Invest in Your Health: Pay for Pilates with Pre-Tax (HSA) $$

Many clients complain that Pilates is "too expensive." In talking with them, many are paying for 2-3 chiropractic sessions (or co-pays) per week due to pain, some are paying for expensive drug prescriptions, tests and doctor visits (or associated co-pays) to treat/identify the cause of chronic joint pain, others are paying for gym memberships they're not using (or not enjoying). Two to three sessions per week in a Pilates studio might alleviate the other expenses, or reduce to a point where your budget remains balanced. That's the Suze Orman approach to finding the money within your budget.

Another option is to use the pre-tax dollars you've set aside in your HSA or FSA (Health Savings Account) to pay for Pilates. In order to tap into these funds, you'll need an Exercise Prescription (RX). A licensed healthcare provider can write an Exercise Prescription to use Pilates to alleviate a particular condition.

Think about your physical well-being in the last year:

• Has your range of motion or flexibility lessened?
• Do you have chronic or intermittent pain in your: feet, knees, hips, back, neck, shoulder or hands?
• Have you had problems with balance?
• Do you have a chronic condition: arthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, bulging disc, osteoporosis, etc?
• Have you been diagnosed with obesity, heart disease or diabetes?
• Have you had a surgery or medical treatment that has left you with ongoing muscle pain or limits your range of motion?

Any of these conditions might qualify for an exercise prescription as all can be improved with regular Pilates exercise.

Doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and osteopaths are able to write prescriptions for exercise, as long as they're licensed by the State. Ask before your appointment if your health provider is able to write an exercise prescription for someone with a specific condition. You’ll need an appointment so your licensed practitioner can assess your condition and offer his/her professional opinion as to whether it would improve with Pilates exercise.

An exercise prescription is similar to a pharmaceutical prescription. Usually, it lists the type of training, amount of training and time frame. The prescription should read along the lines of, “For treatment of xxxxx condition, Pilates exercise training #/week for # months.” Keep this prescription with your tax documents.

Invest in your health and wellness today. If you're committed to 3 sessions per week -- Take The Power House Challenge and get a FREE session.