Leena Appu is the Ocean Breeze Member of the Month for September 2026.

Born in Brooklyn and moved to Staten Island as a child, Leena grew up in a tight-knit community that valued cultural roots and hard work. As the firstborn and first-generation American in her Indian family, she felt a natural sense of pressure. Her parents raised her to set goals and work with purpose, while also making time to enjoy life with family and friends.

With the vast majority of her extended family living in Kerala, India, she grew up knowing she had a home in New York and a home in India. Whenever holidays or celebrations rolled around, such as Vishu, the Hindu festival for the Malayali New Year, and Onam, the harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, she would gather with family and friends to reflect, appreciate, and plan. Naturally, there was also plenty of food and lots of sweets! Watching her parents partner together, work hard as a team, and find a healthy lifestyle balance of caring for themselves and their family gave Leena the foundation and motivation to raise her own two children with that same balance and purpose.

When her previous gym closed, Leena and her friend Evelyn set out to find a new one. At Ocean Breeze, the variety of group classes offered throughout the day, specifically the 6:00 AM sessions, along with the diverse equipment and track space, provided the flexibility and options they needed for fun, energizing workouts.

"Her favorite space to work out in at Ocean Breeze is the shot put cage for TRX. The exercises are challenging, and though I may not always be able to complete the advanced version, it is gratifying to complete the modified one," she stated. She often marvels at how the instructors seamlessly blend cardio, strength training, flexibility, and balance into their classes.

A practicing physical therapist since 2001, Leena's career reinforces her belief in the vital importance of physical fitness for both mind and body. Over the years, she has worked with adults in hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, and patients' homes. Presently, she provides physical therapy to children in elementary schools and working out helps her stay fit enough to keep up with their energy!

During her younger years as a student at Wagner High School, she enjoyed playing volleyball to improve her strength and stamina, and she frequently attended classes at Lovely Lady Fitness. It was also a chance to spend quality time with her mother and inspire her to stay active. Seeing individuals who are disciplined and consistent in their health and workouts continues to motivate her. As a staple in the 6:00 AM boot camp classes, she shared, "Melissa, you inspire me when you speak the truth and remind us loudly, 'We can do hard things! We are warriors!'"

The community at Ocean Breeze, including both the staff and fellow members, provides a level of motivation and support that feels like family. One of her best memories was when a class went into the weight room to flip a heavy tire. Feeling excited and nervous, wondering, can I do it?, she went to the end of the line, full of doubt. But when her turn came, she flipped that tire while Melissa and her fellow members cheered her on!

In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city with her two children, taking long scenic drives, visiting national parks, and traveling around the world. She especially loves participating in Indian cultural dances with friends. They choreograph and perform dances for holiday and cultural events, practicing just as much for fun and health as for the lasting friendships they have built over the years. A foodie at heart, Leena remains proudly biased toward pizza, anything spicy, and, of course, authentic Indian food.

Congratulations, Leena!