What is the Polestar Pilates Method?

Polestar President Brent Anderson PT OCS brings a scientific and holistic perspective to the work of Joseph Pilates. His extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science expands on Pilates’ principles by adding manual skills, advanced body awareness, and principles from motor control theory. The Polestar Pilates Method applies current research and practice in orthopaedics, sports medicine and movement science to the principles of Joseph Pilates.

Polestar’s curriculum teaches applications for the full range of Pilates equipment, which includes the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Combo Chair, Ladder Barrel and Wall Unit and incorporates mat exercises and small props such as wall/door springs, the Flex Ring Toner®, rotating disks, balance boards, foam rollers and the gym ball. Special attention is placed on safety, cueing and appropriate exercise selection. Balanced Body ® videos are used to supplement instruction.

Polestar offers the most comprehensive Pilates-evolved rehabilitation and fitness curriculum and certification in the world today. Medical facilities, performing arts conservatories and fitness trainers use our innovative system of Pilates-evolved techniques worldwide.


Improves the mind/body connection

"It is the mind which builds the body." said Joseph Pilates. The Polestar Pilates Method gets you "in tune" with your body by concentrating on proper alignment and smooth movement.


Conditions the whole body

Many other exercise programmes take a "body parts" approach to conditioning, with isolated exercises for each muscle group. The Polestar Pilates Method trains the whole body - coordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body's centre. For example, most exercises on the Reformer work a number of muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movement, elongating at the same time as they strengthen and stretch. The result: muscles that are long and strong.


Creates a balanced body

With the Polestar Pilates Method, no muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly conditioned, helping you meet lifestyle goals and play sports more efficiently with less chance of injury. The programme dramatically improves strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and posture. It creates a body that looks long and lean, with slender thighs, flat abdominal muscles and a strong back.


Suitable for everyone

The workout is surprisingly relaxing and revitalising. It's gentle enough for mothers-to-be, yet challenging enough for the super-fit. It's a programme that works for everyone, regardless of age or condition.


So safe, physiotherapists use it

The programme is one of the safest workouts you can use. The Reformer aligns and supports the back and neck; most of the exercises are non-impact and partial-weight-bearing. No other system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. The programme is appropriate for a wide range of rehabilitation goals. Says Brent Anderson, "The Polestar Pilates Method is instrumental in the treatment of a variety of patients, from the chronically impaired to the elite athlete."


What's missing from conventional workouts?

Aerobic classes provide a cardiovascular workout, but don't train balanced strength and flexibility. Impact injuries are a common problem. Stair-steppers, treadmills, rowers and ski machines offer aerobic benefits and some strength training, but don't train flexibility or range of motion. They also tend to over train some muscles while under training others, creating muscle imbalances and joint strains that can lead to injury. Weight training with free weights train strength, but not flexibility and coordination. Imbalanced weight training can also build bulky muscles.


The ideal complement to an aerobic programme

The Polestar Pilates Method should be combined with efficient aerobic activity such as walking, jogging or cycling for a complete program of neuromuscular and cardiovascular fitness.