Medical Disclaimer

Last updated: November 2026

Please read this before your first session. It's short and it matters.

Pilates is movement coaching, not medical treatment

Powerhouse Pilates provides movement instruction based on pilates principles. Mikka van Niekerk is a movement coach and BASI-trained pilates instructor. She is not a doctor, physiotherapist, biokineticist, chiropractor or other registered healthcare practitioner, and nothing in a session, on this website or in any communication from Powerhouse Pilates is medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

What that means for you

  • If you have an injury, condition or symptom, see a healthcare practitioner first. Pilates can support recovery; it doesn't replace diagnosis or treatment.
  • If a doctor, physio or biokineticist has given you instructions, those come first. Tell Mikka what they are so she can work within them.
  • If you answered "yes" to any of the heart, chest pain, dizziness or pregnancy questions on the intake form, please get clearance from your doctor before training.
  • Mikka may decline to work with you, or ask for written clearance, if she believes it's not safe to proceed. This is for your protection.

Working alongside your practitioners

Powerhouse Pilates works well as a bridge between rehabilitation and full activity — the stage after your physio or biokineticist has cleared you but before you're back to full strength. With your permission, Mikka can coordinate with your practitioner so everyone's on the same page.

Your responsibility

  • Be honest on your intake form and keep Mikka updated.
  • Listen to your body. Stop and say so if you feel pain (not effort — pain), dizziness, chest discomfort or anything that worries you.
  • Don't push through pain because you think you should. Mikka would rather you stop.

Risk

All physical activity carries some risk of injury. By participating you acknowledge this. Mikka takes every reasonable precaution — assessment, progressive programming, attention to form — but can't eliminate risk entirely.

Emergencies

If you have a medical emergency during a session, Mikka will call emergency services and your emergency contact. Keep your emergency contact details up to date.

Questions

If anything here is unclear, ask before your first session. WhatsApp 066 202 6255 or powerhousepilatesct@gmail.com.