Call to Re-classify Pilates as an Essential Health Service

COVID 19 has meant massive changes to our lives and businesses this year - Pilates included. The necessary travel and movement restrictions have meant that all Pilates services have been required to close in order to minimise physical interaction and the spread of the virus.
But, as restrictions begin to lift some industries have been allowed to re-open, but Pilates is not one of them as our industry is currently classified under the 'fitness' industry rather than 'health'. 
The Pilates industry is calling for reclassification to enable small group (Clinical/Studio) Pilates classes to resume. These Pilates classes offer much more than general fitness benefits and are easily able to operate under strict COVID hygiene regulations.

Below is a copy of a letter I have sent to my local MPs (Tim McCurdy and Helen Haines) as well as the Minister for Health (Jenny Mikakos), Minister for Industry Support and Recovery (Martin Pakula) and Premier Daniel Andrews. I would love you to also write to these MPs to raise awareness of Pilates, share how valuable it is to you and asking them to re-classify Pilates as a Health service and help get Pilates back up and running!

You are welcome to use my letter as a guide, but please ensure you include your personal Pilates story and the impact not doing Pilates has had on you.

"I am writing to draw to your attention a request to re-classify small indoor Pilates classes as an essential service and allow us to re-open in Step 3 of the recovery roadmap for Victoria. The Pilates industry’s peak bodies the Pilates Alliance of Australia and the Australian Pilates Method Association have been lobbying the Victorian Government for months on this issue, to no avail.
 
I teach small group (maximum of 3 people at a time) Pilates classes in Bright, north east Victoria – often referred to as Studio or Clinical Pilates. Pilates currently falls into the same category as larger gyms but offers much more than general fitness and exercise benefits.
 

• Tertiary qualified Pilates Instructors offer functional musculoskeletal care, often working in conjunction with Allied Health practitioners – Physiotherapist, Osteopaths and Chiropractors.
• These small group Pilates classes utilise specialised equipment which is difficult to transport and move to an outdoor setting, making the option of online or outdoor classes impractical.

 
I am asking that small group Studio/Clinical Pilates classes in Regional Victoria (particularly in regions where there are no COVID cases) are allowed to reopen in Step 3 following a COVID safe plan.
 

• Small class sizes with a maximum of 3 ensure clients can physically distance from each other
• Pilates instructors are able to uphold DHHS COVID hygiene requirements – wearing facemasks, hand washing/sanitising, cleaning equipment stringently and keeping attendance records

 
 
Pilates classes are an integral part of the health and wellbeing of many in my community, specifically:

• Alleviating pain associated with injury and chronic health conditions
• Reduced reliance on pain medication
• Reduction in general aches and pains due to poor ergonomics, movement habits and work practices
• Reduced reliance on medical and allied health by taking a preventative approach to health and movement
• Significant improvement in mood and mental health

Thank you for consideration of this request, I look forward to your reply.

Warm regards,
Anne Heuperman