Alix Sorrel PT, DPT, OCS, Cert DN, NCPT is a Polestar Educator based in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.
In your own words – describe “the Spirit of Polestar”
AS: The spirit of Polestar to me is Positivity. Positivity from each individual I have come across in the Polestar community, Positivity from my career as a result of being involved with Polestar, and Positivity in my own body from practicing the Polestar curriculum.
Describe Polestar in Three Words:
AS:
Community
Evidence Based Education
Progression
What do you love about teaching Pilates and owning a studio?
AS: Pilates has provided me tools to help each patient overcome injuries, but more importantly the studio has allowed each patient the opportunity to continue their wellness journey in a safe environment. Nothing gives me more joy than witnessing an individual initiate an active lifestyle and continue it, making a change in their life for the better.
Where did you take your training?
AS: I transitioned in Miami with Brent, Christy, Shelly, and Karyn Staples. I had the opportunity to learn from each one of them and I am very grateful for that. Karyn has been a mentor throughout my profession as I have opened and grown a PT practice and Pilates studio. I mentored under her as I progressed to becoming an educator.
What are your current Inspirations?
AS: Currently I am inspired by breath. I am intrigued by the pressure system of the core and how the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles interact synergistically. I am currently working towards a certification involving treatment of pre and post natal women. Women’s health has always been an interest of mine, and the beauty of bringing children into the world is incredible.
To be part of the process of helping women regain their strength and mobility following this process is inspiring to me. Many women can be considered postnatal even when their youngest child is 30 years old. Polestar Pilates principles such as breath and axial elongation are critical tools addressing these limitations and creating balance in the trunk. My own children inspire me daily as well 🙂
Why Pilates? How did you find the practice?
AS: I graduated from physical therapy school and got married 2 weeks after graduation. While I was in the planning process, I was trying on my wedding dress and experienced back pain from wearing the heavy dress for only 30 minutes. I was determined to enjoy my wedding and not have to worry about having back pain. I was on my clinical rotation at an outpatient PT facility at the time. There was a therapist working there that taught Pilates and I decided to try it myself on a consistent basis in order to help prevent back pain on my wedding day.
It was a success and like many other people, my own limitation led me to experience the wonderful benefits of Pilates. Once I graduated and got married I decided to take the plunge and enrolled in my first Comprehensive Pilates training program in order to provide each patient with the benefits of Pilates.
Why Polestar Pilates?
AS: I was originally trained through a different Pilates school when I graduated from PT school. I found myself searching for more. More education and more information on bridging the gap between my Pilates and physical therapy practice. I did the Passing the Torch mentorship program with Brent and was introduced to Polestar, the principles, and the community. I transitioned to Polestar shortly after. I have met lifetime friends and mentors that have guided me to take my career to another level.
What do you hope to convey in your teaching?
AS: Empathy, understanding, and encouragement. I work with patients in my practice that have seen other physicians, therapists, or fitness professionals without relief. The facility that I have is made up of a PT clinic and a Pilates studio. I and our instructors have created a safe space for individuals to have a successful movement practice with any prior injuries or limitations.
This is our priority when teaching in the studio. Some individuals come to keep their symptoms under control to continue daily life activities and other individuals come to continue running successfully and completing marathons. Above all, we encourage positive movement experiences regardless of any physical limitations that may affect their fitness journey.
What is your favorite Quote?
AS: “The wisest mind has something yet to learn” George Santayana. Throughout my life, I continue to seek further education not only for knowledge in my profession but also for every aspect of my life. Even though I am content in each moment, I enjoy learning and gaining wisdom from each individual and experience that I come across.
What is your Favorite Apparatus or favorite way to move?
AS: My favorite way to move is in the coronal plane into side bending on any apparatus. We are sagittal beings and I like to take time each day to bring breath and mobility into the sides of my body, specifically my trunk.
You can find Alix on social media @Integratedptpilates
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