News

Review by Fran Philip – PAA member After hours in the dissection lab, I’m often left reflecting on the incredible complexity of the human body—trying to connect what I’ve seen to the way I guide movement in the studio.  John Sharkey’s new book, Understanding Fascia, Tensegrity, and Myofascial Trigger Points, offers a clear and practical framework for making those connections. John organises the content into three clear and practical sections.  First, theory—covering foundational anatomy, the principles of tensegrity (or “fasciategrity”), and how fascia’s structure and function contribute to integrated, whole-body movement.  Second, practice—with a focus on myofascial trigger points: how…

Article written by: Katherine Tsebelis Are your 35+ year old female clients often complaining of aches and pains? Have they presented with shoulder and hip pain? Do their feet hurt? And do they always feel tired and lethargic? Anxious or depressed? Perhaps these women are dropping out of classes or leaving your studio as they feel they’re no longer achieving results like they used to… What’s the likely cause? Menopause… or to be more specific, perimenopause! This is the period in which women can struggle the most, in almost every aspect of their lives. Many women leave the workplace, experience…

An Observational Study Comparing People Practicing Pilates to Non-Active Controls For Mental Health Awareness Day, we’re excited to share new research that speaks directly to Pilates instructors and studio owners. It reinforces what many in our community have long believed: Pilates can do more than build strength and improve mobility—it can support mental health. A recent observational study, “Benefits of Pilates on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: An Observational Study Comparing People Practicing Pilates to Non-Active Controls” by Guidotti, Fiduccia, Morisi, and Pruneti, explored the effects of a three-month, once-weekly mat Pilates programme. The results were compelling: participants experienced significant reductions…

Carla Mullins, Body Organics unpacks key issues affecting instructors and studio owners There is nothing like a cranky social media post about teaching rates or superannuation to blow up a Facebook group. As Australian Pilates teachers and studio owners manage beginning of a financial year, I felt it could be helpful to try and bring together some considerations for pay and negotiations in the Pilates industry. There are many sides to what we believe we are worth to ourselves but also to our employers. In this article we explore: What is employment and contracting in the Australian legal context? What…

THERAPEUTIC PILATES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP We are excited to introduce a new project within the Pilates Association for PAA Members (teaching levels) who are interested in Therapeutic style of Pilates teaching. The THERAPEUTIC PILATES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) is a community for professionals who are passionate about integrating the principles of Pilates with evidence-based therapeutic practices to support client health,recovery, and well-being. PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN OPEN INTRODUCTORY ZOOM SESSION on Friday 24th of October from 4pm – 5pm. Who are we? A group of experienced, comprehensively trained Pilates instructors with additional skills and study credentials for treating and addressing…

The PAA 2025 AGM will be held in-person and online via Zoom The 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Pilates Association Australia will take place at the PAA Conference, Sydney and also online via Zoom. As a valued member of the PAA, we invite you to join the meeting to be held on: Saturday 13 September 2025, 4.00pm (AEST)   In-person Attendance: PAA Conference ICC Convention Centre Level 3, Room C3.2 14 Darling Drive Darling Harbour 2000 Please send in-person RSVPs to: info@pilates.org.au   Online Attendance: Deadline for online registration:  5.00pm Thursday 11 September 2025 (You will need to enter…

And what it means for Pilates instructors Meetings are continuing between the PAA and the health funds and their associations. Whilst the situation is still fluid and nothing has been concretely confirmed, our expectations are as follows:   Pilates will be recommended as eligible for the following two scenarios: General Treatment – In the context of health insurance, this refers to health services that manage or prevent illness, injury, or conditions and are not covered by Medicare or provided in a hospital. Examples include dental care, physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic services, and optical services, and it is often covered through specific…

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,…