Alexandra Bohlinger, M.Ost
Alexandra Bohlinger is a British-trained Osteopath and classically trained Pilates practitioner based in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has over 20 years of experience teaching the Classical Method of Pilates and is one of the world's few “2nd-generation” Pilates teachers. She was trained under and certified by Romana Kryzanowska, the protege of Joe Pilates himself. Alexandra also completed postgraduate work in clinical osteopathy. She practiced medicine for a few years in London, UK, before moving to East Grand Rapids and establishing her award-winning Osteopilates practice in early 2022.
Background & Experience
Alexandra specializes in treating chronic pain, Hypermobility/EDS syndrome, acute lower back and neck pain, knee and hip osteoarthritis, RA, and more. With 20+ years of combined experience, she has established herself as a trusted practitioner of Traditional Osteopathy and the Classic Pilates Method.
When treating pain, Alexandra focuses on the body as a whole, not just the symptoms. She educates and treats from a holistic approach. No prescription or surgery is involved; instead, she uses her hands to bring people back to health. This philosophy is guided by the wisdom and principles of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of Osteopathy, who trusted that the body has a self-healing mechanism. As an osteopath, Alexandra is dedicated to encouraging and facilitating this natural healing process.
Alexandra mentors and travels internationally, teaching workshops and conferences to help individuals, including other Pilates teachers, physical therapists, and osteopaths, deepen their knowledge of their own bodies, their teaching, and their treatment. She has also produced numerous videos for Pilatesology and Pilates Anytime.
Alexandra is an internationally recognized osteopath trained in the traditional method and classical Pilates teacher, taught by Joseph Pilates’ protégé, Romana Kryzanowska. She runs a combined hands-on therapy clinic and Pilates studio as part of her rehab and exercise routine.
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Alexandra moved to New York to study and pursue a career in dance. While in NYC, she desired to improve her dance skills and was introduced to the authentic classical method of Pilates. After her first lesson, she devoted her life to mastering the Method. She studied at the legendary Drago's New York Pilates studio, where she trained under and was certified by Romana Kryzanowska. Alexandra has also studied with Romana’s daughter Sari Mejia Santo, Edwina Fontaine, Jerome Weinberg, Cynthia Shipley, Bob Liekens, and completed numerous sessions and workshops with Jay Grimes.
After graduating and working under Romana in NYC, she moved to California, where she spent time working with the famous Mari Winsor in Beverly Hills. She then opened her own studio in Los Angeles while continuing to perform ballet at the prestigious Colburn School of Dance and Music. Her clients include celebrity artists, actors, elite athletes, and real people wanting to improve their bodies through Pilates.
Alexandra is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a certified Personal Trainer. She credits authentic classical Pilates with helping her ballet technique improve, as well as helping her get back into great shape after three successful pregnancies and now keeping up with her three children.
Alexandra studied Sport Science at Durham University in the UK. While at Durham, she taught Pilates to the Durham University Ballet Company, with whom she also performed. She also assisted a number of individuals from the Durham Crew (Rowing) Team.
Alexandra graduated with a Masters of Osteopathy in London, UK, at the British School of Osteopathy (now University College of Osteopathy) to deepen her knowledge of the body, pathologies, and injuries. She had a well-rounded experience in London, where she worked with a variety of individuals, including pregnant women, babies, seniors, sports clinic patients, HIV patients, obesity patients, diabetic patients, and neuropathy patients.
She presently practices in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she owns Alexandra Osteopilates studio/clinic, fully equipped with Gratz Pilates apparatuses.