Continuing Education Workshops, Classes & Courses
Throughout the year Polestar Pilates NZ organises a multitude of master classes, workshops, courses and information sessions in various New Zealand locations. Examples of these are:
Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain – Virtual recorded as well as LIVE course with Juan Nieto – Nov ’20
We are VERY privileged to have Madrid-based Juan Nieto take time out of his busy schedule to run TWENTY video modules and two LIVE sessions during the month of November 2020.
Learn more about how to give a better treatment plan and recovery to clients who suffer from chronic pain.
The video modules provide you with effective movement interventions to improve workload capacity, facilitate pain modulation and increase variability, and are based on a Case Study developed from beginning to end.
The two LIVE sessions will enable you to ask questions, practice some of the concepts, have discussions with Juan – as well as with your colleagues in both Australia and New Zealand – and collaborate.
Once you have registered, you will be able to access the video-modules and attend the two virtual LIVE sessions.
Here are some examples of what Juan will cover:
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Read what students have to say about Juan:
‘I enjoy Juan Nieto’s style of teaching. He’s very caring and personable. He has obviously studied all the current research regarding CLBP, thought a lot about it and cares about the subject a lot.
He is very good at explaining how based on research we can work with and empower clients with CLBP while acknowledging the complexity of the issue.’
M3: Pilates Mat Level 3 (2-day on-site course) – Continuing Education course 21 & 22 Nov ’20
The M3 course is an additional, individual Continuing Education course that incorporates a unique blend of Pilates Mat exercises with small props (Foam Roller, Oov, Bosu, Freeform boards, Swiss Balls, Small Balls, Resistance Bands, Ring, Rotation Discs and Wedge) to enhance and challenge your Pilates Mat repertoire.
If you are keen to develop your teaching skills and tools beyond the essential Mat repertoire taught in M1 and M2, then M3 is essential, as it teaches you how to use various small apparatus and props to enhance Mat movement in many ways.
You learn how to use props to add challenge and variety to a basic movement during a Mat class. In turn, this helps prepare the body for a more demanding Mat repertoire.
Many people struggle with very advanced Mat work. M3 gives you the skills to use props to facilitate these harder exercises so that more clients are able to perform them, thus making more of the Mat repertoire accessible to more clients.
In all of the exercises covered in M3, we consider how to either challenge or facilitate movement considering the Base of Support, Centre of Gravity, Balance, Co-ordination, Strength, Mobility, Proprioception and Alignment required for each exercise.
Not only does M3 enhance the repertoire that you can actively teach clients to spice up your Mat classes; it also enhances your critical reasoning skills to help your teaching. Students always come away from M3 feeling as if they have expanded their knowledge and have many more skills to apply to their Pilates teaching.
You must have completed PO, M1 and M2 before you can do M3 – and here’s some feedback from students who completed M3:
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‘Having travelled up from the South Island to attend the Mat 3 course in Auckland, I found it was a great way to extend my teaching repertoire, the instruction was excellent and, having invested considerable money into flights and accommodation for the weekend, I was really pleased with the course and what I learned.’
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‘The M3 course was such a great module to add to my Mat teaching repertoire. I found the knowledge brought more freedom and knowledge to my class plans. It was a very fun and educational weekend.’
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‘The Polestar M3 course is an essential course that extended my Mat teaching knowledge, exploration, repertoire and creativity.’
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‘It’s such a fun and challenging experience, a must attend for Mat instructors who have completed the Polestar Mat series…!’
PLEASE NOTE: You can sign up for M3 as a standalone Continuing Education course OR as part of the package MAT SERIES: PO, MAT 1, MAT 2 and MAT 3.
ONLINE Hip Mobility & Splits Workshop with Polestar Educator Emily Adams
This workshop is not only about achieving the splits!
There’s no expectation to perform the splits but if your aim is to get there, this workshop offers all the tools and guidelines to achieve both the front and side splits.
However, if your goals are just to increase flexibility in your quads, hip flexors, hamstrings, adductors, and learn a series of new stretches that facilitate this, then this workshop definitely applies to you.
LIVE ONLINE WORKSHOP WITH US-BASED KIM GIBILISCO ‘Hip Me with your Best Shot’ – Sunday 27 Sept ’20
“Hip Me with Your Best Shot” was a LIVE 3-hour Zoom workshop for healthcare professionals, Pilates Practitioners, Yoga Teachers, Dance Educators, and professional athletes. Close to 100 students from a number of different countries participated in this workshop simultaneously.
This fantastic and unique workshop was designed to enhance the participants’ understanding of the labral pathologies and hypermobility of the hip.
Not all labral tears of the hip require surgery, especially if the client responds well to incorporating new movement strategies. This is where movement experts enter the Rehabilitation Continuum! The guidelines for the pre and post-rehabilitation of hip scopes for labral pathologies continue to evolve as the surgical procedures and rehabilitation approaches develop.
Workshops & Classes with Joanne Bezzina – Sat 23 & Sun 24 November ’19 – CHRISTCHURCH
Sydney-based Polestar Educator Joanne Bezzina was in Christchurch in November ’19 to teach two amazing workshops, and two fantastic classes.
Joanne discovered Pilates in 2000 following a love of movement and dance fostered since childhood. It wasn’t long until the Pilates method had her hooked! Pilates allowed Jo an opportunity to connect the body and mind in a way that fascinated her.
She discovered how the subtleties of Pilates could be applied to everyday living and allowed such freedom of movement. Through teaching Jo observed her clients transform physically and mentally as they were able to realise their movement goals. After years of continuing education, Jo re-certified with Polestar Pilates in 2009 and hasn’t looked back. She joined the Mentor program in 2010 and is now an Educator in the Mat and Studio series. Jo uses her love of storytelling and imagery along with her background in massage therapy to appeal to a range of learning styles.
Jo conducts workshops for students and recent graduates and is involved with in-house teacher development in studios around Sydney.
Joanne took the below workshops and classes:
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Workshops with Alice Becker – Friday 5 July 2019
Brazil-based Alice Becker, PMA®-CTP, MFA, Dance, was in Auckland in 2019 to teach four amazing workshops. Alice is the current President of Physio Pilates Education, and an Educator as well as Polestar Licensee for Brazil.
Alice was THE Pilates Pioneer in Brazil. She started her Pilates studies in 1989, at California Institute of the Arts, Cal Arts – US. In 1990, she certified in Pilates by Marie Jose Bloom, at the Long Beach Dance Conditioning – CA.
Graduating in Dance by the Federal University of Bahia and Masters in Dance (MFA) by Cal Arts – CA, USA, Alice co-directs two Pilates studios in Salvador – Bahia, and teaches at various conferences of Fitness, Rehabilitation, Pilates and Dance, university events, and dance festivals throughout Brazil, Europe, South America, North America and Oceania.
The four workshops she took were:
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Workshops with Audrey Ng – Fri 16, Sat 17 & Sun 18 Aug ’19
We added Perth-based Audrey Ng to the lineup of Continuing Education workshops. On Friday 16 June she took the full-day ‘Open the Gait’ course, and on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 August, Audrey took 4 exciting workshops, all of which earned CECs.
Audrey is the Director and Principal of Performance Pilates & Physiotherapy, established in 2003 and located in Leederville, Western Australia.
Audrey received her B Sc (Physiotherapy) degree from Curtin University of Technology in 1992.
Previously an Australian international rhythmic gymnast, she commenced her study in the Pilates Method of exercise while working as a physiotherapist in Los Angeles, USA. Audrey has been incorporating Pilates in her physiotherapy treatments since 1998.
Audrey specialises in posture and movement assessment and rehabilitation with a holistic approach. She teaches her clients to improve their functional ability and efficiency of movement through understanding the effect of gravity and load on posture. She has also studied Strength and Conditioning, Yoga, Meditation and the Antigravity technique.
Audrey shared her extensive knowledge with us in these workshops and course:
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Workshop: Advanced Assessment Skills – 1
US-based Dr. Brent Anderson recently ran this 2-day workshop in Auckland.
This workshop helps you become a Polestar Advanced Pilates Teacher and helps meet the growing demand in your community for teachers proficient in working with athletes, dancers, elite performers and medium to high-risk clients.
At the same time it increases your value as a Pilates teacher!
Workshop: Alignment, Load and Tempo
Dr. Brent Anderson ran this 2-hour workshop as part of the Polestar Experience Day in Auckland.
This practical workshop focused on using the tools of alignment, load and tempo to facilitate efficient motor learning experiences with clients.
Brent demonstrated how to manipulate alignment, load and tempo to create desired outcomes during instruction on the Pilates equipment.
Workshop: Does Core Control Really Improve Back Pain? Current Research on Core Control
Dr. Brent Anderson ran this 2-hour workshop also as part of the Polestar Experience Day in Auckland.
Brent provided participants with an up to date review of the latest research investigating the difference between core control and movement based exercises for low back pain.
What do we really think happens when a client with low back pain participates in our Pilates classes and gets better? Is it the core control exercises or something else inherent to the Pilates philosophy or movement?
Anderson’s studies and expertise in the field brought new light and understanding to the field of movement science especially pertaining to its effect on low back pain. Brent took us on a journey of discovery and experience “Contrology”, an amazing solution for low back pain.
Workshop: No Sitting Allowed!
US-based Shelly Power ran this 2-hour workshop also as part of the Polestar Experience Day in Auckland.
Shelly showed us exciting traditional and creative Chair exercises.
Workshop: Beyond Mat Repertoire
US-based Shelly Power ran this 2-hour workshop also as part of the Polestar Experience Day in Auckland.
Shelly brought a fresh approach and offered a new perspective to the traditional Pilates mat exercises. In this 2-hour workshop we worked on movement to create the ultimate healthy body for ourselves and our clients plus we explored how to integrate and progress the exercises for all abilities.
Cueing & Programming for Shoulder Girdle Organisation Workshop
Australian Senior Polestar Educator Elizabeth Wilson took this session which reviewed the concepts of correct shoulder girdle organisation and assessment and then go deep into how to effectively cue and understand movement in this part of the body.
Selected exercises to aid mastery of shoulder girdle organisation in the Polestar Pilates repertoire were taught so you can confidently and effectively develop your own mastery in preparation or teach these concepts to clients.
Pilates Interventions to Outwit Osteoporosis Workshop
Australian Senior Polestar Educator Elizabeth Wilson helped bone up on our knowledge of osteoporosis prevention and management in the Pilates environment.
Attendees left this workshop confident to safely and effectively work with osteoporotic and osteopenic clients while also knowing strategies to prevent the development of these conditions.
The MELT Method Workshop
Australian Senior Polestar Educator Elizabeth Wilson also took this very popular workshop – which was sold out quickly.
The MELT Method® (MELT®) is a simple system of myofascial release techniques that you can use yourself at home or incorporate into your Pilates lessons. Just 10 minutes of MELT three times a week is all you need to begin reducing the effects of accumulated tension and stress caused by daily living.
MELT reduces neck & shoulder tension as well as stiffness in your back and other joints of the body. It will help you stay healthy, youthful and active for a lifetime.
Pilates for Scoliosis Workshop
Again Australian Senior Polestar Educator Elizabeth Wilson took this intensive and enlightening 1-day workshop that give you a practical approach to managing clients with Scoliosis.
Walk away with enhanced practical knowledge of Scoliosis from early age thru adulthood. Learn about the pathologies, limitations and comorbidities; how to identify what is and is not important when assessing movement of individuals with scoliosis.
Move & Run Workshop
Madrid-based Juan Nieto joined us here in New Zealand to run this 12-hour workshop.
The workshop is intended to provide a pure experiential immersion into Runity’s approach to running. Your beliefs and your movement skills will be constantly challenged to get the best of you. We will explore amazing movement progressions to meet running requirements from beginners to professionals.
Workshop: Creative Matwork Party
Italy-based Serafino Ambrosio returned to New Zealand and ran this 2.5-hour workshop.
This workshop is full of creative repertoire and transitions, using all body positions and planes of movements that will blend harmonious movement for you to incorporate in your Mat work classes that will inspire your clients to a new and unique level.
These inspiring ideas are fun, effective and safe.
Masterclass: Matwork Party
This 90-minute movement class has a creative, playful warmup… and then explores innovative ways to expand on your Matwork vocabulary. New ideas & great fun – a MUST attend!
Switch on Your Internal Mirrors
Switch on your internal mirrors, discover language and practical skills to create deeper understanding of the Pilates principles of movement. This workshop is extremely user friendly and will have your clients understanding their body and Pilates even more. Quirky, fun and innovative ways to nourish the mind and body in movement.
ChiBall
Discover your centre and symmetry with the simplistic tool of the ChiBall in the Mat class during this 90-minute masterclass. Work deeper and more effectively and decrease the opportunity to cheat your body.
Full of innovative ways to work your Pilates clients both in the studio and as their homework.
Management of Knee Pathologies
This workshop will begin with a brief overview of knee anatomy/pathology before diving straight into practically based approaches for management of knee pain in the Pilates environment. Enhance your understanding of proper tracking and muscle recruitment around the knee, refine tactile and verbal cues to promote ideal movement and learn a selection of useful and effective Pilates-based exercises for knee rehabilitation.
You’ll leave this workshop with increased confidence and multiple new tools for managing common knee conditions.
Advanced Repertoire on the Pilates Equipment
Review a selection of advanced repertoire utilising the Pilates equipment (reformer, trapeze table, wunda chair and barrels). This workshop will sharpen your skills, refine your own practice and develop your cueing and teaching. The program will include discussion of how to break down the exercises covered so you can effectively progress clients into these higher level movements.
Prepare to be both challenged and inspired!
Masterclass: Advanced Mat with Transitions
Join Senior Polestar Educator Elizabeth Wilson for a 1 ½ hour Advanced Mat Masterclass with a special emphasis on flow and transitions. You’ll come away with great new repertoire ideas and tools to improve lesson sequencing and flow. The class will integrate classical and modern Pilates-based exercises for a fun and dynamic workout to challenge even the most experienced students.
Mat Choreography Class
Inspire and motivate your loyal clients with fresh and innovative pilates inspired choreography. For the intermediate to advanced participant.
Pilates for Children
Pilates for Children is an innovative and fun workout aimed at primary school aged children. Learn how to communicate the Pilates method to children in a manner that will have the kids hooked on Pilates and movement. This is a four hour taster of a one day course that comes with a manual.
Have fun going back to your childhood.
Pilates for Skiing
Ever wanted to ski better personally or help your clients who ski do so better? Then come along and learn about skiing and how to improve your or your clients skiing ability from a Certified Ski Instructor. Learn in this 4-hour workshop about the four skills of skiing Stance, Rotary, Edging and Pressure Control and how to improve these and incorporate curent skiing instruction skills into developing a Pilates program for skiers.
Beyond Core Control – Pilates Exercise, the Outer Unit and Muscular Slings
Pilates exercise has long been known to work from the “inside – out”. We first recruit muscles of core stabilization (the “inner unit”) to form a stable base from which to work. We then move our trunk and limbs with larger muscle groups to create our everyday functional movements.
When our “stabilizers” and “mobilisers” are working efficiently the result is optimally coordinated and efficient movement. As instructors and practitioners of Pilates exercise, creating awareness of these muscle groups and their proper facilitation is one of our main objectives.
We will focus on the muscles that we call the mobilisers of the body and will investigate their crucial role in movement as well as in providing more stability and protection for the inner, stabilizing muscles and joints. We will look at the body from a “muscular slings” perspective using the concepts of Vleeming and relate them, in a systematic way, to Pilates exercises. We will cover the following topics (outer unit Muscular Slings, Basic Gait pattern, Anatomy/ physiology, Function/dysfunction, Experiential exercises for the Muscular Slings)
Pre-requisites: Intermediate to Advanced level.
Workshop – Enhancing Shoulder Function
This 1.5-hour workshop for Beginning to Advanced Pilates instructors consists of three key topics:
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Assessment and review of common shoulder dysfunction
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Facilitating proper shoulder organisation with Pilates principles
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Use of Pilates apparatus to facilitate improved function
Pre-requisites: Familiarity with basic Mat and Studio repertoire is helpful.
Masterclass – Advanced Mat
Masterclasses are 90 minutes each and include class notes, demonstration, teaching and cueing as well as a 60+ minute challenging workout!
The Mat Masterclass starts with an advanced Mat class with focus on exercises and transitions designed to challenge experienced Pilates enthusiasts. This is followed by exercise demonstration and teaching.
Pre-requisites: Intermediate to Advanced level.
Advanced Spine
Advanced Spine provides an in-depth approach to Pilates evolved interventions for acute to chronic discogenic patterns, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, pre-and post-surgical conditions, scoliosis, facet dysfunctions, degenerative disc disease, sacroiliac and pelvic girdle dysfunction.
Duration: 16 hours
Pre-requsities: Successful completion of the Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation Series. Must be a medical or rehabilitation professional (MD, PT, OT, DO, RN, Bach Sp Sc/Hmn Mvt, Bach App Sc).
Critical Reasoning
The Critical Reasoning Workshop series is designed to help movement teachers learn and apply necessary intake, assessment and reasoning skills to maximize outcome and increase professionalism in practice.
There are four workshops in the series, and must be taken sequentially (CR1-CR2-CR3-CR4).