

PMA Phoenix Conference 2025
April 25-27, 2025
Foshan Marriott Hotel
Foshan, Guangdong, China
Welcome to the PMA Phoenix Conference 2025!
Join us for an extraordinary gathering of Pilates professionals, educators, and movement specialists at the PMA Phoenix Conference 2025 in Foshan, China. This premier international event brings together thought leaders and innovators in the Pilates industry to share their expertise, inspire growth, and foster a global community.
Whether you are an experienced teacher, a healthcare professional, or a dedicated practitioner, this conference offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge, refine your skills, and connect with industry leaders.
Gain exclusive insights from world-renowned Pilates educators and healthcare experts.
Experience hands-on workshops designed to elevate your practice and teaching skills.
Expand your professional network with like-minded practitioners from around the world.
Get ready to…
Explore Event Details
Set in the vibrant city of Foshan, the conference will take place at the luxurious Foshan Marriott Hotel, offering an ideal setting for both learning and relaxation. Our diverse sessions will be offered in both English and Chinese to ensure a rich, inclusive experience for all attendees. Register today and secure your spot for a comprehensive learning experience.
Dates: April 25-27, 2025
Location: Foshan Marriott Hotel, Foshan, Guangdong, China
Language: Sessions available in English & Chinese
Registration Fees:
Full Conference: 3200 RMB (450 USD)
Single Workshop Day: 1900 RMB (270 USD)
Venue & Accommodation
Experience comfort and convenience during your stay at the Foshan Marriott Hotel or Courtyard by Marriott Foshan, both located near the conference venue. Enjoy easy access to the conference via public transport and nearby airports ensures a hassle-free arrival. For attendees traveling to Foshan, a 144-hour transit visa is available. Please visit the Chinese Visa Website for more details and to prepare for your journey.
Conference Location: Foshan Marriott Hotel, Foshan, Guangdong, China
Foshan Marriott Hotel Address: No. 38 Haibadong Road, Guicheng Street, Nanhai District, Foshan, Guangdong, China
Additional Transportation Information:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport – 50 km
Foshan Shadi Airport – 10 km
Subway: Financial Hi-Tech Zone Station
Visa Information:
144-hour transit visa available. Details at: Chinese Visa Website
MEET YOUR PRESENTERS
MEET YOUR PRESENTERS
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Ann Toran
Polestar Pilates Certified, Balanced Body Master Instructor
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Changhai Zheng
Founder of Dongwen Medical-Sports Education & Horizon Pilates
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Ava Rodriguez
Movement Specialist, International Presenter, Joint Mobility Expert
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CK Chen
Founder of Body Concept Pilates & GYROTONIC® Studio
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Junko Sakurai
Lolita San Miguel Disciple, Owner of Pilates Body Studio
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Derrick Cope
Founder of China’s First Professional Pilates Studio
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Heba Abdel Gawad
Co-founder of .body//HACK: fitness education, Z-Health Master Trainer
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Jordanna Smith
BASI Principal Faculty, Owner of S&J Integrated Wellness
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Cholthicha Srivisal
Lead Instructor trainer for Merrithew® (STOTT PILATES®), Instructor Trainer & Movement Specialist
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Viktor Uygan
Founder of Konnect Method and Balanced Body Master Instructor
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Natascha Eyber
BASI Principal Faculty, Managing Director of BASI Germany
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Richard Brown
Founder of Sino-British Academy, Founder of Bodyworks Studio Shanghai, Masters in Osteopathy
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Ying Yu
Founder of MAGIC BIRTH®, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
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William Li
MD, PT, Balanced Body Educator
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Daniel Vladeta
Oov® Founder
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Ziheng (Loki) Wang
Founder of Shanghai iSpiral® Movement Education
DISCOVER CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
DISCOVER CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
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Ann Toran, USA, Polestar Pilates Certified, Balanced Body Master Instructor
Modern lifestyles contribute to forward flexion dominance, leading to postural imbalances, back pain, and decreased mobility. This workshop focuses on activating the back line of the body, shifting the emphasis from traditional abdominal-centered Pilates training to a more balanced approach. Through a series of targeted Reformer exercises, participants will learn techniques to improve spinal extension, posterior chain engagement, and postural strength. The session includes movement assessments, cueing strategies, and class sequencing methods to create dynamic, well-rounded workouts. Instructors will leave with the tools to optimize movement quality, address common postural issues, and enhance client performance and comfort.
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Changhai Zheng, China, Founder of Dongwen Medical-Sports Education & Horizon Pilates
Breathwork plays a crucial role in postural alignment, spinal stabilization, and overall movement quality—especially for individuals with scoliosis. This workshop explores the relationship between different types of Pilates breathing and their effects on spinal mechanics. Participants will gain an understanding of scoliosis classifications, how breathing patterns influence spinal asymmetries, and techniques to improve postural balance through guided breathwork. The session includes practical applications for integrating breath control into Pilates training, helping instructors create targeted programs for clients with spinal deviations. By refining breathing techniques, practitioners can support spinal health, improve mobility, and enhance overall body function.
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Ava Rodriguez, Australia, Movement Specialist, International Presenter, Joint Mobility Expert
Knee pain and instability are common challenges that can disrupt movement quality, limit performance, and lead to compensatory patterns. This workshop addresses the underlying causes of knee dysfunction and how to effectively strengthen and stabilize the joint using Pilates principles. Participants will explore the difference between adapting around pain and actually improving knee function through targeted joint work. Through practical exercises, movement analysis, and cueing techniques, instructors will gain a deeper understanding of how to create safe, effective programming that enhances knee strength, balance, and longevity, helping clients move with confidence and efficiency in daily life and training.
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CK Chen, China, Founder of Body Concept Pilates & GYROTONIC® Studio
Breathing is the foundation of movement, yet many instructors struggle to guide it effectively. This workshop provides a structured approach to assessing and optimizing breath mechanics in Pilates practice. Participants will explore common breathing cues, their impact on different client populations, and how to refine them for better movement efficiency. The session covers breathing techniques for relaxation, core activation, and postural control, ensuring instructors can tailor their approach to individual needs. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be able to integrate precise breathwork strategies that enhance body awareness, spinal stability, and overall movement quality.
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Junko Sakurai, Japan, Lolita San Miguel Disciple, Owner of Pilates Body Studio
Pilates is a method for all bodies, but how can instructors effectively adapt exercises for individuals with limited mobility, low fitness levels, or those in post-rehabilitation phases? This workshop focuses on intelligent modifications using the Spine Corrector and Cadillac to create greater body awareness and control. Participants will explore strategies to maintain the essence of Pilates while adjusting exercises to suit different abilities and needs. By deepening their understanding of progressive adaptations, instructors will leave with practical tools to ensure that every client, regardless of fitness level, can experience the benefits of Pilates safely and effectively.
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Derrick Cope, China, Founder of China’s First Professional Pilates Studio
As modern lifestyles increasingly involve prolonged screen use and poor posture, neck and shoulder pain have become widespread issues. This workshop provides a deep dive into the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine, scapula, and shoulder girdle, helping instructors better understand common movement dysfunctions. Participants will explore practical strategies for improving mobility, reducing tension, and strengthening key stabilizers using Pilates-based exercises. The session also covers common misconceptions about neck and shoulder pain, offering corrective techniques that integrate mat and equipment-based Pilates. Instructors will leave with targeted movement solutions to support postural alignment, injury prevention, and functional strength.
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Heba Abdel Gawad, Egypt/Middle East, Co-founder of .body//HACK: fitness education, Z-Health Master Trainer
Posture and gait are direct reflections of brain function, offering valuable insight into movement efficiency and dysfunction. This workshop introduces instructors to neuroanatomical pathways that govern posture, balance, and walking patterns. Through a neurological approach, participants will learn to assess key elements of gait, including stride length, arm swing, and cadence, while recognizing signs of nervous system imbalances. The session provides practical movement interventions that integrate seamlessly into Pilates training, helping clients improve coordination, stability, and postural alignment. By applying neuroscience principles, instructors can refine their teaching and enhance client outcomes through brain-based movement strategies.
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Jordanna Smith, Australia, BASI Principal Faculty, Owner of S&J Integrated Wellness
The pelvic floor and psoas play a critical role in posture, core stability, and movement efficiency. This workshop explores their anatomical function and how they interact within the Pilates method. Participants will learn targeted release techniques to improve mobility, reduce tension, and enhance functional strength in these key muscle groups. The session includes practical applications of Pilates exercises designed to activate, strengthen, and condition the pelvic floor and psoas while maintaining proper alignment. Instructors will leave with strategies to integrate these concepts into their teaching, benefiting clients recovering from injury, improving athletic performance, or addressing postural imbalances.
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Cholthicha Srivisal, Thailand, Lead Instructor trainer for Merrithew® (STOTT PILATES®), Instructor Trainer & Movement Specialist
Fascia plays a crucial role in movement efficiency, strength, and injury prevention, yet it is often overlooked in traditional Pilates training. This workshop explores fascial-focused movement techniques on the Reformer, integrating multi-dimensional, dynamic exercises to enhance elasticity, fluidity, and whole-body connectivity. Participants will learn how oscillation, pulsing, and recoil movements improve fascial adaptability and resilience. The session includes practical applications of elastic recoil mechanics, varied tempos, and multi-planar sequencing, allowing instructors to refine their teaching and modify Reformer exercises for optimal fascial hydration, stimulation, and release. This interactive session blends scientific insights with hands-on movement to help deepen the understanding of fascia in Pilates practice.
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Viktor Uygan, Turkey, Founder of Konnect Method and Balanced Body Master Instructor
Pilates mat work is traditionally floor-based, but integrating myofascial slings, reciprocal tension, and resistance can elevate its impact on neuromuscular coordination, stability, and whole-body integration. This workshop explores how the Konnections Band enhances both horizontal and vertical movement patterns, deepening proprioception and movement control. Participants will experience seamless transitions from floor exercises to standing work, optimizing balance, strength, and flow. Through targeted resistance training, instructors will gain innovative strategies to refine movement efficiency, improve stability, and expand their approach to mat-based and functional standing exercises. This session blends scientific principles with dynamic movement applications for a fully integrated Pilates experience.
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Natascha Eyber, Germany, BASI Principal Faculty, Managing Director of BASI Germany
Flow is one of the fundamental principles of Pilates, yet it is often the missing element in many classes. This workshop explores how to create seamless movement transitions using the BASI Block System, ensuring a structured yet adaptable class experience. Participants will learn how to design workouts that enhance fluidity, precision, and control while catering to different skill levels. The session includes both theoretical insights and practical demonstrations, helping instructors refine their cueing, pacing, and exercise sequencing. By mastering the art of flow, instructors can improve client engagement, optimize workout efficiency, and elevate the overall movement experience.
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Richard Brown, UK/China, Founder of Sino-British Academy, Founder of Bodyworks Studio Shanghai, Masters in Osteopathy
Breathing is often overlooked as a key element of core stabilization, yet it plays a fundamental role in movement efficiency, spinal support, and overall body function. This workshop delves into the relationship between the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, and intra-abdominal pressure in core activation. Participants will explore different breathing techniques and their effects on postural alignment, movement control, and athletic performance. The session includes practical applications for integrating breath training into Pilates practice, helping instructors refine their approach to cueing and sequencing. By enhancing breath control, practitioners can improve movement fluidity, reduce tension, and optimize core stability.
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Ying Yu, China, Founder of MAGIC BIRTH®, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
Teaching prenatal and postnatal clients requires a specialized approach that integrates medical knowledge with movement science. This workshop offers a systematic framework for adapting Pilates Reformer exercises for pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the physiological and biomechanical changes that occur during each stage, as well as key contraindications and safety considerations. The session covers core stabilization, pelvic floor function, and breath control to support both maternal health and recovery. By combining research-based insights with practical applications, instructors will leave with the confidence to create safe, effective, and empowering sessions for mothers.
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William Li , China, MD, PT, Balanced Body Educator
The shoulder complex is one of the most mobile yet vulnerable areas of the body, affecting everything from posture to upper body strength and movement efficiency. This workshop introduces the concept of the ""upper core"" and its role in stabilizing the shoulders while maintaining mobility. Participants will explore the anatomy of the scapula, rotator cuff, and thoracic spine, learning how they interact to support functional movement. Through targeted Pilates-based exercises, instructors will develop strategies to improve shoulder mechanics, prevent dysfunction, and enhance movement patterns. This session equips participants with practical techniques to restore optimal shoulder function for all clients.
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Daniel Vladeta, Australia, Oov® Founder
Are stability and control the same, or do they serve different roles in movement? This workshop explores the science behind these concepts and how they impact functional movement, injury prevention, and Pilates training. Using the innovative Oov® tool, participants will learn how the body generates stability and control through dynamic movement rather than static positioning. The session includes practical applications for improving core function, spinal alignment, and neuromuscular coordination. By integrating Oov® principles into Pilates practice, instructors will gain strategies to help clients develop deeper body awareness, improve proprioception, and enhance movement efficiency across all fitness levels.
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Ziheng (Loki) Wang, China, Founder of Shanghai iSpiral® Movement Education
Pilates is more than just exercise—it’s a movement system that enhances body awareness and neuromuscular control. This workshop explores the role of tactile learning in Pilates instruction, integrating principles from Contact Improvisation and Body-Mind Centering® to refine movement execution. Participants will learn how to use hands-on techniques to guide students toward better proprioception, spatial awareness, and movement efficiency. The session includes practical drills that enhance touch-based cueing, improve instructor-client communication, and reshape movement patterns for long-term results. By mastering tactile guidance, instructors can create a deeper learning experience that enhances their clients’ ability to move with precision and ease.
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Changhai Zheng, China, Founder of Dongwen Medical-Sports Education & Horizon Pilates
The backline of the body plays a crucial role in posture, movement efficiency, and overall structural balance, yet fascial restrictions often lead to dysfunction and pain. This workshop explores the role of dynamic fascial stretching in improving flexibility, spinal mobility, and muscular coordination. Participants will learn targeted techniques to release fascial tension, enhance movement freedom, and support proper postural alignment. The session includes practical applications using Pilates-based exercises to optimize fascial elasticity and full-body integration. Instructors will leave with strategies to incorporate dynamic stretching techniques into Pilates programming to help clients improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and refine movement patterns.
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Ava Rodriguez, Australia, Movement Specialist, International Presenter, Joint Mobility Expert
The hips are one of the most powerful yet frequently restricted joints in the body, affecting posture, spinal alignment, and athletic performance. This workshop explores the difference between conventional hip mobility exercises and targeted joint training for lasting movement improvements. Participants will learn how to assess hip function, recognize movement compensations, and apply specialized techniques to unlock hip stability and range of motion. Through hands-on applications and Pilates-based movement strategies, instructors will gain the tools to help clients restore fluidity, strength, and resilience in the hips, reducing stiffness and enhancing overall movement efficiency.
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Richard Brown, UK/China, Founder of Sino-British Academy, Founder of Bodyworks Studio Shanghai, Masters in Osteopathy
Pilates traditionally emphasizes a posterior thoracic breathing method, but integrating alternative breathing techniques can enhance the mind-body connection, nervous system regulation, and overall movement efficiency. This workshop explores various breathwork methods, including hypopressive breathing, CO₂ tolerance training, and breath pattern variability, to optimize core engagement, spinal stability, and immune function. Participants will learn how breathing affects emotional state, heart rate variability, and neuromuscular control, and how to apply these principles within Pilates training and daily practice. Instructors will leave with practical tools to enhance breath awareness, support client well-being, and integrate holistic breathing strategies into Pilates sessions.
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William Li , China, MD, PT, Balanced Body Educator
Lower limb injuries, whether post-surgical or chronic, require a structured rehabilitation approach that balances stability, mobility, and functional strength. This workshop explores the role of Pilates in lower limb rehabilitation, focusing on common injuries, biomechanics, and movement re-education. Participants will learn how to assess joint mechanics, identify movement compensations, and implement progressive exercises for optimal recovery. Through practical demonstrations, instructors will explore techniques for supporting knee, hip, and ankle function while minimizing strain. This session equips Pilates professionals with the skills to work confidently with clients recovering from lower limb injuries, improving movement efficiency and long-term resilience.
The PMA Phoenix Conference 2025 in Foshan, China, is a must-attend event for Pilates professionals, educators, and movement specialists. This premier international conference offers exclusive insights from world-renowned experts, hands-on workshops to elevate your practice, and opportunities to connect with a global community of like-minded professionals.
This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge, enhance your skills, and strengthen connections within the Pilates community.
Register today and secure your spot at this transformative event!
Volunteer for the PMA Conference 2025
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and connect with the global Pilates community?
Volunteering at the PMA Conference 2025 is your chance to contribute to an unforgettable event, meet like-minded professionals, and play an essential role in bringing this experience to life. As a volunteer, you will be able to Support your Pilates Community. Help create a welcoming and seamless experience for attendees from around the world. Build Lasting Connections… Network with industry leaders, presenters, and peers while gaining insider access to the event. And Immerse yourself in the energy, knowledge, and innovation of the Pilates world.
Volunteering isn’t just about helping—it’s about growing, connecting, and being part of something extraordinary!
Help make the PMA Conference a success!
We can’t wait to have you on the team!