Manos Mandalakis was born in 1977 and raised in Heraklion, Crete. He is married and the father of two children. From an early age, he has been consistently engaged in sport, nutrition, psychology, and rehabilitation, with many years of experience in football and strength-based gym training. In parallel, he has developed a deep interest in meditation as a means of enhancing holistic health, while Pilates constitutes a core element of his training philosophy.
Having personally experienced multiple sports-related injuries and episodes of overtraining and burnout, he has acquired a thorough understanding of the importance of prevention, functional rehabilitation, pain management, and psychological support. For this reason, he specialised at the undergraduate level in burnout prevention and management. He additionally pursued advanced training in the United States in orthopaedic exercise, corrective exercise, and the prevention of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
During his studies in the United Kingdom, he collaborated with professional athletes involved in strength, endurance, explosive and speed–power sports, focusing on the assessment and optimisation of their physical performance. His approach is holistic and highly individualised, integrating exercise, nutrition, and sport psychology. In Greece, he works through both online and in-person sessions, primarily supporting individuals with chronic conditions and special populations in his role as a Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist.
Regarding the holistic approach, he has received formal training in Biomedical Acupuncture and High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) manipulative techniques. He is currently completing his postgraduate dissertation (Systematic Review) in the field of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis rehabilitation.
Education & Training
United Kingdom
University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol
MSc in Neurological and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
(Dissertation: systematic review on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis)
Institute of Sport and Exercise Nutrition, London
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition
(Eligibility for registration with the British Dietetic Association as SENr – Registered Sport and Exercise Nutritionist)
The Open University, United Kingdom
BSc (Honours) in Sport Science
Specialisations: Strength and Conditioning – Sport Psychology (Coaching)
The Open University, United Kingdom
Specialist Certification in the Prevention and Management of Burnout in Athletes and Coaches
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD)
Certified Anti-Doping Advisor
United States of America
Harvard University
Musculoskeletal Injuries and Chronic Pain
(In-depth study of anatomical understanding and tissue adaptation (or deterioration) in injury and chronic pain – online thematic module)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Certified Health Coach – Specialisation in lifestyle change
(obesity management through exercise, nutrition, and behavioural psychology)
Certified Orthopaedic Exercise Specialist – Specialisation in rehabilitation exercise for individuals with orthopaedic injuries or post-operative needs, with emphasis on safe return to function
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Certified Personal Trainer – Specialisation in health and fitness assessment, programme design, and progression of individualised training plans
Corrective Exercise Specialist – Specialisation in assessing and correcting biomechanics (neuromuscular imbalances and dysfunctional movement patterns), targeting the prevention and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain
Performance Enhancement Specialist – Specialisation in assessing and maximising athletic performance (strength, power, speed, agility, and neuromuscular coordination).
Training Institutions in Greece
Base Training Academy
Specialisation in special populations exercise
(metabolic syndrome, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy), based on ACSM guidelines
Clinical and Corrective Pilates Instructor – Pilates for rehabilitation, scoliosis correction, postural alignment, and movement control
Osteokinesis Training Centre
Theoretical and practical seminar in Biomedical Acupuncture
Theoretical and practical seminar in HVLA manipulation techniques
Massage Therapy Certification
Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Techniques
Hellenic Red Cross
First Aid – CPR/AED
Adopting a lifelong learning philosophy, he has attended a wide range of seminars related to exercise, prevention, health, psychosomatic and musculoskeletal pain, massage therapy, and personal development. In parallel, he delivers talks and interactive presentations on holistic lifestyle approaches for associations, organisations, and fitness centres.