Issue link: https://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1547391
28 WAC Magazine | wac.net Instructor Insights Karen Altenburg Karen Altenburg started Pilates because her posture was suffering. Despite being a strong rock climber, she was in lower back and shoulder pain. Pilates gave her reprieve and started a lifelong passion that brought her all the way to Zurich. ere, she trained in yoga and Swiss Pilates with a focus on the "visceral breath." "e visceral breath engages your mind-body connection from the soles of Pilates tips from Karen: 1. Bring sticky socks! They are required for reformer Pilates and available in the lobby-level Club Shop. 2. Know your colors. The reformers use springs to create tension. Yellow is light, blue is medium, and red is heavy. Instructors provide suggestions but adjust as needed. 3. Keep your instructor informed. If you're injured, instructors will offer modifications to help you stay active while recovering. 4. Try a Monday class. All levels are welcome, no experience is necessary. The 8 am, noon, and 6 pm sessions are generally less crowded. Happy birthday Pilates! Our reformer Pilates studio opened just one year ago in October 2025. Since then, instructors have taught 1,100 classes and seen more than 7,000 signups from over 500 members! your feet to the crown of your head," she explains. "It maximizes your lung capac- ity, quiets back pain, and strengthens the smallest fascia to the largest muscle." Karen brought her expertise to the WAC in 2025 shortly aer the new reformer Pilates studio opened on the 8th Floor. As part of the team, Karen increased class offerings and hopes to see the program expand. "e payoff isn't just in number of classes," she says. "It's in the posture that holds through a long workday, the surgi- cal recovery that goes smoothly, and the injury that doesn't come back." For Karen, Pilates embodies health and vitality. Here are some tips on how to get started. —Reserve private training sessions and meet the whole team at wac.net/pilates Q U I N N T O O M E Y