News

HCF Hopefully you saw the PAA posts that HCF has reinstated Pilates for exercise under their Health Management Program. There have been a few comments made, and questions asked. And yes, most of the comments were correct. The reintroduction by HCF of benefits at the exercise-level are not the end game. HCF provided this benefit prior to the removal of health fund rebates for Pilates in 2019. They rigorously applied the rules from 2019 to 2025, but they were happy to reinstate this benefit as soon as they could, as it did not require any major system changes for them….

📅 12–14 September 2025 📍 ICC Sydney 🎟 1, 2 or 3-day tickets available 🔗 conference.pilates.org.au If you’re a Pilates instructor or studio owner looking to elevate your knowledge, sharpen your skills and connect with some of the best minds in the industry — the PAA Conference 2025 is the must-attend event of the year. Across three dynamic days, you’ll explore hands-on workshops led by top educators, gain insights you can apply straight away in your studio, and earn valuable PDPs (up to 18 total). Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned educator, there’s something here for every…

Great news for HCF members! According to a spokesperson for HCF: Pilates can now be claimed as part of your HCF Health Management Program. In order to claim, members must have cover for Health Management Programs under their level for Extras cover, served waiting periods and claim with an Exercise & Gym Benefits form, which includes a requirement that a medical practitioner or HCF Recognised Provider of an Approved Profession specify a particular medical condition that is being addressed by the exercise program. Link to HCF claim form: https://www.hcf.com.au/pdf/general/Exercise_Gym_Form.pdf   For more details check our previous announcement: From 1 July,…

Summary of Pilates Research to June 2025 Halfway through the year, and it seemed a good time to summarise the research that has been published so far in 2025. Much of the research has reinforced the benefits of Pilates for various health conditions, highlighting its role in enhancing physical and mental well-being.   Effects Relating to Pregnancy  A systematic review and meta-analysis included 11 studies (538 participants), with three studies rated as low risk of bias. The meta-analysis found that Pilates during pregnancy led to significant improvements in APGAR scores at 1 minute (SMD = 0.41), a reduction in labour…

Can you believe it? The countdown is officially on — just two months until we come together for three inspiring days of world-class Pilates education, connection, and movement!   🌍 International Stars Are On Their Way We’re thrilled to confirm that international presenters Karen Frischmann and Cody Jussel have booked their flights, secured their working visas, and are set to land in stunning Darling Harbour! They’re honoured to be presenting in Australia and can’t wait to share their expertise with you. These two incredible educators will be featured in every session time slot across the weekend, offering brand-new workshops never…

From 1 July, 2025, Health Funds Can Now Legally Pay Health Fund Rebates for Pilates On 19 June 2025, the PHI 51/25 Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 5) 2025 were issued. At the bottom of this article are the relevant excerpts from the Rules. Whilst the limitation for paying rebates for Pilates is being lifted from July 1, it is likely to be at least a few months before this is made available for our clients. We are deep in discussion with the health fund associations and some of the private health funds. These conversations range from high level…

Vital Core Training is an e-book written by Leslee Bender a personal trainer with more than 40 years in the industry. It provides a catalogue of core exercises using her branded Bender Ball (or any small inflatable Pilates ball.) The book is broken into 3 sections – foundation, exercises & workouts. The foundation section provides a basic introduction of relevant anatomy, breathing, postural assessment, planes of motion and learning types. The exercise section has a comprehensive repertoire of core exercises using the ball. It is divided up into standing, kneeling, supine etc and graded from beginner to advanced. The photos…

June is Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Awareness Month—a timely opportunity to shine a light on a condition that affects many women but is rarely spoken about openly. As Pilates teachers, we are often in a unique position to be a confidante for our clients and help with early signs of dysfunction, guide clients toward supportive movement choices, and refer to the right professionals. What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, rectum, or small intestine—descend into the vaginal space due to weakened or stretched pelvic floor muscles and connective…

I was reading through a list of Japanese mental practices and was struck by this one. Ikigai translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to get up in the morning”. It represents finding purpose and meaning in life, where your passions, strengths, needs, and the needs of the world intersect. Essentially, it’s about discovering what truly matters to you and living a life filled with purpose and joy. Elaboration: Ikigai is not just about finding a job or career; it’s a broader concept encompassing various aspects of life. It encourages individuals to find their passions, identify their strengths and understand the needs of…

“I had a great time at the Pilates Expo where the PAA were sponsoring the event and had a stand in the exhibition. I also found time to attend a few workshops, catching up with friends and colleagues, and checking out the exhibitors. The venue (Stamford Hotel, Sydney Airport) was a bit out of the way for me but it turned out to be an easy run there and I got parking close by. The facilities were good and there were plenty of helpers if I needed them as an exhibitor. There was a wide selection of workshops to choose…