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Choosing the Right Pilates School for you: Key Factors to Consider – Part 1

Ashley Wayburne 8/29/24
Choosing the Right Pilates School for you: Key Factors to Consider – Part 1
Choosing the right Pilates school is a crucial step towards a successful and fulfilling career as a Pilates instructor. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you receive the best education and training. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers a lot of ground, and may help to inform your thinking. Where appropriate, we have included the Polestar philosophy to show where we stand as a school.  Part 1: Curriculum and Methodology The curriculum of a Pilates education program plays a crucial role in shaping the knowledge, skills, and teaching abilities of future Pilates instructors. There are several key approaches and methodologies employed in Pilates education, each with its own unique benefits and considerations. Polestar was founded by Dr. Brent Anderson, a PhD in physical therapy. Dr. Anderson’s philosophy is rooted in evidence-based research and a deep understanding of biomechanics, pathokinesiology, physiotherapy, and the Pilates method. While he draws from his extensive experience, he continuously explores a wide array of disciplines to enrich his teachings. Interactive vs. Authoritative: Interactive methods in Pilates education promote active engagement, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of Pilates principles. Students are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and share their insights. This approach fosters a collaborative learning environment where students are actively involved in their educational process. Deductive vs. Prescriptive: Deductive teaching in Pilates focuses on guiding students to explore and understand the underlying principles of the method. Students are encouraged to investigate, analyze, and apply these principles to their own practice and teaching. This approach encourages students to develop their own understanding of Pilates and to become more effective and adaptable instructors. Principles vs. Repertoire: A curriculum focused on principles provides a solid foundation for understanding the “why” behind each movement in Pilates. While learning a broad repertoire of exercises is important, having a strong grasp of the principles enables instructors to adapt exercises to individual needs and teach more effectively. Integrated vs. Isolated: Integrated learning in Pilates combines different aspects of the practice, such as mat work, apparatus work, and props, to provide a holistic understanding of the method. Integrated teaching ensures that students can see the bigger picture and understand how various elements of Pilates work together to create a balanced and effective workout. Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, but it provides a starting point for evaluating Pilates schools. Take your time, ask questions, and visit different schools to find one that resonates with your learning style and career aspirations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Pilates school requires careful consideration of multiple factors. By focusing on the curriculum and methodology, accreditation, history and reputation, international versus local options, price and schedule, and alumni success, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for a rewarding career in Pilates. Investing in the right education is the first step towards becoming a skilled and successful Pilates instructor. Take the time to research and choose a school that aligns with your career aspirations and personal needs. Make sure to take a little bit of time to do some due diligence and get as much relevant information as possible. At Polestar, your comfort and confidence in your decision are our top priorities. We want to ensure you feel completely at ease before you register, so you can fully concentrate on achieving your goal of becoming the best Pilates teacher you can be! Polestar Pilates is a global community of movers focusing on whole body health, positive movement experiences, and the mind-body-spirit connection. Our mission is to shape world health by making Pilates available to everyone. Joseph Pilates’s original work was much more than just exercise. Polestar expands on this by adding critical thinking, assessment, accessibility, energy medicine, and teacher training into its programs. Have questions? Get in touch!

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