In your own words – describe “the Spirit of Polestar”
GA: To me, the “Spirit of Polestar” is the true joy of movement. Polestar is a family that holds its values and community connection up to such high importance. The Polestar family cares about people and the way we guide positive movement experiences. Polestar’s spirit is a growing body of knowledge, people, and love.
What Three Words come to mind when you think of “Polestar Pilates”
GA:
- Positive
- Wisdom
- Community
What do you love about teaching Pilates?
GA: I love seeing the shift in mindset, energy, and spirit that Pilates has on clients. Watching the transformation from a Pilates “newbie” to a Pilates believer never gets old. I was a Pilates teacher before my Polestar training and had trained with several Pilates schools. I was very fortunate to have completed my Polestar Transition training with Shelly Power & Brent Anderson.
What are your current Inspirations?
GA: My current inspiration is moving in nature. I have been working in the yard, walking outside, hiking, and enjoying the fresh air. I love how my pilates practice supports my everyday movement and allows me to enjoy these activities with ease. I also love hearing from clients about their gardening, walking, running, golfing, etc, that Pilates has made possible again or more enjoyable.
Why Pilates? How did you find the practice?
GA: I have been a dancer my whole life, so movement has always been a love of mine. Pilates came to me while I was studying dance in college and that is where I took my first Pilates teacher training. What started as a compliment to my dance training quickly became a true passion. I love the way Pilates makes me feel and the joy I see it brings to others. Pilates gives me freedom of movement and longevity to my body’s growth.
Why Polestar Pilates? How did you come to join the Polestar Community?
GA: I found Polestar when I wasn’t really looking for it. Polestar found the studio I was teaching at in search of a host in the area for teacher training. I took a leap of faith and completed the transition course at Southwind Retreat Center in North Carolina.
I didn’t really know what I was in for, but I realized fast that I was very lucky to be there learning. My Polestar training and becoming a Polestar practitioner has been such a gift to my career. I feel I have been given such a depth of knowledge and awareness that has really helped me grow as a teacher and has in turn helped my clients tremendously. Being a Pilates teacher is an amazing joy in my life. The Pilates work is a resource that provides so much growth. I feel honored to be able to share Pilates with others and see its impact on their lives.
What do you hope to convey in your teaching?
GA: I hope to bring a light and positive ease to movement. When my clients are taking Pilates from me I want them to feel like the Pilates work is approachable yet challenging. I try to present Pilates in a way that helps the student feel confident in their body to explore movement and try new things.
What is your favorite Quote?
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m Possible!”
– Audrey Hepburn
I have always enjoyed the lighthearted spirit of this quote. I think it is a great one to remember in life but especially when teaching Pilates. As a teacher it’s my job to uplift a client and make things that seem unachievable possible, sometimes it’s as simple as a change in perspective and sometimes it’s a whole lot of baby steps.
What is your Favorite Apparatus or favorite way to move?
GA: It is really hard to pick a favorite. I’m going to go with the Ladder Barrel and the Reformer. The Ladder Barrel provides a unique experience that is different from the other apparatus. Its shape lends itself to so many wonderful spinal movements and some upside-down opportunities. The Reformer, while not as compact as the Chair, allows for many different types of movement and so many orientations to space in a pretty small footprint.
You can find Grace on social media @graceaublepilates
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