The People Behind Pilates Nation
Experienced, internationally qualified and passionate about just one thing - helping you become all that you can be. Each of our instructors employs a unique focus to help you get the most from every session.
Richard Kanellis
Co-founder of Pilates Nation, Physiotherapist, Pilates Instructor and Co-Creator of Bootcamp Pilates Antwerp, Treadlates™ and Interval XT™
With a BSc in physiotherapy from King’s College London, Richard Kanellis represents the science behind Pilates Nation. He brings a deep understanding of human anatomy to the world of fitness and a dedication to getting the best results for his clients.
Along with weight training, running and spinning, Richard developed an early passion for Pilates and received private tuition from master instructor, Alan Herdman, the first to introduce Pilates to the UK.
Richard is a highly experienced physiotherapist, a STOTT PILATES® certified instructor in matwork and reformer and an APPI fully certified clinical Pilates instructor.
Layal Nasser
Co-founder of Pilates Nation, Co-Creator of Bootcamp Pilates Antwerp, Treadlates™ and Interval XT™
With over 14 years of fitness and sports experience under her belt, Layal co-founded Pilates Nation with a plethora of nutritional and fitness expertise.
Lama Nasser
Bootcamp Pilates Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor
Harnessing the power of Pilates to restore the balance of both mind and body, Lama Nasser brings extensive experience in fitness and yoga to Pilates Nation. Lama is passionate about helping others attain their goals and lets you gain a deeper understanding of your body through a fun approach to exercise.
As well as traditional and Bootcamp Pilates, Lama also has experience in teaching TaeBo, Step, BodyToning, Latino Move, BBB, and CardioBurn.
Lama holds certificates in nutrition and fitness instruction from LifeTime Health & Fitness. She is also a qualified Bootcamp Pilates instructor and is currently working on completing her Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Certification.
Kristien Van Hekken
Bootcamp Pilates Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor
Kristien has had a passion for fitness for as long as she can remember. Since receiving her certificate in Teaching Exercise to Music in 1997, she has worked as an instructor in gyms from Antwerp to the Caribbean.
Kristien is experienced in teaching a variety of fitness methods from Tae-Bo to Step, Body Toning, Cardio and Body Pump.
Pilates first entered the frame while touring the UK and USA in 2001. Since then, Kristien has immersed herself in the Pilates method, becoming a Bootcamp Pilates instructor in 2009. A passionate fitness enthusiast, Kristien knows just how to get your body moving to the beat.


