Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Altuz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Katie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

When I was first introduced to POUND® back in October 2016 I instantly fell in love with the format and felt like this workout was designed for me. I loved the energy in the room, the sound of the Ripstix®, and the musicality of it all as well as the variety of music genres that played throughout the class. Since that time, I have brought countless friends with me to class to share my passion for this group fitness format.

While planning my Bachelorette Weekend in the Summer of 2021, my bridesmaids wanted to include all my favorite activities so of course that included a POUND® class. Instead of seeking out a class from someone else, the idea of teaching my own class is what motivated me to take the leap and sign up for a POUND® PRO (Instructor) training. Never did I envision myself become a fitness instructor of any kind but with only about a month in between getting licensed and my Bachelorette Weekend, I curated a setlist of my favorite tracks and prepared to teach my very first class…and what a whirlwind that month was!

Since that time, I have shared my passion for POUND® by subbing for other instructors and hosting numerous pop-up POUND® events in both New York and Los Angeles. Some events were in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pride Month while others brought people together in search of fitness, connection, and community. I have held classes at dance studios, local breweries, outside at park, and even on the rooftop of Paramount overlooking Hollywood! My very first solo POUND® event this past Summer led to making new connections in the community and set me up for my first weekly class at the Monrovia Community Center.

Since becoming a POUND® PRO (Instructor) and Tour Crew Member (Brand Ambassador) I am continuing to make noise and help others unleash their inner rockstar. As a native New Yorker who moved to California only 2 years ago, I am so excited to continue sharing my passion for POUND® on the West Coast in Los Angeles – the birthplace of POUND®.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

POUND® is a full body cardio-jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing, and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums; it’s truly all about unleashing your inner rockstar! This full-body workout combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted neon green drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND® transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.

When I was first introduced to POUND® back in October 2016 I instantly fell in love with the format and felt like this workout was designed for me! I loved the energy in the room, the sound of the Ripstix, and the musicality of it all as well as the variety of music genres played throughout the class. I became a POUND® PRO (Instructor) in June 2021 and a Tour Crew Member (Brand Ambassador) in December 2024.

Outside of POUND®, I currently work as a Director of Multi-Platform Content Strategy for Paramount’s MTV Entertainment Group (MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, CMT, Logo, TV Land, and Pop TV). As a Director, I drive the non-linear content strategy for the MTV Entertainment Group portfolio across 30+ partners and platforms while Ieading a cross-brand team of managers and coordinators in the programming and scheduling of series-related content.

I am a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Marist University with majors in Communication (Radio / TV / Film) and Spanish. Additionally, I spent the Fall semester of my Junior year studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain at the Universidad de Sevilla.

Aside from my full-time engagements, I am active with the Television Academy as a member of the Television Executives peer group and with the Girl Scouts of Nassau County as a Gold Award Mentor. Additionally, I volunteer as a Marist Alumni Ambassador and I am a Lifetime Girl Scout.

Among various accomplishments, I am a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient which is the highest and most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, comparable to the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout merit. In 2022 I was a panelist for “Girl Scouts of Nassau County: Unapologetically Fearless Since 1912” and was a Shero honoree and panelist for Paramount Media Networks and MTVE Studios Culture Club in 2023.

When I’m not catching up on my favorite shows, I can be found scrapbooking or, of course, rocking out at a POUND® class. My other interests include music/singing, photography, hiking, souvenir penny/coin collecting, movie ticket collecting, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After becoming a POUND® PRO (Instructor) and leading my first class as part of my Bachelorette Weekend in 2021, I did not actively teach as a POUND® PRO for almost 2 years. To help motivate myself, I attended POUND®’s PRO Camp entitled “Rock The Boat” in May 2023. In so many ways I felt like a fraud, perhaps there was even a bit of imposter syndrome because I had been licensed to teach for almost 2 years but had only taught 1 class (my Bachelorette Party). I was feeling lost and unsure about what my POUND® PRO journey would look like. Throughout the PRO Camp there were so many incredible educational sessions that laid the groundwork for my path forward and really opened my eyes in how to not only find but create opportunities around me. As a result, I left that PRO Camp feeling incredibly inspired, empowered, and motivated to blaze my own trail.

In the months after leaving PRO Camp, I enthusiastically sought out new collaboration opportunities in my community for POUND® such as fundraising events for POUND® For Pink / POUND® For Pride or bringing together my colleagues to build our corporate culture and share the fitness rebel spirit with pop-up classes at Paramount. I really focused on utilizing my existing network to build community from coast to coast (NY and LA). Furthermore, I committed to continuing my POUND® education by attending additional trainings, master classes, courses, and workshops.

As a result of my ongoing journey, I feel more confident in myself as a fitness instructor. As a Tour Crew Member, I love connecting with fellow PROs and my own posse members to not only share my passion for POUND® but to support and guide them through their own fitness journeys.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a Director of Multi-Platform Content Strategy for Paramount’s MTV Entertainment Group, I Iead a cross-brand team of managers and coordinators in the programming and scheduling of series-related content across all non-linear platforms and oversee their daily responsibilities.

I attribute much of my success in the media industry to the guidance and support of exceptional managers who provided constructive feedback and encouraged my growth throughout my career. As a result, I am passionate about mentoring young professionals and helping them reach their own goals.

Within my own team, I lead with transparency and collaboration. No question is unworthy of being asked and I ensure that everyone on my team knows that they earned their seat at the table. Everyone comes with their own set of skills and experiences which I remind my team are valuable to every discussion, brainstorming session, content strategy review, and planning conversation we have.

Additionally, I feel it’s important to celebrate the wins – no matter how big or small the achievement. Whether it’s a team lunch or happy hour, a small thank you note of gratitude, or giving them a shout of at the top of meeting – recognizing an individual’s accomplishment on any scale helps them to feel appreciated and valued by both me and the company.

Lastly, I emphasize the importance of work-life balance and I encourage each person to prioritize self-care to maintain productivity and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poundfit.com/instructor/232760/Katie-Altuz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrebelwithacause/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-altuz-meena