Ann Toran (New York, NY)
NCPT, Balanced Body Educator
Pilates Reforming New York
Ann Toran made Pilates her career after reaping the benefits of Pilates as an injured ballet dancer. In 1981, while performing with The Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, Croatia, Ann sustained a significant back injury considered career-threatening. She became a Pilates devotee after experiencing its effectiveness in her rehabilitation and improved fitness. Thanks to Pilates, she not only performed again but was subsequently promoted to Soloist! Although she stopped her performance career 35+ years ago, she continues to perform daily in the Pilates studio as both a teacher and a perpetual student! Since 2002, she and her husband, Chiropractor Errol Toran, have dedicated themselves to making the Pilates Reformer available to everyone at their Manhattan studio locations.
Ann’s earliest comprehensive Pilates certification was with Polestar Pilates. Ann has been Balanced Body Master Certified since 2008, NCPT- Pilates Method Alliance Certified, and has also completed Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel’s Master Mentor Program and thus can be considered a 2nd Generation Pilates Teacher! Ann continues to further her Pilates education by attending numerous conferences annually and furthering her education through study with various Pilates educators.
Ann feels the ultimate honor and challenge is developing and inspiring the next generation of Pilates teachers. Ann joined Balanced Body Education as a Master Educator in 2008 and teaches the entire Pilates repertoire at her Pilates Reforming New York- Balanced Body Authorized Training Center in the heart of New York City. Before joining Balanced Body as a Master Educator, Ann was an Educator for Polestar Pilates Education. Ann is also a Balanced Body Master Educator for Konnector, MOTR, Barre, Bodhi, CoreAlign, and Ai3D. Most of these courses are offered at their Pilates Reforming New York Authorized Training Center.
Ann, an avid traveler, considers herself a Pilates Ambassador, enthusiastically traveling worldwide to share her passion. Past trips have included Lausanne, Switzerland, where she was a regular guest teacher for several years; London, England; Italy, Spain, Czech Republic; Belgrade, Serbia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Hong Kong, Seoul, South Korea; Moscow, Russia; Istanbul, Turkey; Montreal, Canada; Monchengladbach, Germany (Joe’s birthplace), where the first Pilates Day conference under Lolita San Miguel was held in May 2011 and many trips to Mumbai, India – where she was the first Pilates teacher invited to train Pilates teachers and introduce MOTR, Barre and Bodhi to a very enthusiastic Indian audience! She is periodically a guest instructor aboard The World, a super yacht circumnavigating the globe, and teaching Pilates.
Ann describes her teaching as intensely paced (she is a New Yorker, after all) and demanding classical contemporary Pilates experience. A stickler for technique, she is earnest about her students’ understanding and improvement, and there is constant encouragement and productive feedback throughout her sessions.
annktoran@gmail.com
Chrissy Romani-Ruby (Bethel Park, PA)
PT, D.Ed., MPT, ATC, NCPT
PHI Pilates
An internationally renowned expert on Pilates with seven published books and multiple peer reviewed articles, Dr. Ruby holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and natural science, a master’s in physical therapy, and a doctorate in education.
She founded PHI® Pilates in 1997 and continues to direct the 9000 square foot headquarters studio in Pittsburgh, PA. PHI® Pilates trains and provides continuing education to Pilates instructors and rehabilitation professionals in the US and abroad and directs the PHI® Pilates Connect APP.
Dr. Ruby was on the Board of Directors for the National Pilates Certification Program for 10 years and was active in the creation and accreditation of the Pilates Certification exam. She recently retired as a college professor of 23 years at California University of PA, Slippery Rock University and Penn West University.
crubyphipilates@gmail.com
Christine Crooks (Mission Viejo, CA)
BS, NCPT
Balanced Body
Christine started her movement education path in college achieving a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from CSU Sacramento (2011), as well as a Minor in Dance. Her combined interest of those brought her to Pilates, receiving her comprehensive Pilates training with BASI Pilates under Karen Clippinger’s Dance Specialization program (2013). Building on knowledge from experience in physical therapy clinics, Pilates studios, and educational conferences, Christine then became a Pilates Principle Educator for Balanced Body Education (2019). Since 2019 she has traveled with the Balanced Body Education workout team to their Pilates On Tour conferences, attending conference circuit (i.e. IDEA World, PMA, etc.), and now presenting workshops internationally. In maintaining a continuous goal of expanding movement knowledge, she utilizes her mechanical and kinesiological understanding along with innovations of contemporary, Pilates-informed movement. To put it simply, she strives to help every body find their most balanced quality of movement, and feel good doing it!
christine.crooks@pilates.com
Lesley Logan (Las Vegas, NV)
MA, NCPT
Profitable Pilates
Lesley Logan, a certified Pilates teacher, habits, breathwork and mindset coach, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorials, where you can also find weekly Pilates classes and workshops. And also the founder of ProfitablePilates.com where you’ll find hundreds of free business blogs, dozens of workshops and an online coaching program AGENCY.
Teaching Pilates since 2008, she has run multiple studios, has trained hundreds of people to become teachers themselves and has taught thousands of students. When not teaching or coaching from her studio in Las Vegas, Lesley she’s hosting her podcast Be It Till You See it or traveling the world leading Pilates retreats. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan.
LL@lesleylogan.co
Nico Gonzalez (Blue Ash, OH)
BS, NCPT, ACE-PT
Fitness Physiques by Nico G
Nico Gonzalez is a global educator in both Pilates and fitness bringing over 25 years of experience from the industry. Nico has traveled internationally over the past 15 years delivering workshops in movement, studio management, and motivation.
Currently Nico owns the brick and mortar Fitness Physiques by Nico G in Blue Ash, Ohio where he trains clients throughout the week. This is also where he has the exclusive Southwest Ohio Authorized Training Center for Balanced Body education in Pilates, Anatomy in 3 Dimensions, CoreAlign, Bodhi, & MOTR. Nico is also the creator and master trainer for Vital Online Wellness; an online resource for movement specialists looking for next-level education.
mrnicog@gmail.com
Shelly Power (Miami, FL)
BS, NCPT
Polestar Pilates
Shelly Power has taught for Polestar Pilates since 1992. Shelly teaches nationally and internationally for Polestar, administers exams, conducts Pilates workshops and Polestar Mentor and Educator trainings worldwide. She is a frequent presenter at international fitness and Pilates conferences. Shelly danced professionally for 12 years and received her BS degree in Dance from California State University, Sacramento, where she served on the faculty from 1992-1998. Shelly is certified in GYROTONIC®, having trained with Angela Crowley, and has completed the 1st year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. She has been a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) and is a NCPT. Shelly served on the PMA Board of Directors and on several PMA committees.
shelly@polestarpilates.com
Ashima Rangi (Kolkata, India)
Balanced Body Certified Pilates Teacher
Pilates with Ashima,
Ashima Rangi is a Kolkata-based Balanced Body certified Pilates teacher, educator, and founder of Pilates with Ashima, one of the first Pilates studio in the city.
With close to a decade of experience as a movement professional, including seven years dedicated to learning and teaching Pilates, Ashima is guided by the mantra, “movement is medicine,” and approaches Pilates as a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being. She has worked with clients across a wide range of fitness needs and goals, including athletes, active agers, and pre- and postnatal individuals, helping them experience the transformative value of Pilates.
Ashima was drawn to Pilates for its unique ability to cultivate body awareness, strength with control, and fluid, intentional movement. Her teaching philosophy reflects these principles, with classes designed to create an experience that is both empowering and sustainable.
In addition to her teaching practice, Ashima has also mentored aspiring instructors through their Pilates teaching journeys. She now looks forward to supporting and educating more teachers through Balanced Body education and training programs.
Bindiya Shetty (Mumbai, India)
Balanced Body Certified Pilates Teacher, Pilates Institute of America, Balanced Body MOTR Certified, Animal Flow by Global Bodyweight Training & Movement Flow
Radhika’s Balanced Body
Bindiya Shetty is a Balanced Body educator, an internationally certified group exercise teacher from Reebok Instructor Alliance, and a personal trainer with over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry.
Bindiya is one of the first in India to become a Balanced Body comprehensively certified Pilates teacher in 2019, placing her in a very elite category.
As the Head of Learning and Development at Radhika’s Balanced Body, Bindiya brings her wide variety of training techniques to the various workshops she teaches. Bindiya’s wide knowledge is evident through the workshops she teaches – From Sharpening your Verbal Cues to Teaching Effective Multilevel Group Classes to Pilates for Pregnancy.
Through a combination of mobility, strength, balance, and agility, Bindiya creates good strong movement for life which she brings to her clients who range from age 13 to 83.
bee.shetty@gmail.com
Viktor Uygan (Mission Viejo, CA)
NCPT, BBME
Konnect Method
Viktor Uygan is the Creator of the Konnect Method and the Inventor of the Balanced Body Konnector. The Konnector is a single-rope pulley system with loops for all four limbs. The patented design enables the independent yet simultaneous movement of both arms and legs while the user experiences constant proprioceptive feedback through the single rope.
This innovative concept came from his Konnect Method. However, Viktor’s journey to the Konnector and his Konnect Methodology grew from many roots.
Viktor’s formal movement studies began in dance as a young boy with ballet training in Turkey and Italy. With multiple certifications and mastery level ballet training (Cecchetti technique and American Ballet Theater curriculum), along with over 15 years of a successful professional ballet career, Viktor shifted his focus to the kinesiological side of the human movement.
In 1992, Viktor started studying with the BodyCode System and Gyrotonic® in Italy. He was introduced to Pilates after moving to the US in 1993 and studied for six years before he was certified in 1999 from DK Body Balancing through the University of Nevada, accredited through the Nevada State Board of Physical Therapy.
Viktor is grateful to have had the pleasure of learning from many great mentors in the industry during these last twenty years of teaching. He has been a Balanced Body Master Instructor since 2012, teaching the entire Pilates comprehensive, Anatomy in 3D, Bodhi, MOTR, and CoreAlign courses.
Intertwining the foundations of ballet artistry, anatomical structure, and kinesiological functionality, Viktor explored and expanded on his origins of movement to create his Konnect Method. He is now traveling worldwide with Pilates on Tour and movement conferences, training instructors on a wide variety of new and innovative exercises with the Konnector, and his Konnect Method.
Info@konnectmethod.com
Chandana Mannedi (Hyderabad, India)
(BPT) (DDH & RC, AMS)
Flex Pilates Studios
Physiotherapist and movement therapist with over 18 years of experience in rehabilitation, clinical Pilates, and fascia-informed manual therapies. Founder of Flex Pilates studios in Hyderabad integrating physiotherapy, movement therapy, and recovery modalities. Experienced in educating movement professionals and communicating movement science concepts to both practitioners and the public through workshops, mentorship programs, and digital platforms.
Chetan Mahadik (Mumbai, India)
Balanced Body Educator & Head Trainer at Radhika’s Balanced Body.
Chetan Mahadik is a Balanced Body Educator & Head Trainer at Radhika’s Balanced Body. With 18+ years of experience as an S&C coach and functional training instructor, as well as over 7 years as a Pilates teacher under the mentorship of Radhika Karle, Chetan infuses his S&C background into Pilates.
As Head Trainer, Chetan leads workshops nationwide, headlines fitness expos, and creates continuing education programs that keep building Pilates professionals skills. Chetan’s philosophy is simple: healthier is happier.
cmfitnesscoach@gmail.com
Dr. Deepali Gupta (Pune, India)
MD (Hom), PGDHM, PGDCP, ACSM, NCPT, BBME
iKore Pilates
Dr. Deepali Gupta has been presented with The Pilates Ambassador India – Asia award by the Asia
Pilates Alliance (APA).She is a Balanced Body Educator, recognized for her expertise in various specialized subjects such as Anatomy in 3 Dimensions, Pilates (Parts 1 and 2), Corealign (Levels 1 and 2), MOTR, Bodhi, and Advanced Movement Principle.
Her extensive qualifications include completion of the Franklin program (Level 2) and proficiency in
teaching Garuda matwork. She also conducts Y.U.R back classes, specializing in back injuries. Dr. Deepali Gupta is certified in Fletcher work and as a Vagus nerve reset professional.
Her impressive credentials include an M.D in Homeopathy, a Doctor of Medicine in Homeopathy, a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (PGDCP), and a Post Graduate Diploma in Emergency Medical Science (PGDEMS).
Dr.Deepali Gupta is passionate about inspiring, educating and empowering pilates teachers and is
thrilled to be working with Balanced Body on this mission. She is the Founder and Director of the Homeopathic Fitness Studio, iKore Pilates, and also serves as the Managing Director of iKore Pilates Education.
deepali@ikorepilates.com
Radhika Karle (Mumbai, India)
MS (Nutrition & Dietetics) – USA, BBME
Radhika Karle is a Balanced Body Pilates Master Educator, founder of Radhika’s Balanced Body – a chain of fully equipped Pilates studios across Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Radhika has been teaching Pilates for 18 years and has been a Balanced Body Educator for 10 years.
Her Pilates classes include a healthy mix of strength training, mobility, and balance while weaving in Joseph Pilate’s principles of focus & concentration, flow, and whole body integration.
Through the Balanced Body Pilates education program, she has trained over 300 fitness professionals and enthusiasts from all over India as well as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Middle East, Nepal, and Bhutan.
radhika@balancedbody.in
Rucha Deshpande (Pune, India)
Ballerina | ACSM Certified Personal Trainer | Balanced Body Master Educator — Comprehensive Pilates & Barre
Rucha Deshpande is the founder of R Pilates — Pune’s first dedicated Pilates studio, now expanded across Pune, Mumbai, and Kolhapur. A ballerina at heart and movement educator by profession, her work is deeply rooted in precision, fluidity, strength, and mindful movement. As an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Balanced Body Master Educator for Comprehensive Pilates and Barre, Rucha has spent years building a movement space that blends classical movement principles with contemporary functional training.
Her teaching style is known for its strong emphasis on alignment, posture, body awareness, and graceful strength, drawing inspiration from both Pilates and ballet. Alongside training clients from varied backgrounds, she is deeply passionate about mentoring future instructors and helping people build a more confident, connected relationship with their bodies through movement. Through R Pilates, Rucha continues to create spaces that feel empowering, intelligent, and welcoming — where movement becomes not just exercise, but a lifelong practice.
ruchadeshpandemulay@gmail.com
Sheetal Shah (Mumbai, India)
Balanced Body Educator
Sheetal embarked on her fitness journey after becoming a mother and leaving her career in asset management. She spent years trying everything – from aerobics, weight training, yoga and spinning. Despite exploring & training at all avenues, she found something lacking in her routine, essentially a mind-body connection missing.
This quest led her to discover the world of Pilates, and in 2010 she obtained certification from Balanced Body Inc., mastering various Pilates equipment. She then established Sheetal’s Core Pilates Studio, dedicated to improving the fitness, flexibility, and overall well-being of her diverse clientele, from working professionals to celebrities and athletes. Sheetal’s passion for Pilates has made her a dedicated advocate for holistic health and fitness in Bombay.
sheetal1969@yahoo.com
Dr. Shilpa Narang (Surat, Gujarat)
BPT, Balanced Body Comprehensively Certified, DNHE, IAFT Certified Therapeutic Power Yoga
FITMOTIVATION
Dr. Shilpa Narang is a physiotherapist, balanced body Pilates Master Educator, with additional qualifications in nutrition (D.N.H.E) and power yoga (IAFT certified). She is the Director of FitMotivation, the largest exclusive Pilates studio in South Gujarat, and the owner of three studios in Surat (Vesu, Pal, and Katargam).
Recognised for her contributions to health and fitness, she has received multiple accolades, including the Excellence in Health and Fitness Award at the MY FM Food and Lifestyle Awards (2017), and the Women of Wonders Award (2020). She has also been featured among the 20 Most Influential Women Entrepreneurs at WIN Meet (2017), highlighted in the entrepreneur section of Women Shine Magazine, and recognised as one of the most influential women of the city by Upena Jewels. In 2021, she was felicitated by Harsh Sanghvi at ‘The Unstoppable Force’ Women’s Day event by BMW Eminent Cars.
www.fitmotivation.in
Viktor Uygan (Mission Viejo, CA)
NCPT, BBME
Konnect Method
Viktor Uygan is the Creator of the Konnect Method and the Inventor of the Balanced Body Konnector. The Konnector is a single-rope pulley system with loops for all four limbs. The patented design enables the independent yet simultaneous movement of both arms and legs while the user experiences constant proprioceptive feedback through the single rope.
This innovative concept came from his Konnect Method. However, Viktor’s journey to the Konnector and his Konnect Methodology grew from many roots.
Viktor’s formal movement studies began in dance as a young boy with ballet training in Turkey and Italy. With multiple certifications and mastery level ballet training (Cecchetti technique and American Ballet Theater curriculum), along with over 15 years of a successful professional ballet career, Viktor shifted his focus to the kinesiological side of the human movement.
In 1992, Viktor started studying with the BodyCode System and Gyrotonic® in Italy. He was introduced to Pilates after moving to the US in 1993 and studied for six years before he was certified in 1999 from DK Body Balancing through the University of Nevada, accredited through the Nevada State Board of Physical Therapy.
Viktor is grateful to have had the pleasure of learning from many great mentors in the industry during these last twenty years of teaching. He has been a Balanced Body Master Instructor since 2012, teaching the entire Pilates comprehensive, Anatomy in 3D, Bodhi, MOTR, and CoreAlign courses.
Intertwining the foundations of ballet artistry, anatomical structure, and kinesiological functionality, Viktor explored and expanded on his origins of movement to create his Konnect Method. He is now traveling worldwide with Pilates on Tour and movement conferences, training instructors on a wide variety of new and innovative exercises with the Konnector, and his Konnect Method.
Info@konnectmethod.com
Sneha Krishna (Bangalore, India)
Balanced Body Master Educator
Transcendfit
Sneha Krishna is a Balanced Body Master Educator in Bangalore, India, with over 18 years of experience. She is a PN2 coach, a COMT & an FM1 practitioner with a Master’s degree in Biochemistry. She bridges foundational science & applied movement practice through clinical reasoning and embodied exploration. She teaches fascia science to debunk myths. She is the founder of Transcendfit and has presented at the Fascia Research Congress, British Fascia Symposium, and World Fascia Congress. She is currently serving as Chair of Communications for the Fascia Research Society. Loves the idea of shared knowledge.
Yasmin Kaura (Delhi, India)
Balanced Body Comprehensive Educator
Sanctum Pilates
Yasmin Kaura is a Balanced Body Comprehensive Educator and the founder of Sanctum Pilates, a boutique home studio based in New Delhi, India. Her journey with Pilates began nearly 20 years ago when she discovered it as a rehabilitation modality that helped her restore strength, mobility, and confidence in her body. What began as a personal healing practice evolved into a lifelong passion, ultimately inspiring her to transition into teaching full-time almost a decade ago.
As a movement educator, Yasmin is deeply focused on creating intentional movement experiences that cultivate strength, awareness, and a deeper connection to the body. Her teaching blends Pilates principles with contemporary movement science to offer classes that are intelligent, accessible, and thoughtfully challenging for both body and mind.
She has a particular interest in anatomy-informed movement, rehabilitation-focused training, and the relationship between movement and overall wellbeing. Through her work, Yasmin aims to help clients move with greater ease, resilience, and confidence while fostering a more mindful relationship with themselves.