Presenters

Alexis Batrakoulis
  • Director of Education, Personal Training, GRAFTS 
  • Head of the Thessaly Branch, GRAFTS
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • Coordinator for International Relations & Affairs, GRAFTS
  • 2017 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year Award Finalist
  • 2018 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year Award Winner
  • PhD candidate, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Greece, in the field of "Exercise & Obesity"
  • MSc in Exercise and Health, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Greece, with specialization in Weight Management and a thesis in "Exercise & Obesity"
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, with specialization in Indoor Sports Activities
  • NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT),ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), ACSM Exercise is Medicine Level 2 (ACSM-EIM 2)
  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT), ACE Certified Health Coach (ACE-CHC), ACE Youth Fitness Specialist (ACE-YFS), ACE Senior Fitness Specialist (ACE-SFS), ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist (ACE-FNS), ACE Weight Management Specialist (ACE-WMS), ACE Therapeutic Exercise Specialist (ACE-TES)
  • AFAA Group Exercise Instructor (AFAA-GFI)
  • NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES),NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES), NASM Weight Loss Specialist (NASM-WMS)
  • EREPS Fitness Instructor EQF Level 3, EREPS Personal Trainer EQF Level 4, EREPS Weight Management Exercise Specialist EQF Level 5, EREPS Exercise for Health Specialist EQF Level 5, EREPS Advanced Exercise and Health Specialist EQF Level 6
  • GRAFTS Group Fitness Instructor, GRAFTS Fitness Instructor, GRAFTS Personal Trainer
  • EuropeActive Technical Expert Member (Pre-Diabetes Exercise Specialist) & Leader (Weight Management Exercise Specialist)
  • EuropeActive Professional Standards Committee Member
  • ACE International Master Trainer
  • ACE Subject Matter Expert
  • ACSM Exercise is Medicine Credential Committee Member
  • ACSM Professional Education Committee Member
  • ACSM Health & Fitness Summit Program Committee Member
  • NSCA Recognized Certified Personal Trainer Emeritus (RCPT*E)
  • ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), IDEA Health and Fitness Association, ECSS (European College of Sport Science) Member
  • International Fitness Educator & Presenter (Cyprus, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Netherlands, Italy, France, Austria, Latvia, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, India, Philippines, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, UK, USA, Mexico, South Korea)
  • International Approved Continuing Education Provider byACE, ACSM, AFAA, IFPA, ISSA, NASM, NSCA, NCSF, CanFitPro, PTA Global, REPS UK, Fitness Australia, EREPS
  • Presenter at Greek scientific and professional conferences (over 80 presentations)
  • Fitness/Personal Training columnist at www.scienceweb.gr
  • Fitness Ambassador POLAR Hellas/Cyprus
  • 1997 NABBA/WFF Mr. Fitness Hellas (2nd place)
  • Fitness professional since 1995
  • Former athlete (400 m.)

Yuri Feito

Yuri Feito is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Kennesaw University in the USA. As an educator he focuses on bridging theory and practice by incorporating real-life scenarios into his teaching. He holds a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) certificate from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a BSc in Exercise Science, Master degrees in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Public Health, and a PhD in Exercise Physiology. Prior to his academic career he worked for about a decade with a variety of clinical populations. During his studies he had the opportunity to serve alongside leading researchers in the scientific field of exercise (David R. Bassett Jr, Dixie L. Thompson, Edward Howley). His previous research interests included the use of objective measurements to promote and record physical activity in people of all ages. His current research focuses on understanding metabolic and cardiovascular responses to CrossFit type training and the potential role of this type of training in reducing chronic diseases. In addition, his research team is studying the psychological adjustments that influence participation in this new type of exercise. Finally, he is an expert and Member of many ACSM committees, and is one of the key authors of the forthcoming 11th edition of the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.

Panos Pantas

Panos Pantas has a PhD in Biochemistry and has been working as a personal trainer and international presenter of functional training in Europe and Asia for more than 20 years. He is the owner of the REBODY® center in Barcelona (www.rebody.eu) for more than 10 years. Panos is the creator of the REBODY® FTCOACH international certification program and the REBODY® PNF Training concept. His international team and he himself are representing REBODY® worldwide.

Haris Valsamidis

Haris Valsamidis is a graduate of the School of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and works in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Asklepion Hospital of Voula. His skills and scientific interests are focused, among others, on the areas of Pain Management, Health Coaching, and Therapeutic Exercise. He is a member of the Sports Medicine Association of Greece and of the Hellenic Society of Algology, a certified Health Coach by the American Council of Exercise - ACE, and creator of the STRONGBALL exercise program. He has worked as private MD in the field of tourist health in the region of Halkidiki (2 years), and as First Aid Officer at the Thessaloniki Football Clubs Association (4 years) and at the Tziolas 5x5 football courts (5 years). He has been an athlete of the Greek national swimming team with participations and distinctions in Balkan, Mediterranean, European and International student championships.

Georgios Georgiadis
  • Director of Education, Pilates Training, GRAFTS
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • MSc in Exercise and Health
  • Graduate of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal & Group Training

Giorgos Karanastasis
  • Director of Education, Core Fitness Knowledge, GRAFTS (starting 2013)
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • Doctoral student in Exercise Biology, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens  (2010 - today)
  • MSc in Prevention, Intervention and Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Main specialization: Swimming, Secondary specializations: Chronic Diseases, Water Polo
  • Certified Personal Trainer & Pilates Reformer Trainer by GRAFTS (ΕΗFA - EREPS)
  • Trainer in the Lifeguard School of Macedonia and head of the Thrace branch
  • Presenter in scientific and professional congresses in Greece and abroad
  • Lifestyle Coach Manager - Fitness / Management consultant in Greece and Cyprus
  • Scientific associate in gyms - fitness clubs and teams
  • Swimming coach - Rehabilitation coach for people with disabilities and chronic diseases
  • ELERGA (Hellenic Society of Ergospirometry and Rehabilitation), EEVFA (Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise) and ΕCSS Member

Vasilis Dimitropoulos
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal & Group Training
  • Head Master Trainer of RADICAL FITNESS

Asimina Karailia
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal Training, Group Training & Pilates Training (Mat, Props, Equipment)
  • Certified by PILATES COACH in Pilates Training (Mat, Props, Equipment)
  • Letter of Completion, YogaWorks (100h)
  • Introduction to the GYROKINESIS Method. The application of the GYROTONIC Method to special stools and mattresses (2007 - Evita Iliopoulou)
  • RADICAL FITNESS Master Trainer (Rad Kidz, Oxigeno)
  • Certified Basi Pilates 500h (Mat, Equipment)
  • Pre & Post Natal Pilates 28h

Stavros Karanastasis
  • GRAFTS Presenter
  • Graduate student in Molecular and Applied Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens
  • BSc in Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, with specialization in Training and Rehabilitation in Musculoskeletal Injuries & Diseases
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal Training, Vibration Training & Pilates Reformer. Certified by EuropeActive (EHFA/EREPS) - Advanced Health & Exercise Specialist (EQF Level 6)
  • Certified Soft tissue practitioner by IASTM.GR (FM1)

George Bougiatiotis
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • BSc in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, University of North Carolina
  • Dietetics and Physical Education, University of North Carolina
  • Certified by GRAFTS
  • 1st in Greece, IBFA, NABBA, NAC over 50, 2016
  • 6th NABBA Body Building World Champion, 2003
  • 6th in 1992 IFBB Mediterranean Championships

Julie Tzortzi
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens
  • Certified by EuropeActive - Advanced Health & Exercise Specialist (EREPS EQF level 6)
  • Group Fitness Manager
  • Education officer, Deutsche Aerobic Academie (DAA), up to 2007
  • Education officer, BCH (private fitness training provider), 1995-2005
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal Training (Elite level 3), Pilates (Mat, Props, Equipment), Aerial Yoga and Corrective Exercise by FT COACH
  • Spinning Certified (Schwinn)
  • RADICAL FITNESS Master Trainer (Rad Kidz, Oxizeno)
  • Sambala MDH Master Healer
  • Certified by Yoga Alliance (USA) - YogaWorks Diploma (200h & 300h)
  • Τhai-yoga massage Practitioner
  • Certified Laugher Yoga Leader
  • Certified Yin Yoga by David Kim
  • Author of the book "Aerobic theory and practice", Gymnastica Publications
  • International conference presenter since 1992

Sofia Tsatalmpasidou
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, with specialization "Swimming - Lifeguarding"
  • Head Coach Crossfit16
  • Certified by European Health and Fitness Asosation (EHFA/EREPS) - Exercise for Health (EQF L4)
  • Certified by NAF - Aerobic and Advanced Choreography instructor, Fitness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Pilates Basic and Advanced Master Trainer
  • Certified by Peak Pilates / Colleen Glenn - Advanced Mat and Power Circle Trainer
  • Certified by Pilates Coach / Leslee Bender - Pilates Reformer I-II Trainer, Functional Reformer I-II Trainer, Body Conditioning Trainer, Core Trainer, Pilates Bender Method Trainer
  • Certified by Pilates Coach / Kathleen Majer - Pilates Reformer II Trainer, Barrels, Bosu, Balls Trainer - Bender Training System
  • Certified by Clinical Pilates / Shari Rosenberg - Clinical Mat and Reformer Trainer for Specific rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system
  • Certified by Human Mama / Sia Zourlandani - PRE/POSTNATAL Trainer
  • Certified by Anahata Yoga / Elena Mouratidou - Aerial Flow Yoga Teacher
  • Creator of the Aerial Flow Pilates System for Anahata Yoga Studio
  • Creator of the Pilates Swing Training for Playfit Studio Fitness
  • Certified by FT COACH - Functional Trainer, Corrective Trainer
  • Certified by ELEIKO / Colin Buckley - Eleiko Weightlifting for sports CLUB COACH L1
  • Pilates and Fitness Presenter

Alissa Kallinikou
  • GRAFTS Presenter, Pilates Mat & Props
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens, with specialization in Running
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Pilates (Mat 1-2, Props, Equipment)
  • RADICAL FITNESS Official trainer and Presenter in Athens & Thessaloniki conferences
  • Certified Basi Pilates Mat teacher training
  • Champion in 400m and member of the Cypriot national athletics team from 1998 to 2008. Her most important distinctions:
    • Participation in the 2008 Summer Olympics
    • 1st place in the ISF World Gymnasiade in 2002
    • 1st place in the Greek National Student Championships - 5 times
    • 1st place in the Greek National Championships - 2 times in indoor athletics and 1 time in outdoor athletics
    • Holder of the Cypriot national record in the: 150m, 300m, 400m girls, 400m youth categories
    • Because of her sports distinctions, she participated in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Youth Camp, she was named Top athlete of the year by EAK (Association of Cyprus Sports Reporters) in 2002, 4th Top athlete in 2006, and 3rd Top in 2008, and she received scholarships from the A.G. Leventis Foundation in 2006 and 2007

Epameinondas Konstas
  • GRAFTS Tutor
  • MSc in Maximization of Athletic Performance, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal Training, Group Training & Yoga
  • RADICAL FITNESS Master Trainer in Mega Danz
  • RADICAL FITNESS Official Trainer in U Bound, Fight Do, Factor F, Power

Irida Minti
  • Studied Political Science and Public Administration, University of Athens
  • GRAFTS Contributor
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Yoga Training (Yoga Instructor 100h), Pilates Training (Mat Level 1) and Corrective Exercise by FT COACH Module 1
  • Certified by Yoga Alliance (USA) - YogaWorks Diploma (200h & 300h)
  • Attended seminars and workshops by: Jeanne Heileman, Joan Marie Hyman, Chuck Miller, Todd Tesen, Jaye Martin, Greville Henwood (GroovyKids Yoga), Francoise Freedman

Sophia Balala
  • GRAFTS Presenter
  • Head of the Patras Branch, GRAFTS
  • Bsc in Philosophy, University of Patras, Greece
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Personal Training, Group Training, Pilates Training and Yoga Training
  • RADICAL FITNESS Official Trainer (U Bound, Mega Danz)
  • Founder, Sophitness
  • External partner in gyms, Personal trainer and Fitness instructor in Patras

Ariadni Oikonomidi
  • GRAFTS Presenter
  • BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Greece
  • YogaWorks Diploma (200h)
  • Certified in Yoga for children, Yoga during pregnancy and postnatal Yoga (Rainbow Kids Yoga, Yogabeez Kids & Teenager Yoga, Little Yoginis, GroovyKids Yoga, Birthlight Toddler Yoga)
  • Baby and infant swimming teacher
  • Creator of the "Yoga for Happy Kids" method
  • Certified in Yin Yoga by David Kim
  • Greek athletics champion
  • She has worked in kindergartens, schools, sports facilities, Yoga studios and luxury resorts all over Greece

Kostas Psathas
  • BSc in Business Administration, School of Management and Economy, University of Applied Sciences of Larissa / Thessaly
  • GRAFTS Contributor
  • Certified by GRAFTS in Group Fitness (Level 3)
  • RADICAL FITNESS Official Trainer (Power)
  • Dance Group Fitness Presenter in 3 GRAFTS International Conferences (2014 & 2015)
  • Collaborates with gyms and fitness clubs in Athens: Peak Fitness (P. Faliro), City Ladies (Helioupoli), Gym Tonic (Glyfada), Ιgiosomatiki (Vyronas), Corpo Athletico (Argyroupoli)

Akrivi Kollia

Akrivi Kollia is a graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, DUTH, with more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of Fitness. She is a professional choreographer with contemporary, modern, classical dance and flamenco studies, as well as the creator of the Fanga teaching method, a new integrated way of exercise accompanied by African percussion instruments. She currently works as a fitness instructor and teaches Fanga and Orthosomy at the largest gyms in Attica while choreographing and participating in major dance performances, festivals, events & advertising campaigns (Lady Gaga's concert opening-act, official Toyota Hellas dealer network meeting, official conference of "Papastratos - Philip Morris International", advertising spots for Elais, Estee Lauder, Koolfly and others).

Margarita Boula

Creator of the I.M.A Fitness (Interval Mixed Art) training system. She has been working as a Group Exercise Instructor & Pilates Teacher since 1989. She has studied Sportwissenshaft (Sports Science) and has attended additional training seminars in Bewegung Spiel und Sport (movement, play and sport), Human Movement Coach (movement analysis and correct posture), Bewegungseinschrankungen Vorbeugen und Behandeln (Prevention and correction of malfunctions through movement and correct posture).