Yoga Classes
Wednesday, 10:30-11:45am @ Cheetah Gym Edgewater (Hatha - all levels)
Thursday, 6:00-7:30pm @ Chi-Town Shakti Yoga and Meditation (Vinyasa 1-2)
Saturday, 9:30am-11:00am @ Chi-Town Shakti Yoga and Meditation (Hatha 1-2)


Weekly Group Exercise Classes
Monday, 3-3:30pm Express Group Cycling @ Ray Meyer Fitness Center/DePaul University
Monday, 3:40-4:10pm Express Boot Camp @ Ray Meyer Fitness Center/DePaul University
Thursday, Noon-1:00pm Muscle Work @ Ray Meyer Fitness Center/DePaul University
Friday, 5:15-6:00pm Muscle Work @ Ray Meyer Fitness Center/DePaul University
Sunday, 11:00am-Noon Strength Training/Hot Bod @ Cheetah Gym, Andersonville