OSCA Submission base option 1

 

Q8 — Issues with current classification

I am a Comprehensive Pilates instructor delivering individualised Pilates. My Pilates qualifications are: (insert) and I have (insert) hours/years of experience.

Pilates is currently grouped within fitness-based occupations, which does not reflect Comprehensive Pilates practice.

My role involves assessment-driven, individualised exercise programming rather than delivering standardised group exercise. I design and progress programs for each client and supervise multiple individualised programs concurrently, often using different apparatus.

This requires Comprehensive Pilates teacher training or Diploma-level education to safely perform the role. The current classification does not distinguish this from group fitness instruction, despite substantial differences in skill, autonomy, responsibility, and client complexity.

 

Q9a — Proposal for new occupation

I support recognition of Comprehensive Pilates Instructor as a separate occupation.

Comprehensive Pilates instructors independently assess movement and functional capacity, design individualised exercise programs, and deliver and progress these programs over time. This differs from standardised group exercise instruction.

This role requires Diploma-level education or comprehensive Pilates teacher training with comparable scope, depth, and competency outcomes to develop skills in assessment, program design, apparatus prescription, and concurrent supervision of multiple individualised programs.

Recognising Comprehensive Pilates Instructor as a separate occupation would better reflect the education, responsibility, and service delivery model used in Pilates practice.

 

Q9b — Workforce size and demand (optional)

In my experience, demand for Comprehensive Pilates is increasing. Many clients seek individualised exercise rather than standardised group fitness.

A significant proportion of my work involves clients with postural issues, injury recovery, or functional limitations. These clients require assessment-informed and individualised exercise programs.

I expect demand for Comprehensive Pilates Instructors to increase over the next five years, particularly with an ageing population and increasing health conditions requiring supervised exercise.

 

Q9c — Placement within OSCA structure (optional)

Comprehensive Pilates Instructor aligns more closely with health support and exercise-based rehabilitation roles than with fitness instruction.

The role involves assessment-informed exercise programming, individualised modification, and ongoing monitoring of client response. It is commonly delivered in semi-private or small group settings rather than large, standardised group classes.

This role requires comprehensive Pilates teacher training, typically at Diploma level or comparable comprehensive training. Practitioners independently assess clients, design programs, and supervise multiple individualised programs concurrently.

This level of autonomy, responsibility, and qualification supports placement as a distinct Diploma-level occupation separate from fitness-based instruction.

 

Q9d — Similar occupations (optional)

Comprehensive Pilates Instructors differ from fitness instructors and personal trainers.

Fitness instruction typically involves leading a standardised session, whereas comprehensive Pilates involves individual assessment, tailored program design, and concurrent supervision of multiple individualised programs.

The role also overlaps with exercise-based rehabilitation support occupations, particularly where clients present with postural issues, injury recovery, or functional limitations.

Optional add-on 1: If you deliver condition-specific classes
These classes involve screening participants, identifying contraindications, and providing individual modifications. This type of delivery requires comprehensive Pilates training rather than short-course fitness instruction.

Optional add-on 2: If you are a studio owner or employer
I employ or supervise Pilates instructors delivering individualised and condition-specific Pilates services.

Optional Add-On Suggested Answers