Joakim Valsinger Shares His Vision for a More Accessible Pilates World - An Exclusive Interview
Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Bälans Pilates Studio is a leading Pilates education and training center based in Perth, Scotland. With over two decades of industry experience, we specialize in both Matwork and Apparatus Pilates, delivering tailored programs for general well-being, elite performance, and adaptive needs. As a certified Lolita’s Legacy teacher training facility, we are proud to mentor the next generation of Pilates professionals with integrity, expertise, and innovation.
You have a fascinating background – from the military to Pilates. How did that journey begin?
Vanity. That’s the honest answer.
When I passed Commando Selection back in Sydney, I felt bulletproof. I was unbeatable at push-ups and proud of my fitness. Then I met someone at a health food store who looked incredibly youthful and strong. I was astonished to learn he was 45—and the only exercise he did was something called Pilates. I thought, “I need me some of that!”
I later moved to the UK to work a season as a beach lifeguard in Cornwall and joined a Territorial Army Unit to maintain my readiness. Six months turned into two years as I traveled the world on military courses and operations. Eventually, I trained as a Physical Training Instructor, which led to civilian work as a personal trainer, sports therapist, and later a British Military Fitness Instructor.
My journey north landed me in Perth, Scotland, where I opened a small sports massage clinic and began my training in Pilates. That was the real turning point.
What inspired you to open Bälans Pilates Studio nearly 20 years ago?
By that time, I fully understood how effective Pilates was for long-term health. As a massage therapist, I could see that 90% of my clients wouldn’t need to keep coming back if they simply added mindful movement into their routines.
Massage and Pilates complement each other beautifully. So, with my partner at the time, we opened Bälans with two treatment rooms and a matwork studio. When we went our separate ways, I needed a new space. I found a spacious portacabin and transformed it into our current studio: a matwork room, an apparatus studio with five full setups, a dedicated 1:1 Pilates room, and a treatment space now rented by other therapists.
How would you describe your philosophy as an instructor? What’s most important to you in working with clients?
My philosophy is rooted in personalization and possibility.
See the client as an individual.
Give them what they want, while steadily guiding them toward what they need.
A successful movement experience is one that brings someone back.
It’s not about the Method or the choreography—it’s about how the person experiences it.
The climb is often more valuable than the summit.
You trained with the legendary Lolita San Miguel. What has that experience meant to you?
Lolita saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. That’s one of her greatest gifts: she challenges you to become a better version of yourself. When I entered the Pilates world over 25 years ago, it wasn’t an especially welcoming place for a heavy bloke with a military background. Back then, the industry was dominated by ex-dancers, and I was once told that if I couldn’t do the splits, how could I possibly represent the Method?
Lolita thought differently. She saw my background as an asset and insisted that my final thesis for her mentorship program focus on Pilates for the Military. That work became a full project with international conference presentations and even earned me the Spirit of Flame Award from UK Active in 2014—for getting more people more active, more often.
When my son Albie was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Lolita was also the catalyst behind what became my next mission: Pilates for the Disabled Child. That too has become a global presentation and the most meaningful work of my career.
Once you’re in the Lolita family, you’re all in. She asks about your children and your partner. She wants to know how you’re doing—not just as a teacher, but as a person.
In your eyes, what makes Pilates such a unique and powerful form of movement?
It’s one of the few movement systems that can simultaneously meet people where they are and take them further than they thought possible.
Pilates helps people gain control over their bodies in a world where so many of us feel out of sync with ourselves. It can be scaled from gentle recovery to serious athleticism. And most importantly, it teaches awareness—not just of movement, but of breath, intention, and energy.
World Pilates Day is coming up – how do you and the studio usually celebrate it?
In previous years, I’ve presented at Pilates Day celebrations in New York City with Team Lolita. This year, I’ll be teaching a group of Lolita’s Legacy students at Bälans Studio. They’re halfway through an 18-month journey to become fully certified teachers. Together, we’ll film a Pilates Day message to send to Lolita in Florida.
Later in the month, I’ll also be teaching a live streamed class on Lolita Pilates Online—the global community platform we built during COVID to keep our lineage connected and inspired. That platform continues to thrive with live stream and on-demand classes for authentic, effective Pilates.
For someone who's never tried Pilates before, why is now a great time to start?
There’s an old saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.” It doesn’t matter what your starting point is. Whether you’re fit or fearful, Pilates will meet you there and move you forward. One small change can make a big difference—and your future self will thank you for it.
About Joakim Valsinger
Joakim Valsinger is a Pilates Educator, former Commando, and father to a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome. With over 30 years of experience in movement and fitness, he is on a mission to make Pilates more accessible to those who need it most.
