WAC Magazine

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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K R I S TA S E R I A N N I MEET THE ATHLETE Table Talk By Madelyn Reese Chris Santiago recently joined the WAC after moving to Seattle from Houston to work for Amazon as a senior supply chain manager. He came to the U.S. in 1990 from Sri Lanka, bringing with him a love of table tennis. He competed at the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis in the 50- to 54-year-old age group and claimed the gold medal in the singles event. This past July, at the 2015 Washington State Senior Games, he achieved a triple crown as he claimed gold in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. How did you get into table tennis? From the age of five, I grew up observing my older brother playing table tennis in school. He eventually played at the national level and became a five-time national champion. In practicing with my older brother through the years, I eventually played doubles with him at the national level in Sri Lanka and the two of us claimed a three-time distinction as doubles champions while I placed second in singles at the national level. How was your experience at the recent National Senior Games? Athletes came from around the nation, which made it challenging in that they all have unique skills and techniques. It was inspiring to see that there were 70- to 90-year-old table tennis athletes competing fiercely and claiming awards in their respective age groups. What are the most important qualities of a good table tennis player? Having courage to face any player and maintaining full concentration on the ball. What's the sport's biggest challenge? Being confident and playing your game until the very end. Also, being able to endure long periods of constant movement and remaining calm and focused when delivering and returning each shot. Do you have any other favorite sports or activities that keep you in shape? I enjoy running, swimming, and the various conditioning classes at the WAC, particularly Total Body Conditioning on Monday and Wednesday mornings. If you could give one piece of advice to a group of athletes, what would it be? I would emphasize taking one day at a time, even one point at a time, and being confident. Most important, always keep a positive attitude. 54 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015 Group Training Ready to get results and have a blast all in the same hour? Group training is an affordable and dynamic way to develop personal motivation and camaraderie. Duet, trio and quadruple session rates available Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Identify hidden weak links that may be causing your repetitive injury or inhibiting your mobility, stability or flexibility. Whether it's for the competitive athlete, the weekend warrior, or the actively aging, an FMS—developed by noted physical therapist and strength coach Gray Cook— will uncover poor biomechanics in order to determine your unique road map to greater movement, coordination and stability. Screening starts at $35 Yoga Private yoga instruction tailored to your experience and goals. Starts at $75 Boxing Learn boxing fundamentals, speed, and agility with focus pad and interval bag work. $75/hour PILATES For more information or to sign up for any of the following Pilates sessions, contact the Fitness Coordinator at fitness@wac.net or 206.839.4781. Pilates Apparatus Pilates is the ideal core workout. Semi- private instruction available to those with instructor approval. Members only. Private: $65/50-minute session, $200/intro four-session package (new clients only); Semi-private: $50 per person/session; 4th Floor Studio A. Package pricing available. Pilates Tower Experience the power of the Tower! The Pilates Tower Wall Unit apparatus is a great way to take your Pilates experience to the next level. Instructor approval required. $25/session, package discounts available Two-person minimum/four-person max 8th Floor FTR-B

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