The People behind the scene
A collective of innovative minds and spirited individuals, committed to bringing out the best in you.
JOAKIM VALSINGER
2nd Generation Pilates Instructor
Joakim set up Bälans in 2005. He is an Award-winning Fitness Instructor, has Advanced Pilates Qualifications including the prestigious NCPT Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (formerly known as the PMA), and is also a Sports Therapist. Alongside running Bälans in Perth. In 2014 Joakim was awarded the Spirit of Flame at the UK Active Awards ceremony where the best and the brightest in the Fitness Industry are recognised for their efforts. Joakim beat some very worthy candidates from some of the biggest gyms all over the UK in the category which applauds individuals for going ‘above and beyond’ with the aim of getting more people more active more often. Joakim trained as a Pilates Instructor with the Pilates Foundation, before qualifying as an Instructor with Body Control Pilates in 2004. He has a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist Pilates accreditation with REPs, the Register of Exercise Professionals. Joakim is one of only a handful of Pilates Instructors in the UK who can claim direct lineage from Joseph Pilates, having completed a two year course with Lolita San Miguel- the Pilates Master Mentor Program. Lolita is one of the 1st Generation Pilates Elders, having trained and been certified by Joseph Pilates himself in New York City in the 1960’s. Joakim’s skills have been tested and honed under Lolita’s Mentorship, and in 2015 Lolita invited Joakim to attend further training to become an Educator for her Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Course – Lolita’s Legacy. Joakim is now running regular Courses teaching the next generation of Pilates Instructors.
JULIE DRIVER
Pilates Teacher
Julie is an award winning, internationally renowned Pilates teacher with over two decades of teaching experience, in 2014 Julie was awarded the title of “Pilates Anytime” International Instructor of the Year.
As well as training Pilates teachers Julie coaches equestrians of all levels from the weekend rider to the elite athlete and is currently the Pilates teacher for the Wesko Foundation three-day-eventing team.
Julie brings her infectious energy to Scotland for the second time and will have you smiling and energised for more.
LABRIECE OCHSNER
Pilates Teacher
LaBriece Ochsner, at age 53, shifted in the last few years her personal perspective of self. Changing the angle of how we view life in general can also help inspire how we teach Pilates. LaBriece has a motivated approached to teaching the Method that she enjoys sharing with other Pilates professionals and students. LaBriece is multifaceted both culturally and linguistically. Open-minded from being born and raised in Berkeley, California, USA and promoter of diversity in the Pilates industry, she has deepened her own personal growth by fully integrating herself into the country, culture and language of Switzerland, which has been her home-base since 2016. There she owns and runs LB Pilates Studios GmbH, the Balanced Body Authorized Training Center for Switzerland and German-speaking countries. She teaches in both her mother-tongue of English as well as fluently in German and Swiss-German. LaBriece has expertise in training top-level professional athletes with the Pilates Method as well as specializing in how we can best approach the equipment with a hands-on skill-set focus. She travels world-wide as a presenter for national and international Pilates conferences and to teach continuing education workshops. She incorporates her extensive knowledge of over 20 years teaching the Pilates Method and blends this with her innate ability to inspire individuals tap into their best self. As mother of three, former athlete, personal trainer, international presenter, mentor and Pilates senior educator, you are in the absolute best care with LaBriece.
MICHAEL KING
Pilates Master Instructor
Michael has been working with the Pilates technique for 40 years. He originally worked with the technique as a dancer at the London School of Contemporary Dance. In 1982 he opened his own studio, Body Control, in connection with the newly formed Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden London.
Two years later he was offered a position in Texas managing the Pilates studio at the Houston Ballet Company where he stayed until 1990. During this time sponsored by the Houston Ballet Michael travelled across the USA visiting and training at studios. In New York with Carla Trier and with Romana Kryzanowska at the original Pilates Studio in New York.
Michael also worked in the Voight Centre in LA for five years teaching fitness programs as as well as at many other Pilates Studios including Winsor Pilates in Los Angeles.
He moved back to Europe in 1995 where following a two year contract in Switzerland he returned to London. Michael was the founder and Director of the Pilates Institute UK until 2008 and has since been running his own training school MK Pilates
Michael ‘s reputation as a renowned presenter both in Fitness and Pilates has been established since 1980. His training programs are now taught in over 32 countries worldwide and has been instrumental in the development of national and international standards in recent years.
CAMERON ANGUS
Clinical Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Cameron is a collector of great ways to get people well, through movement and a positive mind set. He is a Clinical Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with 40 years experience. Including a career as a military physiotherapist. He has special interests in chronic pain, spinal, pelvic and shoulder problems, whiplash and headaches. Cameron came across Pilates in the 1980s and learnt via J Grimes initially. A renowned Pilates teacher and international lecturer he trained as a fully certified studio Pilates teacher over 30 years ago. He now trains Pilates and other movement related instructors himself. Cameron has extensive experience in bodywork, performance and rehabilitation. Uniquely, Cameron may have been the first to teach Pilates in Iraq and Afghanistan! He has a passion in bringing best practice to the movement world. Understanding peoples motivations, and encouraging individuals to find their passion and enjoy movement and body ownership. His experience, knowledge and a positive approach create a unique blend, to help professionals and clients foster their health and education needs. The Pilates Gathering is Cameron’s vision and passion to bring more education, shared practice and develop teachers in Scotland and beyond.