COVID-19 UPDATES

Two years into this pandemic, there has been a lot of progress, but it’s clear that we will be living with waves of covid for some time to come. As always, we are following guidance from the CDC and other sources, which means that our policies will continue to be responsive to the level of community spread as well as the specific risks of variants as they emerge. We take a cautious approach to protect the many immunocompromised staff and clients we serve.

As a general rule of thumb, if Austin is in Stage 4 or higher, we will continue to require masking of everyone throughout their visit, regardless of vaccination status. When things are better and Austin goes to Stage 3 or below, we will evaluate which of our policies may be safely loosened again, such as allowing vaccinated clients to unmask in treatment or classrooms. In some cases, our policies might change slightly before or after the city policies or CDC recommendations; we are considering multiple sources and indicators. If you are interested in the models we are using, we found this source particularly helpful.

If masking is an important factor to you, please reach out to verify our current policies. We also include this information in our confirmation emails.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Thankfully, the delta surge is abating in Austin, and as of 10/14/21 the city has decreased to Stage 3 restrictions. In response, we are once again adjusting some of our protocols for those who have been vaccinated. Please read below for details.

• Masks are still required in all common areas. Please come prepared with a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth, and check in at the front desk for a brief temperature and symptom check.
• Please remember that a mild case of covid can resemble cold or allergy symptoms; massage is not a good idea if you have any contagious illness, and even if you are vaccinated you should reschedule your appointment if you are not certain of the diagnosis for any respiratory symptoms.
• Those who have not shared their card showing full vaccination are required to continue masking during their entire visit, regardless of vaccination status. “Full vaccination” means that it has been at least 2 weeks since your final vaccination dose.
• If your therapist is not vaccinated, immunocompromised, or otherwise high-risk, you will still be required to wear a mask for the duration of your visit even if you are vaccinated. If unmasking is a critical factor to you, please let us know at booking so that we can match you with the right therapist. Even if a particular therapist allowed unmasking before, they may not now: the increased transmissibility of the delta variant along with waning protection from vaccines over time has changed the risk equation.
• Fully vaccinated clients (with documentation) may remove masks in treatment rooms at the therapist’s discretion if the therapist is low-risk.
• Fully vaccinated students (with documentation) may remove masks in classrooms, unless the teacher is high-risk. If masking is a critical factor for you, please let us know when registering. We highly recommend submitting your vaccination card prior to arrival to avoid delays at check-in.
• Please remember to put your mask back on before re-entering the hallway if it has been removed in the treatment room or classroom.
• We are in compliance with Texas law/executive orders prohibiting mandatory vaccinations or proof of vaccination. Sharing your vaccination status is entirely optional and not required for service; proof of vaccination is only necessary if you wish to take advantage of reduced masking policies.
• Immunocompromised/high-risk individuals are strongly urged to continue masking even if you have been vaccinated, as data suggests the vaccine is less effective for you.
• You can upload your vaccination card here.

We recognize that even with vaccination, risk of transmission still exists, particularly with variants like delta. As many of our clients and staff are high-risk, we will continue to update our policies to follow available risk guidelines based on future community spread and variants that may emerge. Thank you for your understanding and patience, and please get in touch with any questions or feedback.

June 7, 2020

With vaccination rates increasing and testing positivity rates currently at 2.2%, things are looking up in Austin! We are still playing it safe, but in recognition of the recent CDC guidelines and the growing evidence that vaccination is effective in preventing both infection and transmission of Covid-19, we are making a few changes to our protocols for those who have been vaccinated.

• Masks are still required in common areas. Please come prepared with a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth, and check in at the front desk for a brief temperature check.
• Our front door and lobby are now open. You no longer need to text us at arrival and you are welcome to browse our retail selection or relax in our waiting area before session.
• HEPA filters will still be running in all treatment rooms.
• Fully vaccinated clients (with documentation) may remove masks in treatment rooms at their therapists’ discretion. If your therapist is not vaccinated, immunocompromised, or otherwise at risk, you will still be required to wear a mask for the duration of your visit even if you are vaccinated. If this is a critical factor to you, please let us know at booking so that we can match you with a fully vaccinated therapist.
• Fully vaccinated students (with documentation) may remove masks in classrooms, unless the teacher or another student is immunocompromised or otherwise at risk. If masking is a critical factor for you, please let us know when registering.
• Immunocompromised individuals are strongly urged to continue masking even if you have been vaccinated, as data suggests the vaccine is less effective for you.
• Those who are not fully vaccinated or who have not shared their vaccination card are required to continue masking during their entire visit.
• There is absolutely no obligation to share your vaccination status with us in order to receive services! Our policy changes only affect those who opt in to sharing their status.
• You can upload your vaccination card here: https://myoaustin.com/forms/covid-19-vax-status/
• According to our policy, “fully vaccinated” means that it has been at least 2 weeks since your final vaccination dose.

Thank you for your patience during this year of transitions! Please get in touch with any questions or feedback.

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re launching a selection of in-person class series starting October 1st, 2020!

When we closed 6 months ago, we had no idea the impact that COVID-19 would have on all of us, or how long it would last.  The pandemic is nowhere near over, but we know better how to manage the risks, and we feel it’s time to play a role in safely rebuilding health and community.  We are grateful to everyone for your patience, and in particular to those members who have stuck with us all this time.  If you have questions about your membership, please let us know – many of you have partially unused class packs that can be unfrozen whenever you are ready to return. To minimize risks, some of our classes will be held outdoors, all indoor classes will require masks, any equipment will be sanitized between each use, and we will have HEPA air filters running in the classroom.  Additionally, most classes will be held as a series with the same pod of no more than 6 students, so that exposure is limited.  We will also continue a limited selection of online classes for those not yet ready to visit the studio.

Here’s what we have in store:

• Feldenkrais: Walking with your Entire Spine
• Pilates Fit Series
• Floor Barre Series
• Natural MoveCamp
• Tone & Stretch Series
• Iyengar Yoga: Adapting to your New Normal
• Flow Yoga: Exploring Transitions

We will also have a weekly online drop-in schedule including Feldenkrais, Floor Barre, Core Barre, Pilates Fit, and Workout! with Erica Nix.

For details and to register, click HERE.

In order to limit exposure, all in-person classes are being offered as pre-registered series or one-time events.  Drop-ins will not be available except for online classes.  Don’t delay signing up!  Class size is limited.  Conversely, classes with insufficient interest may be cancelled.  If your class does not make, we will contact you with options.  Please check back for additions and changes!

When you register, you are signing up to attend the entire 1-5 week series. Pricing varies depending on the series length.  If you miss a class, you will have access to an online class of your choice, but registration fees are not refundable.  In the case of illness, please contact us as soon as possible for arrangements.  Active memberships and class packs may be applied to series; please contact us if you have trouble registering with your preferred payment option.

As part of our Stage 2 re-opening plan, we have numerous new policies and procedures in place for the protection of both clients and staff.  We appreciate your cooperation to make things as safe as possible for everyone.

Please take the time to review the new guidelines and protocols you can expect on your next visit:

• All necessary paperwork, including a new Covid-19 release form, must be filled out in advance.  
• For indoor classes, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to accommodate our new screening procedures.  Text us at 512-458-4696 to let us know you are parked. When it’s your turn, we will unlock the door for you, check your temperature and ask a few screening questions.
• A properly fitted mask must be worn over your nose and mouth for the duration of your time indoors. 
• Please bring your own water bottle, but otherwise leave unnecessary belongings in your car.  If you need special accommodations in terms of equipment please contact us in advance so that we can prepare.
• After class, you will leave out the back door into the alley, unless you need assistance from the front desk.
• For outdoor classes, please meet your teacher at the stage area in Triangle park.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience with our team.  We look forward to getting moving with you very soon!

You can still offer feedback to guide our class planning for future months. Please fill out our survey here!

During Stage 1, we still have limited availability and we realize that not all clients will be ready or able to return.  If you are dealing with pain or tension from home, you can still attend classes online or set up a video meeting with one of our therapists or trainers.

Online Classes:  We have a schedule of online group classes available including Pilates, Floor Barre, Core Barre, Feldenkrais, Workout! with Erica Nix, and Yoga.  Feel free to reach out with requests and suggestions for other classes.

Online Services:  Meet with a massage therapist, acupuncturist, or movement teacher to get one-on-one advice or instruction.  Consider asking for self-massage or partner massage techniques for a particular concern, advice on herbs and nutrition to help with immunity or a chronic health condition, guided meditation, nervous system regulation, or a customized yoga, pilates or Feldenkrais session.  We also have a LPC intern with a Hakomi background on our team who can offer sliding scale mental health counseling sessions.

Help Support our Staff:  If you would like to support our admin staff, therapists, and teachers during this difficult time, please consider purchasing gift certificates for future use, or donating to our relief fund.  You can specify a specific recipient or donate to the general fund to be distributed according to need.

This week, we have a schedule of online group classes available including Pilates, Floor Barre, Core Barre, Feldenkrais, Workout! with Erica Nix, Gentle Yoga and Meditation, and Iyengar Yoga.  We’ll be adding more classes according to demand as we go along. Please feel free to reach out with requests and suggestions.