Exercise Classes
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of exercise that aims to improve physical well-being by focusing on correct alignment, strength, flexibility, control and muscle activation patterns. Pilates has a focus on the core of the body because it is the centre point from which all movement is generated. It is an excellent way to improve range of motion, strength and quality of movement.
Pilates classes at MDP
Our pilates classes are run in small groups (about 6 to a class) and focus on posture, core stability, balance, control, strength, flexibility and breathing. Attention is given to the patients’ strengths and weaknesses, tailoring the classes to suit the individual’s needs. We run over 10 classes throughout the week (mornings, evenings and on Saturdays) excluding public holidays.
Cost: $24 per class (prepaid). Rebates are available with most health funds.
Duration: 60 minutes
Seniors strength and flexibility classes
Designed for adults aged 60 years and over, these exercise classes incorporate some of the Pilates principles and also involve the use of light hand weights and stretch bands, light aerobics and gentle stretches. Classes are run in small groups (about 6-8 to a class) at midday each Tuesday and Thursday, excluding public holidays.
Cost: $19 per class (prepaid). Rebates are available with most health funds.
Duration: 60 minutes
What should I wear?
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes such as fitted gym clothes (e.g. tights) or loose fitting clothing, ensuring that the body is not restricted when bending or stretching. Pilates is best performed with bare feet.
Who can exercise?
Although most people are suitable for our exercise classes, some are not (due to certain health risk factors) and it is important that you are assessed before commencing a class. At Menai District Physio we require all new pilates patients to do a pilates assessment, a pilates introduction workshop or both (see below).
Pilates introduction workshop
This workshop is only for patients who have no prior pilates experience. It provides the foundational pilates skills to ensure a smooth transition into one’s class and to ensure the effective execution of exercises in the class setting. Cost: $100 (duration: approximately 40 minutes).
Pilates assessment
An assessment is required for all patients and must be completed before they attend their first class (in some cases, for patients currently seeing an MDP Physiotherapist this assessment may be completed in your current treatment session). Please note, some private health funds may require an annual assessment before rebates can be claimed. Please check with your private health fund prior to beginning class.
The assessment screens patients to determine their appropriateness for pilates and ensures that each patient receives an exercise prescription designed uniquely for them. The assessment is conducted by an MDP Physiotherapist, although in certain cases, if required by your private health fund, an MDP Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can conduct the assessment – see below for information about claiming with health funds. Cost: $100 (duration: approximately 40 minutes).
Pilates introduction workshop AND Pilates assessment
Patients who are not referred by an MDP physio and who also have no prior pilates experience will require both the workshop and the assessment.
Cost: $120 (duration: approximately 60 minutes).
Payment policy and health fund claims
Class payments and make-up classes
Payment is on a per term basis (i.e. for a 10 week term an upfront payment of $240 is required). At the end of each class, each client is given a receipt which they can send to their health fund to claim (if their health fund covers pilates).
Missed classes may be made up anytime during the term if there is a place available. Some classes will also be available during the school holidays following each term for clients who wish to do make-up classes. Clients who have used up all of their deposit during the 10 week term are also welcome to attend these classes at the pre-paid rate ($24/class) and just pay on the day.
Class payments and make-up classes continued
Sign up sheets for school holiday classes will be available in the last 2 weeks of the term or you can call 9543 0199 to book. Not every class will necessarily run during the school holidays, depending on demand. However we do hope to offer a variety of class days and times to suit the majority of people.
At the end of the school holidays, any remaining deposit will not be transferable to the following term.
Pilates assessments and health fund claims
Please note that many health funds now require annual Pilates Assessments before granting rebates for Pilates classes. Please check the policy of your health fund to ensure you have satisfied their requirements for claiming.
See page 2 for information regarding Pilates Assessments.
Practitioners running the classes
At MDP our classes are run by our physiotherapists.
Will I have the same practitioner each class?
Each class is assigned to an individual practitioner. While we do strive to maintain consistency of practitioner within our classes, this can change without notice when the practitioner is unwell or on holidays, or occasionally with notice when the practitioner’s work timetable has changed. Changes to the timetable can result when a staff member leaves or a new member comes on board, or to accommodate a staff member’s outside interests (e.g. sport training schedules).