Pilates
Pilates is a transformative exercise method designed to stretch, strengthen, and tone your body, creating long, lean muscles while improving posture, body awareness, and core strength. By focusing on your “powerhouse”—the core muscles of the back, hips, and abdominals—Pilates promotes balance, alignment, and overall well-being.
At Seattle Athletic Club Downtown, our state-of-the-art Pilates Studio is equipped with top-tier equipment, including Gratz Universal Reformers, Wunda Chairs, Wall Units, Big Barrels, Spine Correctors, a Pedipole, a Foot Corrector, and a Peak Cadillac (trapeze table). These tools, combined with expert instruction, provide a truly unparalleled Pilates experience.
Our Certified Pilates Instructors are among the best in the industry, having completed rigorous training to achieve the highest credentials. Their expertise spans both classical Pilates, taught by Romana Kryzanowska and Dorothee VandeWalle, and STOTT Pilates, pioneered by Moira Merrithew.
Why Practice Pilates?
Pilates is a versatile and effective addition to any fitness routine, offering benefits for everyone—from seasoned athletes to beginners just starting their wellness journey. Whether you’re a strength trainer, swimmer, runner, yogi, golfer, tennis player, or even new to fitness, Pilates provides a low-impact, total-body workout that complements your existing activities and helps keep your body aligned and injury-free.
For those seeking rehabilitation, Pilates offers a safe, controlled format to regain strength and mobility. As Joseph Pilates himself said:
“Anybody can do it. You can be young and athletic or old and recovering. It doesn’t matter.”
Discover the empowering, life-enhancing benefits of Pilates and unlock your body’s full potential in a supportive, inspiring environment.
SVETLANA PEREKHODOVA - PILATES DIRECTOR
sperekhodova@sacdt.com
206-443-1111
About Svetlana
Svetlana is a contortionist performance artist and an original cast member of Teatro ZinZanni. Originally from Russia, she studied at the Kiev Circus Academy and has performed at some of the most distinguished venues in Europe.
More about Svetlana
She trained under master teacher Dorothee VandeWalle in the classical, authentic method in order to keep her body free of injury. The deep knowledge of body gives Svetlana skills to help her clients achieve more strength, flexibility, body control, and proper alignment.
Education/Certifications
Kiev Manipal Academy of Variety Circus Arts Specification Contortionist | M.A.T. Pilates Metropolitan Authentic Training Pilates certified by Dorothee VandeWalle
Specialty
Authentic Pilates | Injury Rehabilitation | Postural Imbalance | Stretching
Iryna Kusnierz - Pilates Instructor
ikusnierz@sacdt.com
206-443-1111
About Iryna
Iryna was a tailor in the London fashion industry, where she developed a deep appreciation for precision, balance, and detail — qualities that naturally carried into her Yoga and Pilates practice. A dedicated yogi for many years, she became a certified yoga instructor in 2018. Her journey later led her to discover Classical Pilates — and it was love at first movement.
More about Iryna
Trained by master teacher Dorothee VandeWalle through Metropolitan Pilates.
Iryna brings a mindful, graceful, and supportive approach to every class. As a Pilates instructor, she creates a welcoming environment where clients gently and safely build strength and flexibility. She focuses on maintaining healthy balance and alignment, helping you feel confident and comfortable as you grow stronger with each session — and carry that harmony into your everyday life.
Education/Certifications
M.A.T Pilates – Dorothee VandeWalle | Total Barre instructor – Merrithew Bodycenter Studios | 500 E-YRT & Anatomy Course – YogaLondon | Masters in Clothing Technology – Kharkiv Pedagogical Academy
Specialty
Balance of Mind & Body | Stretching & Breathing | Posture & Ergonomics
Heidi Lee - Pilates Instructor
About Heidi
Heidi discovered Pilates during college while dealing with neck pain. What started as a simple way to feel better gradually became something she truly loved—helping her move with less discomfort, stand taller, and feel stronger in her body.
More about Heidi
Inspired by her own experience, Heidi went on to train through the M.A.T. Pilates program under Dorothée Vanderwalle. She teaches with passion and enthusiasm and is an active supporter of those seeking healthy changes in their lives.
Heidi believes Pilates is a lifelong practice, and continues to study and learn so she can bring fresh insight, care, and intentional movement to each class.
Outside of the studio, Heidi enjoys cooking and reading.
Education/Certifications
M.A.T Pilates – Dorothee VandeWalle
Specialty
Korean Language
Lauren Slater - Pilates Instructor
About Lauren
Lauren developed a profound appreciation for the healing power of proper alignment and intentional mind/body training through her three decades of rigorous movement as a professional ballet and modern dancer.
More about Lauren
After years of on-and-off injuries that nagged, she decided it was time to refocus her body strength from the pelvis up, and fell in love with Pilates.
Lauren received her certification in Classical Pilates through Metropolitan Pilates’ MAT program in 2015, led by Dorothee VandeWale, and mentored by Martt Lawrence. In addition to her devotion to Pilates, she’s been teaching yoga and optimal bio-mechanics since 2004. Informing this play, she is an avid winter backcountry mountaineer, novice cross-country skier, and competitive paddle boarder.
She specializes in post-natal/surgical pelvic floor stabilization, performance optimization for athletes of all kinds and ability, posture training, and helping her clients empower themselves to understand how their bodies work.
“With an encouraging and warm demeanor, she will safely push you to grow, develop deep core strength and mobility to keep you feeling your best!” – client feedback
Education/Certifications
BA in Dance & Exercise Science from UC Santa Barbara | 500 + E-YRT from Yoga Tree San Francisco | Anatomy Trains certificate in Myofascial Release | Level 1 practitioner – Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Specialty
Athletic Performance Enhancement | Posture/Ergonomics | Pre and Post-natal Pilates
