Alexander Bohlander, PT is Polestar’s Licensee in Germany and Director of Polestar Pilates Education for Polestar Europe (including France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria). Teaching for over 25 years, Alex has a concentration in “Mindfulness” and brings this unique perspective to movement education and Pilates. Alex co-authored The Pilates Teacher’s Manual (published 2013, Springer Heidelberg)and his health centers present a state of the art combination of both athletic and therapeutic Pilates training in Germany (Springs Kohln).
Polestar: Where did you take your training and who was the educator?
AB: I started over 25 years ago with Ingrid Lootvoet; I’ll never forget her beautiful studio in an luxurious villa in Knokke/Belgium. She took my hand and showed my body Pilates movements and my personality ways to unfold. Where would I be today without her? After two years she referred me to Brent and I went to Sacramento. My trust in her advice was only exceeded by being with him and Shelly Power in the studio.
Polestar: What do you love about teaching and owning a Pilates studio?
AB: Today I own several health centers that include beautiful Pilates studios in Cologne/Germany and it means everything to me- Here I am the best version of myself.
Polestar: What are your current Inspirations? What do you love about them?
AB: Digitalization is powerful and should be seen as a great opportunity to share knowledge. I strive to be part of this massive transformation by using technology at its best. On the other hand the age of “holistic sciences” is all around us along with the rise of comprehensive, complete understanding. Read Factfulness by Hans Rosling- eye opening and fascinating.
Polestar: Why Pilates? How did you find the practice?
AB: It found me – a young physical therapist and healer….no knowledge or definitely not enough for the big picture.
Polestar: What do you hope to convey in your teaching?
AB: We are capable of being and doing wonderful; don’t be satisfied with numbness or being mediocre. Strive to be the best version of yourself!
Polestar: Where would you love to vacation?
AB: Brazil – Capada diamantina
Polestar: What is your favorite quote?
AB: “At the end we will have done what we come here to do and that’s enough.” (Deepak Chopra)
Polestar: Describe your movement style…
AB: Powerful, a bit too “kapha” because of my up-bringing in Palatinate- we were raised with heavy foods, love and nature.
Polestar: What is your favorite apparatus or favorite way to move? What do you love about it?
AB: Universal, elegant, powerful, shaping, refining, fun Reformer. It brings me right to the point, center, goal….to be balanced and not too bad looking 🙂
Polestar: What are you currently reading or learning about?
AB: Science, spirituality, and love. Just received a beautiful book about Deva Premal and Miten and their Mantra-music! Very very beautiful.
Polestar: How does Pilates inform your profession?
AB: Not enough yet- Germany is resisting the complete message, especially the therapists. They will not stop talking and lecturing about it.
Polestar: Where can we find you?
AB: At the upcoming Polestar Experience in Herne Germany! Also if you have not read my book The Pilates Teacher’s Manual (published 2013, Springer Heidelberg) read it and let me know what you think please!
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Educator Highlight : Alexander Bohlander
Alexander Bohlander, PT is Polestar’s Licensee in Germany and Director of Polestar Pilates Education for Polestar Europe (including France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria). Teaching for over 25 years, Alex has a concentration in “Mindfulness” and brings this unique perspective to movement education and Pilates. Alex co-authored The Pilates Teacher’s Manual (published 2013, Springer Heidelberg)and his health centers present a state of the art combination of both athletic and therapeutic Pilates training in Germany (Springs Kohln).
Polestar: Where did you take your training and who was the educator?
AB: I started over 25 years ago with Ingrid Lootvoet; I’ll never forget her beautiful studio in an luxurious villa in Knokke/Belgium. She took my hand and showed my body Pilates movements and my personality ways to unfold. Where would I be today without her? After two years she referred me to Brent and I went to Sacramento. My trust in her advice was only exceeded by being with him and Shelly Power in the studio.
Polestar: What do you love about teaching and owning a Pilates studio?
AB: Today I own several health centers that include beautiful Pilates studios in Cologne/Germany and it means everything to me- Here I am the best version of myself.
Polestar: What are your current Inspirations? What do you love about them?
AB: Digitalization is powerful and should be seen as a great opportunity to share knowledge. I strive to be part of this massive transformation by using technology at its best. On the other hand the age of “holistic sciences” is all around us along with the rise of comprehensive, complete understanding. Read Factfulness by Hans Rosling- eye opening and fascinating.
Polestar: Why Pilates? How did you find the practice?
AB: It found me – a young physical therapist and healer….no knowledge or definitely not enough for the big picture.
Polestar: What do you hope to convey in your teaching?
AB: We are capable of being and doing wonderful; don’t be satisfied with numbness or being mediocre. Strive to be the best version of yourself!
Polestar: Where would you love to vacation?
AB: Brazil – Capada diamantina
Polestar: What is your favorite quote?
AB: “At the end we will have done what we come here to do and that’s enough.” (Deepak Chopra)
Polestar: Describe your movement style…
AB: Powerful, a bit too “kapha” because of my up-bringing in Palatinate- we were raised with heavy foods, love and nature.
Polestar: What is your favorite apparatus or favorite way to move? What do you love about it?
AB: Universal, elegant, powerful, shaping, refining, fun Reformer. It brings me right to the point, center, goal….to be balanced and not too bad looking 🙂
Polestar: What are you currently reading or learning about?
AB: Science, spirituality, and love. Just received a beautiful book about Deva Premal and Miten and their Mantra-music! Very very beautiful.
Polestar: How does Pilates inform your profession?
AB: Not enough yet- Germany is resisting the complete message, especially the therapists. They will not stop talking and lecturing about it.
Polestar: Where can we find you?
AB: At the upcoming Polestar Experience in Herne Germany! Also if you have not read my book The Pilates Teacher’s Manual (published 2013, Springer Heidelberg) read it and let me know what you think please!
Like our Blog? Subscribe to our Polestar Life Weekly Newsletter and be the first in the know!
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