A Functional Fitness
Gym For All Abilities
With over 20 years of experience in physical therapy and adaptive fitness, Karen Hurley has dedicated her career to making fitness accessible for all. She specializes in helping individuals of all abilities achieve meaningful personal and functional goals.
With over 20 years of experience in physical therapy and adaptive fitness, Karen Hurley has dedicated her career to making fitness accessible for all. She specializes in helping individuals of all abilities achieve meaningful personal and functional goals—whether it's independently getting up and down from the floor, returning to a beloved sport, or completing an Ironman triathlon. Karen believes that everyone needs to move—it just looks different for each individual.
Karen holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from Brown University, where she was a four-year varsity athlete and served as Captain of the Women's Gymnastics Team. As a former Division I gymnast, she brings a deep understanding of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and optimizing performance at all levels.
Certified in functional fitness methodology and advanced coaching techniques.
Specialized training in adapting exercises for individuals of all abilities.
American Heart Association certified for emergency response and safety.
Karen began her career at NYU's Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine and has worked in a variety of clinical settings including sports orthopedics, aquatic therapy, early intervention, and skilled nursing. She also served as the District-wide Physical Therapist in a local school district, where she led inclusive wellness initiatives and collaborated with educators to support students of all abilities.
As the leader of the district's Unified School Program, Karen created and directed inclusive community events such as the Race to Embrace 5K Walk, Run, and Roll and Inclusive Community Day. She also co-developed and taught a high school Unified Wellness course focused on practical, sustainable strategies for lifelong well-being.
Karen is also a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, a professional organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based lifestyle interventions—including physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and social connection—as a foundation for health and healing. This philosophy strongly aligns with the mission of ABL Fitness and reinforces her commitment to empowering individuals through inclusive, holistic fitness solutions.
Currently, as Executive Director of ABL Fitness, Karen leads with a strong commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and evidence-based practice. She is the creator of the Peak Performance Playbook, a personalized fitness framework designed to meet the unique physical, sensory, and cognitive needs of every athlete—building strength, confidence, and connection through movement.
Outside of her professional work, Karen enjoys playing pickleball and spending quality time with her family—including Sunday dinners. She is the proud mom of three amazing young adults, ages 22, 20, and 18.