News

The PAA have introduced two new logos for members to reflect and promote the different qualifications of PAA members. The two categories are ‘Mat Accredited’ for Mat members and ‘Studio Accredited’ for all Full members (GL1 to Principal Trainer). The new logos will help the public to identify suitably qualified PAA instructors and promote quality Pilates instruction across the industry. The relevant logos will be distributed by email to all current members in the coming weeks. Your new logo may be displayed on your website and used in your promotions and marketing provided you maintain your PAA membership. Make the…

An update from Melissa Mazzarino, recipient of the first PAA Research Grant, on the progress of her project: Recruitment has commenced for the study: “Pilates exercises for low-risk pregnant women: A feasibility study.” First time pregnant women, who are low risk and between the gestation of 18-25 weeks pregnancy, are eligible to participate in this feasibility study. This randomized controlled trial, whereby the intervention is a weekly one-hour Pilates class for a 6-week period offered by Dynamic Stability Physiotherapy and Pilates in Richmond, Melbourne. Women booked to give birth at St Vincent’s Private Hospital are eligible to participate. There has…

In summary: A new Health Complaints Act 2016 (VIC) commenced across the state of Victoria on 1st February 2017 The Act includes broader powers to monitor and investigate non-registered health providers Pilates may be considered a non-registered health service as it sits under the alternative health banner The Health Complaints Commission is a new office for handling health complaints in Victoria There is also a new compulsory Code of Conduct for non-registered health providers Anyone can make a complaint to the HCC including consumers, friends and family members, health service staff and volunteers, concerned community members and professional organisations. Complaints…

The first of the PAA Survey series for 2017 indicated that many of our members are contractors and unsure of the true differences between contractor and employee. On your PAA member login area, you can click on Responsibilities of Running a Pilates Studio or Business and find the relevant information to this. In referencing the Australian Taxation Office, Are you an individual worker or do you work for a company or partnership? Are you an apprentice or trainee? Having an ABN does not necessarily mean you must be a contractor. You may still be classified as an employee. Who provides…

We have now all been notified that as of 1st June 2017, BUPA will be making changes to their Living Well package and will not be issuing any further provider numbers to Pilates instructors. This is not stopping clients seeing us, nor are BUPA discouraging Pilates as a form of recognised wellness, however, they will no longer be covering Pilates under their insurance. Our Systems Officer Kerry Haywood has liaised with BUPA and we have been provided with a contact to continue discussions with. At this point, we have not felt a follow on effect from the other insurance companies….

Excitement is building for Australia’s premiere Pilates conference in September 2017 at the new International Conference Centre and we are nearing capacity, only 10 tickets left. This will be the largest PAA conference to date. Over the three day conference our amazing presenters will share their knowledge and passion with instructors and students who want to grow professionally and have fun. The workshop schedule features international Pilates luminaries Madeline Black, Alan Herdman and Kathi Ross Nash. They are joined by inspiring national presenters: Lisa Anthony, Raphael Bender, Ed Botha, Lanette Gavran, Lisa Jackson, Cynthia Lochard, Dina Matty, Tracey Nicholson and Olga…

As Pilates practitioners, we occasionally have clients who have had a total knee replacement or are going to have a total knee replacement surgery.  A total knee replacement is an elective surgery that is only considered once all other conservative treatments have been exhausted.  The main purpose of the surgery is to replace the weight bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability caused most commonly by osteoarthritis.  There are three stages of a knee replacement; pre-operative preparation, the surgery and post-operative rehabilitation. As a Pilates practitioner we can help the client manage two of the three…

Pilates practitioners are movement specialists and we tend to mix and match the best exercises to help clients maintain alignment, strength, balance and conditioning of the whole body.  ‘Fusion Workouts’ is another book showing how to blend movement modalities. This book is good for anyone who has no idea of how to structure a home routine. It’s simple to read and is honest in its expectations and delivery – however too simple for a Pilates practitioner who already has those skills. It offers examples of short, medium or long workout programs, for time management considerations. The sample workouts are easy…

Body Organics Manuals Book Review by Andrena de Franceschi I have had the pleasure of attending workshops developed by the multidisciplinary practice of Body Organics.  At the workshops we were provided with comprehensive manuals relating to the particular subject we were exploring. The cancer and autoimmune manual is a prime example of the depth and detail that is provided.  At nearly 270 pages the book was written by Dr Janet Schloss and Carla Mullins addressing: // various cancers and autoimmune conditions // treatment options // lymphedema // balance and vestibular problems (often a consequence of diseases) // complications from surgeries…

Pilates Anatomy Poster Series – Matwork Human Kinetics, in conjunction with the works of Rael Isacowitz and Karen Clippenger, have presented a twin set poster pack for Fundamental and Intermediate Pilates Matwork. Each poster is presented in a clear, concise, simple manner demonstrating 9 exercises each. An individual exercise has an explanation of movement pattern, a list of targeted muscles and a labelled diagrammatic picture of key working muscles attached. This allows the reader to see the muscles they need to target and feel when executing the movement. This poster pack would present well on the wall of a studio…