Complete the information to register for this program
You will learn to:
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Master the versatile uses of Pilates exercises, a crucial skill for any Pilates instructor
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Develop assessment techniques to help your clients make consistent progress on their goals
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Learn to customize workouts for each client’s needs, essential for any Pilates Instructor seeking high client retention
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Learn to teach Pilates in both group and private settings, broadening your instructing capabilities and enabling your teaching to be accessible to more clients
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Understand the physics of the equipment at a deep level, enabling you to manipulate any apparatus to suit your client’s needs
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Learn to safely adapt exercises for injuries and special needs, ensuring responsible and equitable instruction
Program advantages:
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Become a part of an elite global community of comprehensive Pilates practitioners
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Engage in a blended learning experience with in-person and online instruction
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Access a rich trove of online resources for a deeper dive into Pilates instruction
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Benefit from exceptional student support throughout your journey
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Participate in bi-weekly webinars hosted by experienced Polestar Faculty
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Learn from senior instructors with one-year access to Polestar’s virtual studio, a hub of advanced learning and practice
Program Phases
- Phase 1 (Online): Polestar Principles of Movement (1 Month)
- Pilates Mat Exercises: Foundational lectures, guided instruction, and personal movement exploration.
- Movement Analysis: Develop a strong foundation in Pilates principles.
- Phase 2: Learning Pilates Core Curriculum (Hybrid In-person/Online – 7 Months)
- Comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Training: Master Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Chair.
- Program Design & Instruction: Learn to design effective Pilates programs and develop essential teaching skills.
- Special Populations & Contraindications: Confidently work with diverse clients and understand exercise modifications.
- Client Assessment: Gain proficiency in client evaluation and program customization.
- Phase 3 (Online): Advanced Applications of Pilates Instruction and Exam Preparation (2 Months)
- Advanced Pilates Techniques: Master advanced applications of Pilates principles across various exercises and conditions.
- Refine & Prepare: Review key concepts, refine your teaching skills, and prepare for the certification exam.
- Earn Your Pilates Instructor Certification: Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive a Polestar Pilates Practitioner Diploma, qualifying you to take the National Pilates Certification Program exam and become a certified Pilates instructor.
2025 Polestar Pilates Instructor Training Cities
Upcoming 2025 Comprehensive Teacher Training open for enrollment in the following cities:
EAST
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Hadley, Massachusetts
- Juno Beach, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- New York City, New York*
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Siler City, North Carolina
- Woodbridge, Virginia
CENTRAL / MOUNTAIN
- Austin, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Dallas, Texas
- Denver, Colorado
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Park City, Utah
WEST
- Newport Beach, California
- Oakland, California
*New York has an additional $1,100 city fee added to the tuition cost.
Pre-requisites
- Participation in 25 hours of group or private Pilates classes at any location. Training with a Polestar Instructor is encouraged but not required.
- To qualify for the Rehabilitation diploma, you must be a licensed or certified health care professional (MD, PT, DO, DC, ATC). All other applicants qualify for the Studio diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What makes the Polestar Pilates curriculum unique?
The curriculum covers foundational biomechanics, anatomy, advanced cueing techniques, and client assessment skills, ensuring you are well-equipped for diverse client needs, making it ideal for physical therapists, fitness instructors, and career changers. Upon successful completion, you will earn a Polestar Pilates Practitioner Diploma, qualifying you for the National Pilates Certification Program exam. - Is the Polestar Pilates certification recognized globally?
Yes, Polestar Pilates is a global leader in Pilates education, with over 30 years of experience and more than 80,000 students in over 50 countries. Our certification is recognized worldwide, providing the credibility and flexibility to work anywhere. - Can I start working before I complete my certification?
Yes! Students can begin working halfway through their training as apprentice teachers after passing their mid-term exam. This hands-on experience allows you to gain real-life experience, build your client base, and start earning income, helping you to recoup your investment quickly. - How flexible is a career in Pilates?
A career in Pilates offers unparalleled flexibility. Instructors can set their own hours, choose their work environments (studios, rehab clinics, homes, online), and even offer hybrid classes, allowing for a better work-life balance . - How does the financial investment in Polestar Pilates certification compare to the potential earnings?
The Pilates industry is expected to grow by 10.6% annually from 2024 to 2032 (IMARC). With a median annual salary of approximately $73,860, significantly higher than the median income for all fitness trainers, the investment for certification is quickly recouped (Gymdesk) (Bureau of Labor Statistics). - Can I integrate Pilates into my physical therapy practice?
Pilates is a powerful tool for rehabilitation and movement retraining. This program equips you to seamlessly integrate Pilates principles and exercises into your existing treatment plans. You’ll learn modifications for various conditions and gain confidence working with diverse clients. - I’m already a certified personal trainer/yoga instructor. Does this program benefit me?
Absolutely! Pilates adds another dimension to your skillset, allowing you to cater to a wider range of clients and offer a unique movement experience. You’ll gain expertise in program design, injury prevention, and specialized teaching techniques.
I have really enjoyed and learned a lot during our in-person weekends. I find the online learning portion a bit overwhelming though. While I understand and appreciate the convenience for many people, (including the reduction in cost vs all in-person sessions), I get bogged down by all of the information that comes via the computer. I would have preferred at least one more in-person session per month which would have deepened my connection with fellow students and helped me learn more. I have learned so much more in person vs virtual.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the program itself and the help/support team engagement and responsiveness. The various instructors I’ve engaged with have been helpful, friendly, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. The one thing I truly think can be improved is the overall communication about the program, what to expect, how to find what I need, etc. Otherwise, I’m so very happy I chose to start my journey with Polestar!
I have really enjoyed and learned a lot during our in-person weekends. I find the online learning portion a bit overwhelming though. While I understand and appreciate the convenience for many people, (including the reduction in cost vs all in-person sessions), I get bogged down by all of the information that comes via the computer. I would have preferred at least one more in-person session per month which would have deepened my connection with fellow students and helped me learn more. I have learned so much more in person vs virtual.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the program itself and the help/support team engagement and responsiveness. The various instructors I’ve engaged with have been helpful, friendly, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. The one thing I truly think can be improved is the overall communication about the program, what to expect, how to find what I need, etc. Otherwise, I’m so very happy I chose to start my journey with Polestar!
Polestar Pilates makes a huge difference in your teaching skills. This program has wonderful educators and mentors who truly want you to be your best. You become part of a family. I’ve been teaching fitness and yoga class for years with wonderful feedback. Recently I was blessed to have one of my Pilates clients share with me that she has been taking Pilates for over 20 years from very good instructors and on a scale of 1-10 most of them were 7-10. She said she never met anyone like me and that she rated me a 20! She said she was so impressed with how I paid attention to her and how my teaching has make a positive impact on her movement goals, that she never noticed as much with other instructors. That special attention and ability to help her comes directly from the education I’ve received from Polestar Pilates. Forever grateful to all my teachers.
Each workshop/training I have attended with Polestar goes above and beyond my expectations. Each instructor demonstrates their passion for Pilates/Movement by sharing their knowledge and personal experience. Thank you!
Polestar Comprehensive Teacher Training gave me the tools to assess my clients which allows me to formulate an exercise plan tailored to their individual needs and goals. Next, the Polestar framework on how to prepare a comprehensive session has been invaluable as has the knowledge of what fundamentals I must teach before introducing more advanced movements. Post graduation, the ongoing support and opportunity for growth provided by Polestar by means of Pilates Hour, blogs and continuing education continues to extend my knowledge base. For me, personally, working in a PT and Pilates Studio with a Polestar Teacher Trainer Mentor, Dr Karyn Staples, has propelled me forward daily. In short, Polestar has given me the toolbox and support to be an effective and competent Pilates Professional. My advice to others considering Polestar is to be ready to really dedicate the necessary time to this worthwhile program to get the most out of it. Then, if possible, before and after graduation, team up with an experienced mentor, continue to study and put the work in, and dedicate yourself to becoming a lifelong learner.
I received my Polestar training in 2004/2005 timeframe. I had already gone through a program with a classically trained instructor in Charlotte. I also did intense mat work with Colleen Glen. I decided to do Polestar as I needed something that would help me work with a wider variety of bodies. I really loved my training and I find that the weekly webinars that Polestar generously offers to their graduates (and others) to be so helpful in this changing world. The way i was taught years ago doesn’t work as well now. I find that people have different expectations and my training along with the variety of webinars really helps me to stay fresh in my practice.
I was drawn to Polestar because of it’s therapeutic focus. I learned assessment skills and how to design a customized Pilates exercise program to address a client’s specific needs. Polestar helped me grow as a professional by enabling me to work with special populations to give them a positive movement experience. I would encourage other Pilates enthusiasts who want to go beyond just learning the choreography to consider Polestar training to learn how to effectively apply the exercises for specific client needs.
I had been teaching Clinical Pilates as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist for 3 years, and had 30 years physiotherapy experience with my own private clinic, when I wanted further Pilates expertise. I had completed a few introductory and intermediate Pilates courses when Polestar Pilates was recommended to me. I learnt more than I could imagine! I learnt so much about my own body and how to teach with skill and precision. Polestar Pilates improved my observational skills, my teaching repertoire and confidence and my own strength. I would recommend this course to everyone who strives for excellence.
I first qualified in 2004 with Polestar Au as a mat instructor. This qualification gave me the confidence to go and teach small classes of high quality. After teaching in Australia and the UK for a few years I then went on to take the Comprehensive training at Polestar UK. I am now a Physio assistant/ Pilates instructor at a small clinic with a fully equipped studio. I get to work with every body, from UK Olympic gymnasts to 89 Yr old Parkinsons sufferer. Polestar training has given me the tools to give a variety of bodies, a movement experience without pain. Highly recommended
I became Polestar Practitioner 20 years ago in NYC. I then opened up my own studio teaching mostly private one on one clients for more than 14 years. I also was able to apply Polestar principles with my Patients while working in Physical Therapy as a PTA, and of course, in life as well!
My Polestar education was incredibly thorough. It included learning about the Pilates repertoire plus about the many contraindications and precautions I potentially would and in fact did often encounter working with a varied population. It provided a very strong foundation of knowledge which prepared me to teach 1:1 and Pilates Mat classes for over 19 years now. It was hugely comprehensive. I am so grateful to Sherri Betz and the Polestar team.
Polestar Pilates sets itself apart by constantly evolving, yet being all encompassing in its delivery of educational material as well as the learning experience. The Polestar community is ever helpful, ever willing to share and explore information together, to help one another grow to be a better version of themselves at any one time. The high standard that Polestar holds itself to is what makes Polestar graduates shine in the global Pilates community.
I have qualified with Polestar firstly as a Mat teacher in 2018 and I have returned to complete the comprehensive course in 2022. I absolutely love being part of the Polestar family, thanks to the incredible knowledgeable mentors they constantly inspire me to learn and to seek deeply to understand the rehabilitation process of injuries. The weekly Pilates Hour with Brent Anderson has giving me so much more knowledge keeping me motivated in my everyday teaching. I love to learn and to share my knowledge and hopefully one day I will be able to part of the mentoring team.
Polestar Pilates is a very thorough and in-depth program. I learned all of the Polestar pilates principles and how to apply them to each exercise. I also learned a proper evaluation and assessment for each new patient and Client that I work with. Polestar taught me the importance of breath work and how to apply the correct exercises to the individual based on their injuries and health and wellness goals.
Choosing Polestar, you can teach anybody that walks through your door. You will feel confident and comfortable teaching anybody, and that I think is empowering.
It was like coming home. I had found my Pilates family of like-minded individuals, on a mission to share, educate and deliver the message of intelligent movement.