UK Pilates - APPI

Pilates 

Conference 

Brought to you by the Australian 

Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute 

at the Royal College of Physicians 

Presenters & Workshops 

APPI for lower back pain 

DVD 

UK 

24 

25 

and 

th 

NOVEMBER 

2012 

APPI Pilates Sock 

Royal College of Physicians, Regents Park, London, UK 

th

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APPI Education 

The One Goal, One Community Conference is once again bursting with the industries leaders, uniting the physiotherapy, pilates 

and fitness worlds in the most dynamic pilates event in years. Headlining the event in 2012 are APPI’s founders’, Glenn and Elisa 

Withers, World Leading movement expert Eric Franklin and UK Pilates founding figure Mr. Alan Herdman. Not only that but we 

have elite sports medical practitioners from the 2012 Olympics, Wimbledon and professional football; the first ever research panel 

on Pilates-based research, plus master trainers from the big names in pilates education, including: Bodycontrol Pilates, Pilates 

Foundation, Stott Pilates, Polestar Pilates, Pilates Body Europe, Peak Pilates, Balanced Body and many more. 

Due to oversubscription of many of our workshops last year, this year we have decided to repeat a selection of workshops 

throughout the weekend, thereby allowing more of you to attend your session of choice. 

The schedule for the weekend is as follows: 

(Please note: Repeated workshops are noted by numerals in the schedule below) 

SCHEDULE 

Saturday 24th November ROOM WORKSHOP PRESENTER 

9.30am–11.00am Lecture Theatre Pilates 2012: Its Place in Sport (I) 

Dr Phil Bell, Mike Chisholm, 

Tottenham Hotspur FC 

H SOLD OUT H Linacre & Sloane 

Alan Herdman Pilates (I) 

H SOLD OUT H 

Alan Herdman H SOLD OUT H 

Dorchester Library 

The Franklin Movement (I) 

H ONLY 17 SPACES LEFT H 

Eric Franklin 

Council Chamber APPI (II) H ONLY 12 SPACES LEFT H 

MORNING BREAK 

Elisa Withers 

11.30am–1.00pm Lecture Theatre Pilates 2012: Its Place In Sport (II) 

Dr Phil Bell, Mike Chisholm, 

Tottenham Hotspur FC 

H SOLD OUT H Linacre & Sloane 

Alan Herdman Pilates (II) 

H SOLD OUT H 

Alan Herdman H SOLD OUT H 

H SOLD OUT H Dorchester Library 

The Franklin Movement (II) 

H SOLD OUT H 

Eric Franklin H SOLD OUT H 

Council Chamber APPI (II) H ONLY 7 SPACES LEFT H 

LUNCH 

Elisa Withers 

2.00pm–3.30pm Lecture Theatre Pilates: The Shared Science (I) 

Laura Schembri, Lucinda Worlock, 

Hara Hagikalfa 

Linacre & Sloane STOTT H ONLY 9 SPACES LEFT H Wayne Seeto 


Pilates Foundation (I) 


Liz Chandler 

Council Chamber APPI H ONLY 9 SPACES LEFT H 

AFTERNOON BREAK 

Glenn Withers 

4.00pm–5.30pm Lecture Theatre Pilates: The Shared Science (II) 

Laura Schembri, Lucinda Worlock, 


Linacre & Sloane 

Body Control Pilates 


Nathan Gardner 


Pilates Foundation (II) 


Liz Chandler 

Sunday 25th November 

Council Chamber 

Peak Pilates 


Lee Morgan 

9.30am–11.00am Lecture Theatre Osteoporosis: The Pilates Vaccine (I) 

Dr Richard Keen, Dr Jane 

Simmonds, Carole Traole 


Polestar Pilates (I) 


Alistair Greetham 


J Pilates: Pilates in a Box 


Joanne Cobbe 


Balanced Body Pilates (I) 


MORNING BREAK 

Nikki Chrysostomou 

11.30am–1.00pm Lecture Theatre Osteoporosis: The Pilates Vaccine (II) 

Dr Richard Keen, Dr Jane 

Simmonds, Carole Traole 


Polestar Pilates (II) 


Alistair Greetham 

H SOLD OUT H Dorchester Library APPI H SOLD OUT H Leslie Abrahams H SOLD OUT H 


Balanced Body Pilates (II) 


LUNCH 

Nikki Chrysostomou 

2.00pm–4.00pm Lecture Theatre British Nordic Walking Karen Ingram 

H SOLD OUT H Linacre & Sloane Carole Traole H SOLD OUT H Carole Traole H SOLD OUT H 

H SOLD OUT H Dorchester Library Pilates Body Europe H SOLD OUT H Gordon Thomson H SOLD OUT H 

H SOLD OUT H Council Chamber MET-Rx H SOLD OUT H 

CONFERENCE ENDS 

Darren Higgins H SOLD OUT H


Saturday 24th November 2012 

ELISA WITHERS – CO-FOUNDER OF APPI 


Elisa Withers is a world leading authority on Pilates, being one of the only practitioners in the 

world to combine physiotherapy, Pilates, and professional dance into a career that spans over 

12 years in the industry. Published multiple times in journals, industry titles, and co-author of 

the APPI’s best selling Back to Life (2011) book, Elisa truly is one of the biggest names in the 

Pilates industry today. Elisa is the in house Pilates physiotherapist to the English National Ballet, 

APPI’s lead course designer and innovator, and one of the dance medicine world’s most sought 

after practitioners. In her distinguished career Elisa has worked with dancers from the ENB, the 

Royal Ballet School, Russia’s world famous Vaganova Ballet School, London Studio Centre and 

Australia’s Victoria College of the Arts. We are delighted to have Elisa as the spearhead of our 

annual conference once again. 

3D Standing Pilates Workshop 

One of the most unique, dynamic and popular innovations in the Pilates industry of 2011 returns 

to our annual conference. APPI founder, and creator of this unique method, Elisa Withers, leads 

off this year’s conference with the 3D Standing Pilates Workshop. A combination of Pilates, Yoga, 

and GYROKINESIS®, incorporating Thomas Myers anatomy trains into the mix, 3D standing Pilates 

is truly a must have for any Pilates professional. This master class will include several of the 

most popular movements that allow this program to address balance, osteoporosis and general 

strengthening work in the functional position of standing. 

ALAN HERDMAN 

Alan Herdman studied at the London School of Contemporary Dance and was working as a teacher 

and dancer when, in the late 1960s, he was invited to New York to learn about the Joseph Pilates 

Method. There he worked intensively with Carola Trier and Bob Fitzgerald, two instructors who 

had been trained by Pilates himself. Although well-regarded amongst New York’s dance fraternity, 

Pilates was unknown in the UK at that time and Alan returned in 1970 to set up Britain’s first-ever 

Pilates studio. Among his first clients were actors, dancers and singers, but word soon spread 

as doctors and physiotherapists began recommending Pilates to patients struggling with chronic 

injuries. 

Alan now lectures on Pilates around the world, and he has written several successful books, 

including The Pilates Directory (2004), The Gaia Busy Person’s Guide to Pilates (2003) and Pilates: 

Creating the Body You Want (1999). He runs a training course for Pilates instructors and, as well 

as running his own studios, he and his assistants teach in dance schools and designated Pilates 

studios internationally. 

Alan’s Session: 

Alan will deliver his unique and insightful review of the Pilates mat repertoire. As the UK’s longest 

serving Pilates teacher, stalwart of the industry, and the man most recognised as introducing 

Pilates to the UK, this session will both challenge and inspire you to look at the very intricacies of 

the movements you teach day in day out. Rarely is the industry afforded such access to the mind of 

one of Pilates true pioneers. Always a popular speaker, Alan will be part of our all star line up for 

the first morning of the conference. 

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ERIC FRANKLIN: 


Eric Franklin is a dancer, movement educator, university lecturer and successful author. He earned 

his BS from the University of Zurich and his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the New York University’s 

Tisch School of the Arts. Eric has studied and trained with some of the top movement imagery 

and conditioning specialists around the world and has used this training as a professional dancer 

in New York. He has shared his imaging techniques in his teaching since 1986.Eric teaches at 

universities and arts educational schools throughout the world including New York University 

School of the Arts, the Royal Ballet School and the Laban Center in London. In 1998 he introduced 

the first dance conditioning methodology to mainland China. Recently Eric has taught at the 

Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Danish Ballet. Eric Franklin is author of Dynamic 

Alignment through Imagery (1996), Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance (1996), Relax 

your Neck – Liberate your Shoulders (2002), Pelvic Power (2003), Inner Focus, Outer Strength 

(2006) and Beautiful Body, Beautiful Mind (2009). Eric Franklin’s books have been translated 

into German, Italian, Spanish, Czech, Chinese and Korean. As founder of the Franklin Method 

Institute in Switzerland, Eric Franklin regularly offers workshops and Teacher Training courses on 

the topics covered in his books. Eric will join APPI founder Elisa Withers, and Pilates legend Alan 

Herdman to launch the conference in the best line up ever featured at an industry wide Pilates 

conference. 

Pelvic Power For Core Integration: The Franklin Method 

This workshop focuses on the practical application of imagery techniques to increase the power, 

alignment and flexibility of the pelvic joints and muscles. To balance the action of the joints we will 

experience the natural bone rhythms in support of healthy function. 

This, in turn, will increase the health and well being of the lower back, knees and feet. 

Throughout the workshop imagery and language is used that explains the complex subject matter 

at all levels of experience. Evolutionary logic will provide a fresh and practical understanding of the 

anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis. The participants will leave the workshop with a sense of 

aligned strength through the pelvic floor, the feet firmly balanced and the spine long and buoyant. 

• Experience effortless alignment and balance for the whole body through experiential 

understanding of the pelvic bones and joints 

• Discover and apply the dynamic alignment of the sacrum 

• Understand the importance of the pelvic ligaments in creating the pelvic tensegrity system 

• Experience how the pelvic floor musculature relates to the abdominal, lower back and hip flexor 

musculature 

• Learn ball and imagery exercises to train and balance the pelvic joints and muscles. 

Lecture Series 

PILATES 2012: ITS PLACE IN ELITE SPORT 

A fascinating look at the role that Pilates has played in elite sport over the last 12 months. In this 

session you will hear from leading Sports Medicine Practitioner Dr. Phil Bell on his view of how 

Pilates can be used in elite sport, Mike Chisholm, Sports Physiotherapist with the way he has used 

Pilates in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics, and from Geoff Scott, head Physiotherapist at 

Tottenham Hotspur FC on the impact that in house Pilates has had on their players performance 

and injury rates. A unique chance to see how Pilates is being used in elite sport in multiple 

disciplines. 

Dr Philip Bell – Consultant Sports Physician 

MBChB, DSMed (London), FFSEM (UK) 

Dr Bell is a specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM). He is a Fellow of the Faculty of Sport 

and Exercise Medicine (UK and Ireland) and of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine. He was



the England Cricket team doctor from 1995-2001, touring with them to South Africa in 1995-96, 

and to India and Pakistan in 1996. He helped establish the ECB’s Science and Medicine Advisory 

Group (SMAG), with the remit of establishing world class science and medicine support to England 

Cricket. He has looked after the players at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships since 2000, and 

is the SEM Specialist for the Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden. He provides expert advice to 

football clubs from all over the country, including Wycombe Wanderers FC, where he provides 

screening for their youth academy players and detailed signing medicals. 

Mike Chisholm 

BHSc, MSc, MMACP, MCSP 

Mike has been a Chartered Physiotherapist for the last 17 years. He has spent 13 years working 

with the GB Rowing team, most recently through his work as a contractor with the English Institute 

of Sport and the London games will be his 4th with the squad. 

From 1999 for 3 years Mike was a Physiotherapist with the Royal Ballet Company which is when 

he first became interested in the use of Pilates in rehabilitation. In 2004 Mike trained in the use of 

Pilates studio equipment and in 2005 trained in APPI mat work Pilates. 

Mike has used his knowledge of Pilates extensively in treating and rehabilitating injured athletes 

from Olympic disciplines including; Hockey, Athletics, Canoeing, Paralympic Rowing and 

Wheelchair Basketball but primarily working with Rowing. Mike also uses Pilates for performance 

enhancement and injury prevention with these elite athlete populations as well as with his private 

practice client group. 

Geoff Scott 

BHSc, MCSP, HPC 

Geoff has been a leading figure in professional football medicine for over 9 years. Originally a 

physiotherapist at Fulham FC, Geoff moved across to the physiotherapy team at Tottenham FC 7 

years ago. Working his way through the ranks, Geoff is now the head Physiotherapist of the first 

team, managing the entire player list and the rest of the physiotherapy team in association with 

head of Medical services. Geoff is also currently undertaking an MSc in orthopaedic medicine, and 

an MBA looking at the design of a predictive tool for injury management in elite football. Geoff has 

been instrumental in engraining Pilates into the routine of the Tottenham players and will share 

his insight into how Pilates works in Elite Football. 

WAYNE SEETO BOCCTHY, MSC(PT) 

As a STOTT PILATES® Lead Instructor Trainer & Rehab Specialist, Wayne has worked in the 

fitness industry for more than 10 years and is a recognized leader in his field. Based at the STOTT 

PILATES Corporate Training Center in Toronto, this high-energy Australian native is a featured 

performer in several award-winning workout videos and has travelled around the world to present 

workshops and teach the STOTT PILATES method. Wayne received his Bachelor of Occupational 

Therapy from the University of Queensland, Australia and his Masters of Science (Physiotherapy) 

at McMaster University, Canada. He is certified to teach the STOTT PILATES Rehab program and is 

sought-after internationally for private and professional instruction. 

Stott Pilates® Lumbo-Pelvic Region: Stability & Function 

This lecture/demo explores the anatomy and biomechanics involved in the normal healthy 

functioning of the lumbo-pelvic region, some of the dysfunctions that can occur and exercise 

progressions to restore optimal function. First, the available movements and functioning of the 

lumbo-pelvic region are explored considering the lumbar, the pelvis, the hip and surrounding 

musculature. Common abnormal or dysfunctional movement patterns and postures are 

addressed. Finally, exercise progressions to rebuild normal muscle action and movement 

patterning are outlined, as well as exercises to challenge and promote optimal execution, prepare 

for specific activities and enhance performance. 

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Learning objectives: 

1. Understand optimal function and movement patterns of lumbo-pelvic region. 

2. Review anatomy and muscular involvement. 

3. Understand common dysfunctions. 

4. Learn exercises and progressions to optimize lumbo-pelvic function. 

LIZ CHANDLER 


Originally from California, Liz Chandler came to Pilates from a professional contemporary dance 

background. With a BA in Dance from the University of California (UCLA) she went on to perform 

professionally with companies in both the US and the UK. She taught and lectured in dance for 16 

years including Bath City College and the University of Bath, England. Liz was head of fitness at 

Circomedia, Centre for Circus and Performing Arts for 11 years. She has been teaching Pilates 

for over 10 years having trained with both Body Control Pilates and with Suzanne Scott and the 

Pilates Foundation. Liz teaches Pilates at her studios Pure Moves, Frome and teaches at The 

Scott Studios, Castle Cary. Liz is a Pilates Foundation educator presenting continuing education 

workshops for the past 7 years and has presented workshops on Pilates to physiotherapists and 

osteopaths. Liz has produced a successful Pilates DVD titled, Real People Pilates for Over 50s. 

Liz presented at the 2011 APPI Conference and is excited and honoured to be asked back to 

present again. 

Spinal Flow 

In this practical workshop we will focus on spinal pathways. The class will look at on how to 

improve sequential movement and fluid spinal motion through clarity of movement, cues, handling 

and small props. Beginner and intermediate levels will be covered as well as a combination of 

evolved and classical exercises to facilitate improved spinal mechanics. 

GLENN WITHERS 

B.Physio. MCSP, MAPA, HPC 

Co-Founder of APPI Health Group 

Chair Association Chartered Physiotherapists in Exercise Therapy 

Glenn Withers is the Founding Director of the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute 

and co-creator of the renowned APPI Method - a 5 stage program that analyses the Pilates 

movements with relevant research based evidence, pathology and function to ensure that every 

movement selected has sound clinical reasoning behind it. Glenn is one of the world’s most prolific 

presenters on the role of Pilates in the Rehabilitation setting, having presented the program in 

over 15 different countries and several languages worldwide, a published author of the APPI’s 

No. 1 selling book Back to Life with APPI Pilates, and regularly featured in the media on Pilates 

and Pain. The APPI program is now taught in 15 different countries with over 3000 therapists 

beginning their training with APPI across the world on an annual basis. Glenn is the director of 

APPI Health Group’s clinical centres across London, a consultant to Tottenham Hotspur FC, the 

English Institute of Sport, the English National Ballet, and the leading physiotherapist of choice to 

many of London’s leading surgeons. Glenn chairs the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists 

in Exercise Therapy (ACPET) and is a technical expert to the government’s sector skills council for 

exercise and health. 

Pilates and Manual Therapy – A Combined Treatment 

A challenging session aimed at the experienced therapist to look at several key movements and 

how manual therapy can be used alongside pilates. In this session APPI Founder Glenn Withers 

will look at spinal articulation through the lumbar spine (via the shoulder bridge movement on the 

pilates reformer) and thoracic spine (via the Split pedal chair), and how manual therapy, muscle 

energy and manipulation can be incorporated to address any dysfunctions seen during these key 

movements. In addition the session will look at the use of taping techniques for the activation of 

the gluteals in issues related to pelvic imbalances. 

This session is ideal for therapists, but anyone is welcome.


NATHAN GARDENER – BODY CONTROL SENIOR PRESENTER 


Nathan has been teaching Pilates for ten years and has over 20 years experience in physical and 

mental conditioning. Much of his knowledge has been drawn from his time as an international 

athlete, representing Great Britain as a freestyle skier at world class level for many years. This 

involvement in high-level sport and performance training, as well as injury rehabilitation, sparked 

Nathan’s interest in Pilates – hence his decision to train with Body Control Pilates in 2000. Nathan 

is a member of the Body Control Pilates Education Management Team and writes and presents 

courses and workshops for their education programme, including the Body Control Pilates Level 

4 Low Back Pain course. Nathan co-wrote ‘The Pilates Bible’ with Lynne Robinson and Lisa 

Bradshaw (Kyle Cathie, 2010). 

Kinetic Flow 

Following on from his longstanding series of Body Control Pilates matwork and studio equipment 

workshops exploring movement functionality and efficiency, this is a bespoke workshop developed 

for this year’s APPI Conference. This practical mat workshop will focus on flow, rhythm and 

movement efficiency, exploring variations of breath and movement sequencing. You will be 

introduced to the concept of kinetic and recruitment chains to show how to build movement 

sequences that flow naturally. 

LEE MORGAN – PEAK PILATES EDUCATOR 

Having worked in the UK fitness industry since 1995, Lee came into Pilates with a background 

in sports therapy and strength conditioning. Since 2002, Lee has been a trainer, educator and 

presenter for Peak Pilates. Having recently opened The Pilates Academy, a studio and training 

centre based in Ascot, Berkshire, Lee now provides an environment for learning, based on many 

years of experience of working alongside physiotherapists, osteopaths and other health care 

providers. 

Advanced Pilates – The Ultimate Destination 

This workshop introduces you to the beauty of the advanced Pilates method. We can often get 

caught up in modifying the work to such an extent that our clients or patients seldom get to really 

progress through the method. By feeling the benefit of the advanced work within our own body, 

we are encouraged to set our clients on the pathway through the Pilates method, to the ultimate 

destination. 

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PILATES: THE SHARED SCIENCE 


For the first time ever a full session looking at current research into the effectiveness of Pilates, 

much of which is unpublished. You will hear from three different researchers on their finding. 

Looking into Pilates for Back Pain, Pilates and its effect on Voice Control in performers, and a 

specific Pilates Class Plan & its effectiveness on a wide sample size. These researchers will 

present their finding and then be able to discuss the positives and negatives of their research. 

Opening up the door for further research opportunities, and finally ensuring that a Pilates 

conference is researched focussed. 

Laura Schembri 

Laura Schembri originally came from a health and fitness background, gaining her first certificate 

in teaching exercise to music in 1990. She continued her studies within the fitness industry 

for several years before she decided to look deeper into injury prevention and enrolled in the 

physiotherapy course at the University of Malta, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in 2000. Her undergraduate 

dissertation was a practical study looking at the effects of stabilising exercises versus 

manual therapy on chronic back pain. After graduating she was keen to carry on developing her 

knowledge and went on to complete the APPI training programme and later brought both the APPI 

and Kinetic Control courses to Malta. 

Laura currently divides her busy work schedule between being Assistant Principal Physiotherapist 

at the Musculoskeletal Outpatient’s Department at St Luke’s Hospital in Malta, and private 

practice. She has a special interest in back pain and so was asked to set up a back-care unit at the 

hospital. Laura teaches modified Pilates classes at all levels in the public and private sectors and 

has written several articles promoting Pilates, especially in relation to back pain and preventing 

injuries. Laura has conducted seminars and workshops on ergonomics and exercise and also 

works with athletes and dancers for injury prevention and improved performance. Laura is 

currently reading for an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy at Bath University. 

Lucinda Worlock 

Lucinda is a Voice & Dialect Coach, providing specialist voice training for actors, business 

professionals and English speakers of other languages. She has trained actors at a number of 

drama schools including Central School of Speech & Drama, Italia Conti, East 15, Rose Bruford, 

The Drama Centre, Birmingham School of Acting, ALRA and MTA. 

Lucinda gained an MA in Voice Studies from the Central School of Speech and Drama and trained 

as an Instructor at APPI to further her research thesis in exploring how the APPI system of Pilates 

could be integrated with voice training to benefit Pilates instructors’ safe and effective vocal use in 

teaching. 

She has evolved a new system of Integrated Pilates and Voice Training (IPVT) for the strengthening 

of breath support musculature in Voice and Speech, and leads specialist courses for both actor 

training, and effective communication for Physiotherapists and Pilates Instructors. 


Completed a BSc(Hons) Early Childhood Studies in University of Wales Swansea (2001) and worked 

for 6 years in the area of special needs specialising in challenging behaviour and behaviour 

modification techniques. Hara has also completed instructor‘s training in contemporary Pilates 

and a diploma in holistic therapies in Swansea College and took a career change in 2006 and went 

on to do a BSc(Hons) Health and Exercise Science Sports Science & Medicine in Thames Valley 

University (2010) at which she carried out a research project on the effects of Pilates exercises as 

a treatment of non-specific low back pain in collaboration with APPI. Hara worked in the NHS as 

a physiotherapy assistant, and rehab assistant in community roles since 2009 mainly in the field 

of neurology. Hara is currently employed by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust in community 

support in the area of elderly mental health and is planning to start a BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy in 

Cardiff University in September. Hara also contributes as a writer and nutritional & fitness advisor 

for an internet based company in USA.


Sunday 25th November 2012 


OSTEOPOROSIS: THE PILATES VACCINE 


A great session delivered by world leading experts into the epidemiology, effectiveness and 

treatment options to tackle the growing epidemic of Osteoporosis. You will hear from the medical, 

physiotherapy and Pilates fraternity on the tools used, research findings, and the future pathway 

for the way in which exercise, and Pilates specifically, can be used to in the battle for our ageing 

population. The figures discussed here will astound you! 

Dr Richard Keen 

MB, BS, BSc, PhD, MRCP 

Consultant Rheumatologist 

Dr Richard Keen graduated from St Mary’s Hospital, London, UK. He trained in general 

rheumatology, but developed his specialised interest in osteoporosis whilst working at St 

Thomas’ Hospital, London. During this time he gained his PhD studying the genetic regulation of 

postmenopausal osteoporosis. 

Currently, Dr Keen is the Director of the Metabolic Bone Disease Unit at the Royal National 

Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. He also holds a senior lecturer appointment in rheumatology and 

metabolic bone diseases at the Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University 

College London. 

Dr Keen runs a specialist clinic for patients with osteoporosis in the Bone Health Centre. He works 

closely with the orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists, and believes that this integrated approach 

to care will ensure patients receive rapid access to the most appropriate management for their 

osteoporosis. 

Dr Jane Simmonds 

MCSP, MMACP, PD, MA, PGDip Man Th, BApp Sc, BPE 

Originally from ‘outback’ Western Australia, Dr Simmonds completed a first degree in Physical 

Education (human performance) at the University of Western Australia. This was followed 

by a degree in Physiotherapy followed by post-graduate training in Neuromusculoskeletal 

Physiotherapy at Curtin University. Dr Simmonds completed a professional doctorate in 2010 

entitled ‘Advancing Practice in Hypermobility Syndrome and Osteoporosis‘. 

Having worked in a wide range of clinical and educational settings in both Australia and the UK 

and Dr Simmonds is currently a Principal Lecturer and the Physiotherapy Research Lead at 

the University of Hertfordshire. Clinical work has included; working with elite and recreational 

athletes, occupational health groups, outpatients and private practice. Dr Simmonds has special 

interests in Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, bone health and functional rehabilitation and she 

regularly presents research and clinical papers at national and international conferences and in 

peer reviewed journals. 

Carole Traole 

After receiving a First Class BSc Honours Degree in Sports Sciences from the University of North 

London in 1996, Carole received a First Class BSc Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from the 

University of East London in 1999. Carole then worked as a Chartered Physiotherapist in the NHS 

for 6 years, where she gained experience in the assessment and treatment of a wide variety of 

conditions. 

In her last two years at the Royal Free Hospital, Carole specialised in the management of spinal 

conditions. Carole also ran the Physiotherapy Service for Osteoporosis and set up a research 

project on the long-term effects of exercise on osteoporosis. 

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Carole now works as a musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapist in private practice and is also 

a Pilates teacher (Pilates Foundation trained) as well as a GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® 

teacher. 

Carole is a guest lecturer for several Pilates Teacher Training courses and has co-authored the 

Oxford Rheumatology Library publication on ‘Physiotherapy Approach to Osteoporosis’. Carole is 

also on the International Advisory Board of the ‘Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies’. 

ALASTAIR GREETHAM – POLESTAR PILATES KEY EDUCATOR 

Alastair has been a physiotherapist for nearly 30 years. He trained in the military, working mainly 

in the area of orthopaedic rehabilitation, where he had the unique opportunity of working with 

a young, fit population who needed to return to activity very quickly. His interests in sports and 

movement led him to study many different disciplines and specialise in movement and posturerelated 

problems. Alistair’s interest in learning led to training in hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic 

Programming. He is a Master Practitioner and Trainer of NLP, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy. 

Alistair’s interest in the mind/body connection has led him to explore the relation between state 

and movement. He is currently applying this to the field of movement and posture for presenters. 

Introduced to Pilates Concepts in 1991 led to him initially studying and then becoming a Trainer 

for Polestar Pilates and is currently working to develop techniques that unite his different areas of 

interest to enhance healing and performance ability. Alastair is a Principal Educator for Polestar, 

and leads Polestar courses extensively in the UK, Spain, and throughout Asia. 

Gait Analysis and Functional Patterning 

Our habitual movements that we constantly use have a huge effect on how our body is structured. 

One of the most important patterns is how we move through space either walking or running. 

Understanding what comprises efficient, well organised movement can help us to ensure that our 

teaching is in line with how the body actually moves when it moves optimally. This workshop will 

also help with your observational and analytic skills and will comprise of lecture and experimental 

exercises. 

JOANNE COBBE 

Originally a teacher, Joanne has been in the education and fitness industry for 17 years. Joanne 

was principal tutor of the Pilates Institute for 5 years before starting her own training company 

JPilates. Joanne has owned several Pilates studios in Ireland and UK and she is the Internal 

Verifier for several training providers. 

Pilates Studio In A Box 

This session will explore how the small equipment can be used to mirror exercises performed 

on the larger Studio equipment. You will be shown how you can replicate classic movements 

performed on Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Barrels using mini balls, pilates circles and 

therabands, gaining the same benefits of strength, flexibility and mobility but with it all fitting in 

one small box. 

NIKKI CHRYSOSTOMOU 

Nikki Chrysostomou is founder of the Tranquility Pilates Studio & Teacher Training Centre in 

London, an educator for Balanced Body and a Gyrotonic Pre-trainer. Nikki has over 9 years 

experience in teaching Pilates and her passion is to pass on her knowledge and experience to 

others. She also teaches GYROKINESIS® and has completed a 2 year course at the London 

College of Shiatsu.


Strengthening the Upper Body with the Reformer 


For the first time at the Annual Pilates Conference we are delighted to be joined by Balanced 

Body UK master Trainer, Nikki Chrysostomou. During this dynamic 90-minute session Nikki will 

review modern and classical reformer exercises focusing on strengthening the upper body. Nikki 

will look at the unique balance between mobility and stability in the shoulder girdle and how using 

key principles can reduce shoulder injuries and dysfunction. Nikki will also be demonstrating the 

amazing new Allegro 2 Pilates machine during this session. 

LESLIE ABRAHAMS - APPI MASTER TRAINER 

Physiotherapist, Pilates Instructor and Educator 

Already having completed his training in Physiotherapy, Leslie went in search of exercise 

methods to assist his patients to recover from injuries and believed that he could do a lot more 

for them than just giving them a few exercises at the end of their Physiotherapy sessions. He 

initially cultivated a love for rehabilitative exercises whilst running land and water-based back 

rehabilitation classes in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an APPI Master Trainer and Educator. He 

has experience dealing with clients post injury and surgery to functional restoration. He also enjoys 

challenging his fit clients with higher-level exercises. 

Leslie currently is the co-owner of a Physiotherapy and Pilates Practice in London. He really enjoys 

presenting Pilates courses locally and internationally to Physiotherapists and Pilates enthusiasts. 

Stretching in the Pilates Class 

This exciting practical workshop will assist you to understand the basics of stretching in the 

context of your Pilates Mat Class. When to use static, dynamic or muscle energy techniques to 

stretch muscle and myofascial connections. We will then embark on a process of movement 

discovery to stretch and lengthen common areas of opportunity in the body. 

This workshop will suit those that have experience in Pilates matwork, seeking to expand their 

knowledge of how to incorporate stretching into their class repertoire in a structured and efficient 

way. This workshop will be predominantly practical so come dressed appropriately to move and get 

some fresh ideas! 

KAREN INGRAM 

Karen Ingram is a National Coach for British Nordic Walking and is Vice President of the 

International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) and has been teaching Nordic Walking and 

training Instructors for 7 years. She has taught Pilates for over 12 years, having trained with Body 

Control Pilates and Peak Pilates, and has her own studio in South Wales. Karen is passionate 

about Nordic Walking and in particular its effects on posture and gait. Having experienced chronic 

back pain in the past, Karen uses both Nordic walking and Pilates to help people with poor back 

health. 

Nordic Walking And Posture 

This two hour workshop explores how Nordic Walking can compliment Pilates in improving 

posture. The first section of the session is theory based and will look at: 

• Key muscles activated in Nordic Walking 

• Health benefits of Nordic Walking 

• Latest research findings 

• How Nordic Walking and Pilates can work together 

The second half of the session is practical and will be taught outdoors. Experience Nordic Walking 

and feel for yourself how the muscles of the core engage and the body naturally lengthens. Learn 

how to use the poles for a dynamic warm up and to enhance stretching at the end of a class. Using 

drills and exercises, Karen will lead participants through an enjoyable and energising session. 

11


CAROLE TRAOLE 

APPI Health Group 

The Chapel, Wellington Road 

London NW10 5LJ 


The plan for the two hour practical session is to start with a warm up that is appropriate for 

an osteoporosis specific Pilates Matwork group. This will be followed by a discussion and 

demonstration of specific Pilates exercises and how they can be adapted for clients with 

osteoporosis. This will also include a discussion and demonstration of exercises relevant for fall 

prevention. The participants will be invited to take part in the practical. 

GORDON THOMSON 

Gordon Thomson was born in Glasgow; having trained in the 1970s as a dancer at Rambert Ballet 

and London Contemporary Dance Theatre, he now has over thirty five years’ experience of teaching 

Pilates. He runs the prestigious Pilates Body Europe Studios in London’s South Kensington. He 

co-authored nine Body Control Pilates books, magazines and journals, including the official Body 

Control Pilates Manual, having been a key consultant on the complete Classical Pilates Method. 

As well as teaching Pilates Machine courses for teachers, Gordon has projected Pilates into the 

world of sport: tennis, rowing, swimming, skiing, cricket, rugby, but especially into the world of 

professional football, and he has now become head coach for an amateur team in North London 

winning numerous awards. His next venture is to organise and promote worldwide The Society of 

Pilates Teachers. 

The Classical Mat Method Of Pilates Redefined 

We will be taking you carefully through various exercises from the Classical Mat Method of Pilates. 

In a step-by-step approach, you will be able to achieve some of the more difficult and advanced 

exercises. We have broken down certain exercises which many find daunting, frustrating or just 

impossible! We are confident that you will be amazed by the results: after one and half hours, you 

will be ready to build on a few careful preparations and tips on achieving a complete exercise, and 

you will be fully confident about teaching these superb exercises. With this new approach you will 

be able to pass on the knowledge, not just to yourself but to clients and colleagues alike. 

We will finish our session at the conference with a special series of movements from our 

acclaimed stretching and relaxation programme to compete this taxing workshop. 

DARREN HIGGINS – DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL TUTOR MET-RX 

Darren is an Australian trained physiotherapist with 20 years experience in treating a wide range 

of musculoskeletal disorders. Darren moved to the UK in 1996 and in 2000 bought the Vanbrugh 

Physiotherapy Clinic where he is now Practice Principal. Darren has been teaching the Muscle 

Energy Techniques (MET) to physiotherapists since 2002, travelling to Finland and Ireland to teach 

courses, along with courses held all over the UK. In 2012 he will travel to Turkey in partnership 

with APPI to run courses there. 

An Introduction To Muscle Energy Techniques 

This is an introduction to Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and will give participants a taster 

on how these techniques can be integrated into clinical practice. In this 2 hour lecture & 

demonstration workshop, MET’s will be explained, and some common pelvic, rib and cervical 

spine dysfunctions will be demonstrated via patient demonstration. Participants will be shown 

assessment and treatment techniques for these dysfunctions. 

T +44 (0)845 370 2774 

F +44 (0)845 370 2775 

www.appihealthgroup.com

UK Pilates - APPI

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