There will be changes to Health Care Fund benefits from April 2019 that are relevant to Pilates claims and so it is important you check with your Health Care Fund at this time to see how these changes affect you.

Currently, many Health Care Funds will require a referral from your GP, some require a specific level of Pilates instructor, others require that your Pilates is part of a physio program. Each Fund has a different claims procedure, so it is worthwhile becoming familiar with their individual requirements and letting us know so we can ensure that we take the necessary steps from our end to assist you with your claim.

A Health Fund List table compiled by the Pilates Alliance Australasia as a guide to Health Fund Requirements along with further information can be found on their website: http://www.pilates.org.au/health-funds/

Do you need to manage your osteoporosis (or maybe your mum’s)?

Osteoporosis is a common disease affecting over 1 million, mostly older, Australians. If this is you, or perhaps a family member, there is a lot you can do to prevent it becoming a drag on your quality of life.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace them, causing a loss of bone thickness (bone density or mass).

As bones become thinner and less dense, even a minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture. A ‘fracture’ is a complete or partial break in a bone. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common sites are the hip, spine and wrist. Fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis can result in height loss or changes in posture. Osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs this is why osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’.

Fractures can lead to chronic pain, a loss of independence, disability and even premature death – so managing bone health to avoid fractures is a priority.

Stop the fracture cascade

The risk of future fractures rises with each new fracture – this is known as the ‘cascade effect’. For example: women who have suffered a fracture in their spine are over 4 times more likely to have another fracture within the next year. It is essential that osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated to prevent further fractures.

It is also vital to maintain your strength and balance and Pilates is a great, safe way to do this.  Daily activities may also need to be adapted to minimise your risk of future fractures. This poster gives some simple and sound advice

Ref: Osteoporosis Australia Medical & Scientific Advisory Committee, 2014

Download Fracture Prevention Poster here

Pilates has been around for over 90 years and has been adapted by each generation of teachers to create a wide and deep body of exercises. In the beginning, it was adopted predominantly by dancers and athletes for injury recovery and performance enhancement. As research started to emerge about the benefits of motor control training to manage lower back and neck problems, the word spread and people from all walks benefit from the approach.

Research shows that Pilates works. Download current  Pilates Scientific Information – Dept Health NSW .

As new research tells us more about neuroscience and biomechanics, about the efficacy of different approaches to managing injury and pain, we continually adjust how we work with you to reflect the best information available.

Our  Pilates Equipment Classes offer much more than a conventional Pilates Reformer Class!

We have opened up our studio to allow our wonderful instructors to incorporate all of the Pilates Equipment into your workout.  This allows them to tailor the exercises to the needs and goals of each individual in the class – limited to a maximum of 6 at any time.  Sometimes you will be working together in concert, sometimes in a circuit.  You will be able to get all the benefits of Pilates repertoire in all its variations – you will never be bored!

Many people are now familiar with the Pilates reformer – a moving platform with springs and straps you can lie on, stand on, kneel on.  We love the reformer and will use this in your class.

But there are times when the best option is to work on a mat or standing, using gravity and your body weight, perhaps with small props like balls and circles.  This also gives you tools to take home or on your travels.

Or the Pilates Trapeze Table (Cadillac), with its bars and springs in different directions, gets you working with different vectors of resistance and support to improve your stability and strength.

The Pilates Wunda Chair can provide the most challenging exercises in the repertoire as it throws you off balance, forcing you to marshal your stabilisers to maximum effect.  It can also be kind, helping you stretch and release effectively.

Our experienced instructors know how and when to use each of these tools for your benefit.  Note though, that you must be injury-free to join the Pilates Equipment Classes – we look forward to seeing you soon.

Casual Pilates Equipment Class –  $35.00

10 Class Pass –  Small Group Pilates Equipment Class – $295.00

N.B: 10 class passes have a 3 month expiry and are not refundable nor transferable.