Shaping the Backbone of Our Industry
The Pilates Association Australia (PAA) has announced the appointment of its newly elected President - Kimberley Garlick.
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I write this as the newly appointed President of the PAA with both excitement and a profound sense of responsibility.
Having worked closely with Robyn Rix since joining the PAA board, I’ve witnessed firsthand the honesty, passion, and dedication she brought to this role. Alongside the collective strength of the board, she has helped establish not only a voice for our industry, but a genuine support network for Pilates professionals across the country.
Her leadership has advanced recognition of Pilates within the healthcare system - an essential step for our profession. As a second-generation teacher trained by Lolita San Miguel, Robyn honours the lineage and integrity of the method while advocating for its place in the modern professional landscape.
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to continue this work.
The strength of any profession lies in its ability to honour its foundations while evolving with purpose. Pilates is not a trend, it is a method grounded in enduring principles. Yet as an industry, we are still defining how we are seen and valued within the broader health landscape.
My intention as President is to build on the strong foundation already in place by fostering open dialogue, upholding high education standards, and cultivating a membership grounded in shared values. We are not simply instructors, we are professionals supporting all populations restore functional movement and be an integral part of reaching goals, improving overall quality of life through all times in life. Our work extends beyond the studio, influencing how people move, manage pain, and reconnect with their bodies.
This is why it is essential we stand together, not as an extension of the fitness industry, but as a recognised professional body within allied health and career opportunities.
To move forward, we must remember where we began. Joseph Pilates believed that “physical fitness is the first prerequisite to happiness.” His work was never about aesthetics, but about restoring balance in body and mind. That legacy is what we carry forward and why advocacy matters. When we advocate for our profession, we elevate a method that transforms lives.
One of our greatest challenges is definition. If we do not clearly articulate who we are and the standards we uphold, others will do it for us.
As President, I am committed to leading with transparency and purpose, and to creating space for meaningful conversations that shape our future. This includes:
Strengthening education standards
Supporting clear career pathways
Advocating for healthcare recognition
Ensuring accessibility while maintaining integrity
We must be proactive and we must move forward together.
The PAA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation run by Pilates professionals, for Pilates professionals. We exist to uphold standards, support career development, and provide industry-led advocacy in an evolving landscape.
When you join the PAA, you gain more than a credential. You gain recognition, resources, professional development, and connection to a broader community.
But beyond these benefits, membership represents something deeper. It is a commitment to the value of your work and the standards of our profession. The strength of our industry lies in our collective voice. Individually, we make an impact BUT together, we create momentum.
We are stepping into an era of opportunity BUT IT requires participation, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
As I step into this role, I do so with humility and determination. I am proud to represent you and to help shape a profession that continues to make a meaningful difference.
The PAA is not just about belonging; it is about standing up for your profession, your peers, and the future of Pilates.
I invite you to stand with us. Contribute to the conversation. Uphold the standards. Be part of something bigger than yourself.
Together, we can define our profession.
Kimberley Garlick is the newly appointed President of the PAA and the Director of Northern Rivers Pilates in Lismore, Australia. She is also a Certified Polestar Studio/Rehab Practitioner and Educator/Mentor for Polestar International since 2003.