Issue link: https://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1544632
living fit Instructor Insights With hot yoga instructor Moliere Francois and Pilates instructor Kerry Ratza Hot yoga increases flexibility and deepens the stretch in a warm environment. The warm environment allows various muscles to activate and lengthen more effectively in response to the heat. Pilates tends to focus on core strength to effec- tively build stability in the muscles. Integrating hot yoga and Pilates can create a well-balanced workout that enhances overall strength and flexibility, prevents injuries, and promotes a sustainable fitness goal. —Moliere Francois In a Pilates session you will work on alignment, stretch, strength, and control, which complement the distinct breath- ing and body awareness that develop with a yoga practice. Pilates is a mental and physical form of conditioning. Yoga is much the same, with occasional overlap of body positioning and a goal of reaching flow state. Both are incredibly useful for achievement in sports, performance arts, and improvement of everyday living. —Kerry Ratza instructor insights Kerry Ratza Kerry is a certified Pilates instructor dedicated to teaching the authentic method of Control- ogy as developed by Joseph Pilates. Kerry has blended modern dance, ballet, and functional movement since 2006. In 2022, she moved to Seattle, where she found her calling teaching classical Pilates. She has taught at the WAC since 2025. Moliere Francois Moliere is from Martinique and lived in New York City before moving to Seattle. He started practicing yoga regularly in 2010 and completed his teaching certificate in 2021. He started at the WAC in 2025. HOT YOGA AND PILATES, PRACTICES IN TANDEM Kerry Ratza