Bälans

Joakim Valsinger and Karen McGilvray teamed up in 2005 to open Bälans Pilates Studio & Treatment Rooms. Here they have created a small, personal well-being centre offering a diverse but complimentary range of services where clients will find quality ‘one to one’ service and attention to detail as standard.

Joakim, a Swedish born Australian came to the UK in 1998. A former Australian Army Reserve Commando, Bondi Beach Surf Life Saver and TA Physical Training Instructor, Joakim is a Level 3 Pilates Teacher and Sports Therapist. His clients include professional and elite sports people ranging from Polo, Dressage, Motor Racing, Hockey and the dance industry. He provides services for the Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport and is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals the body governing standards in the UK. In addition to his work at Bälans, Joakim is the Lead Instructor in Perth for British Military Fitness, running classes at The North Inch and is a regular Guest Instructor in his hometown Stockholm teaching Army Fitness Classes, and Pilates.

Karen has worked for over 16 years in the beauty industry, setting up ‘The Spa’ in Ivy Court Leisure Club in Perth in 2001. She also ran two Treatment Suites at the breathtaking Kinfauns Castle Hotel in Perthshire which she operated up until its sale in 2004 when she went to work at a luxury spa resort in Canada, the Inn at Manitou. Devoted to continual research, Karen has extensive first hand experience of award winning spas in the Maldives, North America, Malaysia, Australia and Switzerland, Spain and Sweden. Karen understands the standard of treatments one can expect at world class establishments and has a real passion for the industry. The influences she has found on her travels can be seen in the special touches and techniques incorporated into the Treatment Menu at and the environment at Bälans.

With attention to detail paramount, the Treatment Rooms offer a unique fusion of varied cultures and are adorned with little treasures brought back by Karen and Joakim from overseas. The warmth of rich wood, soothing aromas and custom built furniture create a relaxing atmosphere. The natural interior colours were chosen as they are said to support earthiness and help one find their own balance. At Bälans you will find an exciting range of quality treatments performed by experienced staff at a sensible price.

All the signage within Bälans is in Joakim’s native tongue, Swedish, as is of course the name of the business which means ‘Balance’. This word was chosen to represent Joakim and Karen’s intention of creating a space where everyone can refresh their connection with themselves and find a healthier, more balanced way of living.