Pilates Teacher Training

Meet Kristin Loeer: Polestar Pilates Mentor

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What do you love about teaching Pilates? Where did you take your training and who was the educator?

KL: I love teaching Pilates because I believe that Pilates can be practiced, used, and taught in many different ways. It allows us to truly explore and express who we are in our work as teachers. Equally, it allows us to really honor and support the individual, precious person in achieving their goals. I believe in acknowledging and respecting the individuality of each of my clients, including their limitations, fears, abilities, and ambitions, without judgment.

Rather than being some kind of exercise perception the client needs to mold themselves to, Pilates allows me to always be flexible in how I choose to support and help my client. It really can be an art form of communication and discovery of oneself through the body. I was already a mat Pilates teacher and body worker when I decided to undertake Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Studio Practitioner training with Polestar Pilates UK. Liz Bussey and Diane Nye were amazing educators.

They demonstrated two very different ways of teaching. It made clear to me that it is possible to integrate my existing knowledge, skills, and also my unique personality and passions into my movement work. They both encouraged me to really explore who I want to be as a movement professional and how I want to work with people.

What are your current inspirations?   What do you love about them?                                                                        

KL: For some time now I’ve worked with a focus on the nervous system in movement. I have undergone further training in applied neuroscience and NLP coaching.  Currently, I am undergoing long-term training in Somatic Experiencing, which is a method of trauma resolution through the felt sense and the autonomic nervous system (the part that deals with fight or flight and restoration and learning).  When it comes to rehabilitation and movement practices we often are focused on muscle, bone, or fascia.

However, our nervous system has a huge impact on our soft tissue health and our general ability to heal, learn and move. On the other hand, we know that movement itself can have powerful healing effects for people who suffer from stress, depression, and other mental health problems. So for me teaching Pilates with an understanding of how the nervous system works and how movement and the nervous system are affected by one another is absolutely fascinating and powerful.

Why Pilates?  How did you find the practice?

KL: I first came across Pilates, back in my mid-twenties. I experienced episodes of very low energy and frequent migraines due to hormonal fluctuations and a thyroid disorder. I used to go to the gym, but when I had spells of low energy, going to the gym was rather depressing, as I was just confronted with my sudden decline in endurance and strength. I then would stop going altogether, which didn’t help my overall well-being.

It was hard to keep motivating myself to exercise, having my progress constantly interrupted by not feeling well. I started looking for a form of exercise that I enjoyed and that would be forgiving of my frequent lack of energy. I started exploring various dance classes at the national center for dance in Edinburgh, where I lived at the time. Here I came across Pilates for the first time.

I liked Pilates because it was not centered around physically pushing myself all the time, which I could not do when I was on low energy. Pilates allowed me to continue practicing and engaging with my body when I was having a low energy week; there was still lots to explore and to work on. I could simply focus on smaller movements and exercises and deepen my practice and understanding of them.

I even found that after a week of really exploring a more simple movement, the more difficult ones would become easier. My low-energy spells began to feel less like an interruption and inconvenience in my life. Pilates allowed me to work with my low energy, rather than letting it stop me from living my life. I believe that this was a really important discovery that has informed my life ever since.

What do you hope to convey in your teaching?

KL: In our modern society we deal with an awful lot of self-criticism. We beat ourselves up about all sorts of things. We allow others to tell us what is good or bad for us and what to do and what not to do. We are used to putting ourselves down and ignoring our own needs. We work the hours we are expected to, regardless of how tired, stressed, and run down we are. We deny ourselves foods we crave because we are on diets. We hold emotions for the sake of peace in our relationships. We shut down communication with our own body because that is expected of us. We are expected to become more and more durable and capable, no matter what. That is the culture we live in and it is not sustainable. I believe that Pilates can play a huge role in fighting this.

“What is most important to me in my work is to empower people to reconnect with their bodies, acknowledge and respect their own individual needs without judgement, take responsibility for their own well being and take action.”

In essence, for me Pilates is about truly getting to know yourself through movement, becoming appreciative of yourself, and learning how to live life in a way that really works for you. This can be so empowering, as we then can potentially experience things we did not think possible.

Where would you love to vacation?

KL: My family lives in Germany, where I grew up, so I like to spend my vacations there with them. I also used to live in Scotland for 15 years. It became a second home and I miss it and my friends a lot. So any holiday I do not spend with family back in Germany I will use to go to Scotland. There are many amazing places in the world that would be magical to see and I find seeing my family and friends, and the wonderful places that hold so many memories for me, are way more important to me.

What is your favorite quote?  How do you embody this?

“Movement never lies. It is a barometer telling the state of the soul’s weather to all who can read it.” – Martha Graham

KL: Martha Graham said “Movement never lies. It is a barometer telling the state of the soul’s weather to all who can read it.” We know this is true when we look at the posture of a sad person, next to that of a happy person. I think it is important to bear this in mind when we work with movement. In Pilates, we can get very caught up in anatomy, by looking at spinal articulation or head, neck, and shoulder organization and things like that. Those things are important for quality movement and we can work with them directly.

However, it is very wise to keep in mind that there are many reasons why a person moves or holds themselves the way they do. Axial elongation, core control, and breathing are qualities that are hard to find when we feel bad, regardless of how well we understand the technicalities of movement. The body is expressing itself. Our body language makes up more than half of our communication with others. When we work on changing someone’s posture or movement patterns this understanding should somewhat inform our practice.

Describe your movement style.

KL: When it comes to my own movement practice I like to think of movement as something very natural and animal-like. I seek quality, ease, and efficiency in my movements through a sense of connection with myself, my surroundings, and gravity. I particularly enjoy inversion and suspension exercises, as they tend to provide a very different experience of gravity and us in space, which can be enriching in many ways. I particularly enjoy exploring this in aerial circus arts, as there is plenty of opportunity for this kind of movement experience.

What is your favorite apparatus or favorite way to move? What do you love about it? 

KL: I always loved the trapeze table the most. I like that there is a very defined space in which I can move between the table and the frame. It allows me to ground myself very comfortably on the padded table if that is what I need. However, if I seek adventure I can suspend myself upside down from the frame and climb around it like a monkey. It offers some fantastic repertoire, but also allows space for creativity.

How does Pilates inform your profession?

KL: I practice Pilates several days a week, which I believe does not only set a good example for my clients but also helps me stay actively able to support my clients during their sessions.

Check out Kristin’s website KristinLoeer.com and facebook page@KristinLoeerMovementTherapy

Learn about Pilates Classes and Teacher Training in the UK at MossPilates.com and Polestar Pilates UK

Selecting a Pilates Studio

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You’re either new to teaching, you’re moving to a new city, or it’s time for a change, and you’re facing the big decision of either opening your own studio or finding an environment where you can teach. This article focuses on the latter: how to select the ideal environment in which you can thrive as a movement professional. Below are some helpful points to consider in your selection.

There will be various factors unique to you and the city you live in that you’ll need to consider, and this can help you get the process started. – Kate Strozak,

First consider the type of environment that would appeal to you most. Here are some of the typical options:

  • Corporate options: this entails working for a studio that is housed within a larger complex such as a gym, social club, hospital, or university. The benefits of these environments are that you’ll likely have support from an HR department, consistency with expectations, and you likely won’t have to concern yourself with your own extensive marketing. Protocol will have been established and there will be processes in place to support you in your work environment. Some instructors dislike this option because it might feel restrictive in terms of established processes and procedures, and you’ll have to adopt their specific corporate culture.
  • Small business: this option involves working for an independently owned business, and the sizes can vary. Some of the perks include joining a business that has a unique culture where processes and systems are evolving over time. Some instructors thrive in this environment as it may be more conducive to flexibility, creating your own unique identity, and being able to run your own business within a business. On the other hand, working in a small business might entail inconsistencies in terms of rules and expectations.
  • Franchises: these are an interesting mix between how I describe corporations versus independently-owned businesses. Franchises are typically owned by somebody local who has subscribed to the franchise model. You benefit from the consistency and procedures in place, but you will need to subscribe to the larger franchise culture, which permeates each independently-owned franchise. Franchises might feel as though you belong to a large community, which can be a satisfying experience for somebody.

 Second, consider the type of clientele you would like to work with. 

  • If you are passionate about working with a clientele with a specific condition or situation, you could either find an environment with an existing reputation for that specialty or you can find an environment that would support you in specializing. 
  • If research is of particular interest to you, it would be helpful to find a university or hospital-based environment that has existing resources to support you in your endeavors.
  • For sports performance-based specialization, see if you can collaborate with professionals already equipped and servicing this population. Some professional sports teams are building out Pilates studios within their training centers.
  • For the general public, you have a wide spectrum of options, and you’ll likely select your environment based on a multitude of other factors, including some listed below.

 Lastly, these are some miscellaneous recommendations to ensure that you’re being selective with your decision.

  • Spend time in the prospective environment at various times of the day and on a variety of days. Notice how coworkers interact with each other and with clients, and notice the clientele that come into the space. Does it seem like a supportive, collaborative, and positive environment?
  • If possible, talk with some instructors who have been working there to get their perspectives. What are their favorite attributes about the environment? What are their greatest frustrations? How long have they worked there? 
  • Is your goal to progress to a management position? This is a nice thought to consider early on, and it might be something you could begin with or work towards over time.
  • Do the requirements for the position seem rigorous? If you’re looking for a place to work that is focused on high quality and caliber, they likely have more stringent requirements for instructors coming on board. Continuing education benefits are more than just a bonus; they can indicate that an organization is willing to invest in their employees/contractors and that education and development are highly prioritized.

Ask the person you’ll be reporting to how they support you in building your clientele. It is helpful to know these expectations from the get-go. Do they expect you to market yourself and attract your own clientele? Are they marketing you and generating leads for you? Do they already have classes and clients established for you?

 This process can be challenging and lengthy. Everybody responds to changes differently, and considering that we spend so much time and energy on working, it certainly is a big decision to make. Above all else, be selective and go with your gut. Try to find an environment that will be conducive to your personal and professional growth and evolution.

You can find Kate on instagram at @katestrozak

Fascia in Pilates by : Kate Strozak
Pilates in Healthcare by: Kate Strozak

Graduate Highlight : Laura Cappelletti

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Meet Laura, an inspired Polestar Practitioner, Graduate and United Nations Foundation champion!

What do you love about teaching Pilates and owning a studio?

LC: Those are all very different questions requiring unique answers. What I love about teaching Pilates is that it enables and empowers people to live their best lives and to attend their daily tasks and activities with zest, pleasure and spontaneity, as spoken by my true hero, Joseph Pilates. I love that Pilates creates harmony in the body because of the unique equipment, well-designed exercises, and programming. It is deeply researched and educators are always evolving it. To me, there is no greater pleasure than my clients letting me know that they have never felt better, their pain is gone and/or minimized, or they are living life more fully! For instance, one of my clients that has a 41 degree scoliosis curve won first place in the Wynstone golf tournament.

I love being a studio owner because I get to build a team of fantastic trainers that share my values and reach many clients every week. I love the sense of community it creates between trainers and clients and the friendships that evolve.

What are your current inspirations and what do you love about them?

LC: Brent Anderson has always been an inspiration to my teaching. I quote him regularly. I always start with the image of balloons between the vertebrae to establish elongation. Let’s just say my clients are well aware that they don’t want to be a “sagittal beast.” I study his teachings and take his webinars. I adapted and relate to his layers of energy healing, movement as healing, and having clients own their thoughts- thoughts are energy! My entire career focuses on clients with pain and chronic physical issues.

Also, an inspiration is ActivMotion Bar. I just LOVE the ActivMotion Bar, which is a bar with moving steel weight ball bearings. Derek Mikulski, founder of the ActivMotion Bar, gave me the tool and programming to challenge my clients in so many versatile and effective ways. I use it in a variety of settings, including private and group classes, and for a variety of clients, from athletes to seniors. I was so excited about the bar after using it for three years that I am now a master trainer for ActivMotion Bar and happy to teach the PILATES foundation course if interested.

Why Pilates? How did you find the practice?

LC: I have worked in the fitness industry for over 35yrs. Fitness and movement has always been at the heart of me!

I learned about Pilates in 1991 when a small Pilates studio in Barrington opened. It immediately made sense to me, and I decided to go “all-in”  and become a Pilates professional. I became certified in classical Pilates and started teaching for a couple of years. One summer I attended a StottPilates Workshop and realized that I had so much more to learn. I became Stott Pilates certified and a Stott Pilates post-rehab specialist. Over a number of years I kept my eye on Polestar, because my clients were coming in with complex physical issues. I had an increasing number of clients with chronic pain, so I felt that Polestar could get me to the next level, and it did.

What do you hope to convey in your teaching?

LC: Joy. As your sessions progress so will the way you feel, not just in Pilates but also in your daily life. Pilates is a tremendous gift to yourself.

Where would you love to vacation?

LC: Colorado. I love the higher vibration, the mountains, the active life, healthy lifestyles, and like-minded people. I also look forward to traveling to India where my family and I have been working for over ten years to help liberate the Thurumbar community.

What is your favorite quote? How do you live, embody or apply this?

LC: “Change happens through movement and movement heals.” -Joseph Pilates. I work with clients’ aches and pains and love to see how Pilates heals all the time. I encourage my clients to move, play, and dance.

“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” -Mother Teresa

It is of utmost importance to me that I am constantly striving to ease suffering. I am a United Nation Foundation champion and ever since the days I opened my studio, we donate one bed net for EVERY pilates packaged purchased to fight malaria & save lives. We have donated over $12,000, resulting in over 3000 lives protected from malaria. We donate locally as well, $5 from every group fit package purchased goes towards helping local shelters.

I work to help liberate people from bonded slavery in the Thurumbar community in India, where basic needs are not met. Our studio has held a number of fundraisers, which contribute to the construction of a community center.

There has never been a time that I said no to an organization asking us to donate a basket. I believe the business is a tremendous platform to aid the community and anyone in our paths.

“The most important moment is now and it’s ever changing.” This quote reminds me to be in the moment always and especially when training.

How do you describe your movement style?

LC: I would describe my movement style as mindful, intuitive & playful. Mindful in movement, mindful in thought process.

What is your favorite apparatus or favorite way to move? What do you love about it?

LC: My favorite apparatus is the one I need at any given moment. I love the versatility of ALL the equipment and how the equipment can progress and/or assist an exercise.

What are you reading or learning about?

LC: Hands of Light by Barbara Brennan. The author is known as one of most spiritually influential people in the world. Her techniques are well-proven and applicable. The world of energy healing is inspiring and enlightening; it adds another layer onto my training.

Would you like to send a shout-out?

LC: I am the proud owner of Yin Yang Pilates & Yoga, a premier Pilates studio in the NW Suburbs of Chicago for over 11yrs. I am very proud of the extremely talented staff and the tremendous clients that have become what we call the Yin Yang Family!; activmotionbar.com; @kaisafit on Instagram: She’s not a Pilates trainer and more yang than yin, but she inspires me, and I love to see her craziness and passion for fitness.

Check out Laura’s Studio Yin Yang Pilates & Yoga

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Discover 4 Surprising Benefits of Pilates

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Pilates is celebrated for its ability to sculpt and strengthen the body. Core strength, improved posture, and ability to lengthen and tone muscles are just some of the effects that come from a regular Pilates practice. In this article, you will discover four lesser-known, surprising benefits of Pilates.

A deeper understanding of the multifaceted benefits of Pilates can enhance your Pilates experience and further benefit your practice and teaching. When you understand Pilates’ potential to influence the body in these ways, you can also use it more effectively for rehabilitation, mental, and physical health.

1. Pilates for a Healthy Mind

Pilates requires you to focus intensely on your breath and the movement of your body. It’s no surprise then, that fans of the method promote Pilates as an excellent way to achieve greater body awareness and mind-body connection. These effects are not merely anecdotal. There is scientific evidence to back up the zen-like state achieved through mindful movement. A recent government study revealed a link between mindfulness and Pilates, and how the Pilates method can improve the psychological well-being of its practitioners. The PMA website says: “Concentrated and focused breathing initiates the relaxation response and reintegrates the nervous system for receptivity.”

Chemically, Pilates also appears to act on the brain and body by shifting it into a homeostatic state, as well as stimulating the brain’s frontal lobe, the area responsible for memory and creativity.

2. Pilates for a Pain-Free Existence 

While the positive effects of Pilates on brain function and mood are important, repertoire exercises also have the potential to “move the mind.” This in turn can have a significant impact on the way the body functions. As teachers, understanding this can be particularly useful, especially with regards to client rehabilitation. Dr. Brent Anderson, physical therapist and CEO of Polestar Pilates, explains that physical pain can be a manifestation of emotional trauma. Pilates, through emphasis on mind and body integration, can reveal the emotional rather than structural issues responsible for physical pain. According to Dr. Anderson, “perception influences motivation in movement.” So your feelings about your body and your capacity for movement can have a significant impact on physical pain. In his experience, exercises that incorporate the whole body create an “almost meditative state for the patient, enhancing body awareness and exploring new movement opportunities without pain.”  Using Pilates equipment to challenge the body can radically shift perception of limitations and prevent one from bracing in anticipation of discomfort. This ultimately helps reduce pain during everyday activities.

3. Immune Booster and Detoxifier 

While most people might associate the key benefits of Pilates with defined abdominals, a brief look at the origins reveals far-reaching potential to heal various systems within the body. Joseph Pilates refined his exercise system while he interned on the Isle of Wight in World War I and used it keep the prisoners fit. Conditions in the camp were poor, yet when influenza struck England the campmates were unaffected.While Joseph’s assertions that this was due to his training regime may be an urban myth, the potential of Pilates to support and improve immunity through its effects on the lymphatic system now have some scientific evidence. According to lymphatic system specialist Katharina Hesse, Pilates movement helps drain the lymphatic system and detoxify the body by mobilizing joints where lymph nodes are located and by stimulating the area around the navel, another site for lymph nodes.  Pilates can also have a positive influence on the digestive system because of its massaging effect on the organs and the unique way it moves the body in all different planes. Exercises like single leg stretch on the mat or stomach massage on the Reformer are great examples of how Pilates can aid the digestive system and encourage detoxification.

4. The Benefits of Pilates for a Long, Strong Life

We all know about the weight-bearing benefits of Pilates, but did you know that challenging the body in this way is essential for skeletal health? Osteoporosis, the degeneration of bone density that can occur as we age, is a major health concern in the older population. This is particularly significant given the fact that over-65 is the fastest-growing age group in the country. Age UK predicts that nearly one in four people in the UK will be 65 or over by 2040. Rebekah Rotstein, a Pilates for osteoporosis specialist, explains why these exercises are so important for strong bones: “Bone is dynamic tissue, like muscle, that strengthens in response to forces it has to resist. Gravity is one such force, and working against gravity is what we refer to when speaking of “weight-bearing exercise.” 

The Controlled nature of Pilates movements and the ease with which tension can be modified makes Pilates ideal for older people to weight-bear safely and effectively.

Balanced Body Inc’s. Ken Endelman explains how Pilates teaches control and stability. This is “crucial for older adults as it can help them improve much of their functional movement, including balance and posture.” The focus on balance, posture and alignment can help prevent older adults from falling, which is the main cause of fractures. Yet this emphasis on creating a strong, stable skeleton through movement should not only apply to the elderly. Rotstein, who herself was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 28, champions Pilates as excellent for younger people, particularly as an accompaniment to exercise programs such as weight-training. The emphasis on correct alignment means that when performing movements under load, the forces are distributed evenly through the pelvis and spine. This makes Pilates a safe and effective way to boost bone health. Experts like Rotstein maintain that if you do this, you will reap the rewards for years to come.   

If you found these benefits of Pilates insightful, please share with your social network or Pilates peers!

Blog Written by Moss Pilates London @Polestarpilatesuk

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Fascia in Pilates

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Chances are you’ve heard about fascia and its importance in the human body – But how do we take this information and apply it to our training sessions with clients? – Kate Strozak

Fascia is a connective tissue that runs continuously throughout the entire body. According to the International Congress of Fascial Research, the fascial system:

“…consists of the three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body. It incorporates elements such as adipose tissue, adventitiae and neurovascular sheaths, aponeuroses, deep and superficial fasciae, epineurium, joint capsules, ligaments, membranes, meninges, myofascial expansions, periostea, retinacula, septa, tendons, visceral fasciae, and all the intramuscular and intermuscular connective tissues including endo-/peri-/epimysium.

The fascial system surrounds, interweaves between, and interpenetrates all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibers, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner.” 

Some in the field also propose that bone is calcified or mineralized fascia. Fascia is an important communication network in the body that communicates via photons. Its depth and function is remarkable!

Being aware of what fascia is and where it is located is a great start to incorporating our understanding of it in movement education and science.

Have you also ever wondered why continuously stretching what you think to be muscle tissue doesn’t consistently yield results in you or your clients?

Perhaps it’s not the muscles that need impacting but a fascial restriction that is producing sensations of tightness, restriction, or rigidity. How do you address this? I propose a whole body movement integration session with manual therapy, movement, or a combination of the two.             

Some schools of fascial-based modalities advise long, sustained holds to facilitate fascial releases. Other modalities might advise movement-based techniques to promote tissue gliding and release. I’d recommend trying both and seeing how your client responds. Every body is different, so some people might respond better to one technique over another.            

An example of a sustained hold would be a supine stretch over the ladder barrel where you can facilitate release of tissues in the front of the body by sustaining the position and breathing for 5 minutes.

The ladder barrel could be too extreme a range of motion for a client, in which case lying over a bolster, foam roller, or even on the ground might be more ideal. Make sure that your client is comfortable and isn’t feeling an extreme pull or tension anywhere. An example of a movement based fascial release could be book openings where you’re rotating into the position and rotating from the position in order to facilitate a release of tissues on the front of your body.             

Fascia runs continuously throughout the depths of the human body, so how can we impact those deepest fascial tissues? As Joseph Pilates intuitively knew, breath!

Practicing 3 dimensional, natural breathing that embraces the movement of our rib cage and diaphragm is perhaps the most accessible way to influence the fascial system. Applying your breath to sustained holds or to movements will help reap more benefits from your intervention.            

As one final thought on fascia and its role in movement, our tissues respond to the loads and demands we place upon it.

When we palpate and feel “tight tissue,” it might be there for a very good reason and not meant to be broken down or released. For example, our IT-bands. Our IT-bands have the tensional strength to lift a 2-ton car. In the human body, IT-bands support stability in the lower limbs and pelvis, help with knee tracking, and more. More so than releasing IT-bands, we could help people by addressing their methods of stability and their strategies for movement.            

If you’re looking for more information on fascia there are great resources out there. The International Fascia Research Congress offers yearly conferences, many massage therapy modalities focus on fascial tissue, and you can find all of the latest research on fascia utilizing research databases such as pubmed.

Interested in Learning more? Try our Online Course:

Subtle Energy and Pilates

Read Kate’s Blogs on the Nervous System, Healthcare and Expanding your Movement Potential

You can find Kate on instagram @katestrozak 

Educator Highlight : Ada Wells DPT, NCPT

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Ada Wells, DPT, NCPT, is an expert in rotational sports performance and specializes in the use of movement and Pilates based exercise for golf rehabilitation. She is a Level 3 Certified Golf Medical Professional through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), a Certified Pilates Teacher through the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), and an educator for Polestar Pilates International. In addition to owning and operating the ProBalance physical therapy and Pilates center in Alameda, CA, Ada has been a primary contributor to the Celebrity Wellness Team for the nationally televised American Century Golf Championship since 2003 and has been a member of the Wellness Team at the US Open Golf Championships since 2012. Ada has also participated as a guest instructor on the Athletic Training Channel of Balanced Body® Podcasts and for Pilates on Tour®, and established and currently manages the leading LinkedIn discussion groups of Pilates for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (11,700+ members) and Pilates for Sports Conditioning and Athletic Performance (7,700+ Members). Ada received degrees from the University of California at Davis (BS, 1993, with Honors) and Chapman University (MPT, 1995,Co-Summa Cum Laude). She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University December 2015. Ada lives in Alameda, CA with her husband, Stefan, her daughter, Anika, and dog, Dotty. When not in the studio, Ada enjoys sailing, sea kayaking, adventure travel, golf, and running.Ada hosts our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Alameda, CA.

Polestar: What do you love about teaching?

AW: I love to watch the lightbulb moments with my students, patients, and clients when they realize that they’ve been getting through life ok, but when another door of possibility opens up through movement, they’re blown away by their own potential.

Polestar: Who are your current inspirations?

AW: I am totally inspired by people who beat the odds and do things that aren’t supposed to be possible.  In particular, I am drawn towards senior athletes.  Many of them didn’t decide to become athletes until well into their second half of life and they thrived beyond expectations.

Polestar: Why Pilates?  

AW: I discovered Pilates, and Polestar Pilates in particular, through a colleague in the late 90’s.  When she described what she was learning, it just made sense.  It was not just teaching exercise, it was experiencing movement…big difference.  I think Joseph Pilates was brilliant in the invention of the apparatus which is so versatile in the rehab environment.  As a physical therapist, I appreciate that one exercise on one piece of equipment can be set up in a way that is assistive for one person who may need it, but can be challenging for even an elite athlete if set up just slightly different.  In essence, he made his method of movement accessible to all, and there’s something very powerful about that.

Polestar: What do you hope to convey in your teaching? 

AW: I want my students to realize that there are layers and layers to moving and feeling good.  I want them to realize that the mind-body connection isn’t just a bunch of “woo-woo” but that it’s deeply rooted in neuroscience, and my job is to help future Pilates teachers understand how we can harness that science into something that creates a lasting result for our clients and patients.

Polestar: Where would you love to vacation? 

AW: I LOVE traveling and am even working on integrating that passion into what I am doing via a “Life Meets Health and Travel” show on YouTube that will be set primarily in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico…one of my favorite spots in the world.  If people, particularly those in the second half of their life, can see themselves experiencing adventures, then they’ll be motivated to continue to be more proactive in their own health so they can continue to truly live life to the fullest.

Polestar: What is your favorite quote?   

AW: “What got you here, won’t get you there,” by Marshall Goldsmith.  This quote kind of hits people in the gut.  They think they have all the answers, they are resistant to paying for your services or going through more training,  and have all sorts of objections until you pose this question.  Doing more of the same is going to produce where you’re at, not where you want to be.  In order to go from point A to point B, you need to see yourself at point B and start realizing what that point B person did differently than the point A person.  That is there where the magic happens.

Polestar: What is your favorite apparatus?  

AW: I LOVE the trapeze table.  I feel like this piece has everything that a physical therapist could dream of…it’s like having an extra pair of arms so that you can see and challenge people in a more comprehensive way.  When you add an Oov, things get really interesting!

Polestar: What are you learning about?  

AW: I love learning about what motivates us and persuades us to do what we do.  It is such a valuable tool because so much of our own limitations are more tied up in our brains than our bodies.  If you can free up those limiting beliefs that people are holding on to, you start seeing how that can translate into producing positive results through productive behaviors that support who they truly are.

You can find Ada at probalancetv and on Facebook at ProBalance Pilates YouTube , and on Instagram @ProBalanceTV .  You can connect with Ada via LinkedIn.