For over 20 years, I dedicated myself to teaching fitness in gyms—primarily group classes and personal training. My approach was always high-energy and sports-oriented, with a strong focus on cardio and weightlifting. It matched my background as a competitive skier and professional athlete in my 20s. I thrived on intense workouts and never imagined Pilates would become part of my fitness path—let alone my passion.
That changed when I moved to McCall.
At first, I dabbled in Pilates classes but didn’t stick with it. I was deeply rooted in my fast-paced, lifting-heavy mindset and saw Pilates as something softer—something for dancers, not athletes. Lisa from McCall Pilates saw something in me and encouraged me to consider certification. I hesitated. The discipline felt so far from what I knew. Then COVID hit, and I figured, why not? If nothing else, I’d learn something new.
To my surprise, I fell in love with it.
Pilates became a lifeline during my recovery from multiple surgeries and injuries. It taught me how to slow down, listen to my body, and move with intention. What started as a curiosity evolved into a powerful new skill set. I went on to complete my certification and have now been teaching as a fully certified Balanced Body instructor for three years.
Pilates became the missing link in my fitness journey. Not only did it help me personally—it’s helped my clients thrive too, including bodybuilders and high-performance athletes. Its focus on alignment, core strength, and precise movement creates a foundation for real strength and resilience. It helps people recover, regain mobility, and return to the activities they love—stronger and more connected than ever.
Gwen Asmussen is a fully certified Balanced Body Pilates instructor with more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. A former professional skier and X-Games competitor, Gwen blends her high-intensity athletic background with the restorative strength of Pilates to help clients heal, rebuild, and optimize performance—on and off the mat. Gwen teaches at McCall Pilates Studio in McCall Idaho and enjoys the wonderful outdoor activites that McCall offers
