The Ultimate Reformer Certification

The Ultimate Reformer Certification provides instruction in Pilates principles, techniques and practice with emphasis on group dynamics for the Reformer

Polestar Pilates Reformer Series

Want to get the most out of the Pilates Reformer? The Polestar Pilates Reformer Series is designed for you! Physical therapists, personal trainers, group instructors and their clients are reaping the benefits of the work of Joseph Pilates with this versatile piece of equipment.



The Reformer Series comprises an online introductory module followed by TWO two-day course modules. It teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with assessment techniques, Pilates reformer exercises, movement sequences and the application of the Polestar principles.



The courses must be taken in the following order: Polestar Principles Online (self-study), Reformer – 1, and Reformer – 2. Successful completion of the series will give participants the opportunity to obtain certification by taking the Polestar Reformer Examination.

Learning Outcomes

Walk away from the Ultimate Reformer Certification as a qualified Instructor of the highest calibre; well versed in Pilates principles, program design, exercise sequencing techniques and practice, with emphasis on group dynamics for the Pilates Reformer.



You will be confident in verbal, tactile and combined cueing practices to facilitate motor learning, and be competent to work with healthy clients one-on-one and in group.

Who is it for?

This course is intended for:

• Fitness instructors, rehabilitation practitioners and other movement teachers (eg yoga, dance) who wish to teach Pilates using all of the apparatus found in a typical equipment studio.




• The course has additional information for physical therapists and medical professionals who wish to incorporate Pilates into their clinical practice.

Difference between Ultimate Reformer Certification and Gateway Reformer

Gateway Reformer is a great introduction to teaching Pilates for Fitness Professionals. The key difference between an introductory Gateway Course and a Certification Course like The Ultimate Reformer Series is that Gateway teaches you a niche set of exercises that can be introduced into your current fitness training programs with clients.



The Ultimate Reformer Series covers the whole repertoire, empowering you to teach group Reformer classes from Beginners to Advanced. Gateway is a great way to find out if teaching Reformer is right for you.



Please note that if you complete the Gateway Reformer course, you qualify for a discount when you register for Polestar’s Ultimate Reformer Series.



Get in touch if you have any questions about your Pilates courses and career progression!

Prerequisites for The Ultimate Reformer Certification course

• Completion of Polestar Principles Online (PO – self-study) – see below




• Successful completion of an Anatomy and Physiology course through a recognised education body, or fitness/movement professional, or licensed or certified health care professionals (e.g. MD, PT, OT, DO, DC,RN, and Bach. Sp Sc. / Hum Movt. and Bach Applies Science).
  If you need to refresh your anatomy and physiology knowledge, please click here for details of how we can help.




• 25 hours of personal Pilates practice – either private or group instruction

Please note that if you are from a different background and have NOT completed any basic Anatomy and Physiology education, Polestar has created an online Anatomy course specifically designed as an introduction to muscle skeleton anatomy for movers and movement teachers.



This online course will provide you with all the required knowledge to commence your Pilates studies. Click here for more info and to register for the online Polestar Anatomy Course.

PO – Principles Online – self-study in your own time

The first course to be completed prior to attending the first two-day on-site course Reformer – 1 is the Principles Online (PO) course. This non-apparatus course applies current research in movement science, biomechanics, kinesiology and motor learning to instructional practice through six basic movement principles that are utilised throughout the Polestar curriculum.


The PO course also introduces Polestar Pilates Screening, which includes postural evaluation and functional testing, to prepare participants to properly design and implement Pilates exercises for patients and clients. This unique component significantly enhances decisionmaking skills as a Pilates practitioner.


The online course is divided into 8 segments which take approx. 10 hours to complete. Please note that these segments can be completed in multiple sittings and watched several times for optimal learning:

• Introduction




• Principle 1: Breathing




• Principle 2: Axial Elongation & Core Control




• Principle 3: Spine Articulation




• Principle 4: Organization of the Head, Neck, and Shoulders




• Principle 5: Alignment & Weight Bearing of the Extremities




• Principle 6: Movement Integration




• Principles: Additional Resources

Short quizzes are offered throughout to identify the most important concepts and to help students organise their thoughts and study time.


Upon completion you will be able to:

• Deepen your knowledge in current evidence-based research pertaining to movement science, motor learning, bioenergetics and communication




• Understand the Polestar Principles of Movement




• Demonstrate the ability to correctly execute and teach over 130 exercises and their variations




• Be able to use the ICF Model or the Polestar Screening, specifically designed for the movement professional, which includes postural evaluation and functional testing to determine your clients’ strengths, weaknesses and goals

Please note that for those participants undertaking more than one Polestar Series course, it is only required to complete PO ONE time. So if for example, you want to complete the Polestar Reformer Series after you have completed the Mat Series, you do not have to redo PO.


Once payment has been received, access will be provided to the PO online resources.

Reformer – 1 thru Reformer – 3: Levels 1, 2 & 3 (6 days i.e. 3x 2-day on-site courses)

After the Principles Online course (PO), the Reformer Series continue with three course modules scheduled approximately one month apart. The time between courses allows you to practice and become comfortable with the material before continuing to the next course. Each course is two days, usually Saturday and Sunday.


On the Sunday morning of each course (beginning with Reformer – 2) there is a 90 minute self-mastery check-off session with your instructor where you show the course instructor the practice logbook (given in the first course) and get passed off on your mastery of the exercises by demonstrating and teaching them.


For certification, you will be required to complete at your own expense, the required reading and writing assignments, 75 hours of Observation & Self Mastery, 50 hours of Apprentice Teaching.


You will learn the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences and the application of principles learned in PO. The movement selections focus on early intervention and beginning through intermediate exercises on Reformer equipment. Additionally, you will learn:

• Cueing and movement facilitation




• Adjustment of equipment for patient safety and instructor efficiency




• Movement sequences for treatment of specific lesions




• Progression of movement following an injury




• Indications and contraindications for exercise selection




• Integration of manual mobilization skills and Pilates movement (appropriate to your scope of practice)




• To create treatment plans through use of case studies

Ultimate Reformer Certification

Certification involves completing the series, completion of assignments and short quizzes, as well as a number of hours of observations, self-mastery, assistant teaching, and practical teaching (as outlined below). Full certification is given once the final written and practical exam is passed – pass mark is 80%.

Lectures: Lecture hours include face to face delivery of material



Homework Assignments: To be completed and returned during your face to face weekends for assessment



Observation: Student observes a Pilates Reformer class / Studio session in action, and has their logbook hours signed off by a certified practitioner.



Self-Mastery (and Self-Directed):

• Self-study and self-mastery components both practical and theory

• NOTE: the practical self-mastery hours are at an additional cost to the course fees

• Self-mastery hours should make up 70% of total hours, with 30% being self-directed (self practice).

Apprentice Teaching: Assisting a qualified Pilates practitioner within a Pilates Studio workplace in order to gain practical experience and feedback on your teaching delivery.



Final Examination: You have 12 months from the completion of Principles Online (PO) to take your final exam. All logbook hours, face to face weekends and assignments must be completed. The exam consists of a 2 hour multiple choice and 1 hour practical.



Self-Study Requirements: following is the recommended MINIMUM hours required per week for duration of the course:

• Self-Practice – minimum 1 hour per week

• Supervised Practice – minimum 2 hours per week

• Observation – minimum 2 hours per week

• Written homework – minimum 2 hours per month

Mentoring

As shown above students will be required to complete practice hours (self-mastery), which are in addition to course fees. Polestar have a national network of New Zealand mentors that can offer assistance with practice and teaching hours: click here for the list of names and locations.


Further information will be given out on the first day of the course.

Course Dates

Course Fees

Course fees include attendance at lectures, student manuals and handouts, morning and afternoon teas, as well as GST. Students are responsible for all personal extras, such as travel and accommodation and personal supplies and lunch during the course dates.



Please note that an automatic credit card surcharge of 1.87% gets added when you pay via Visa or Mastercard. This fee will be added to your invoice & receipt.



If you have completed either Gateway Reformer or Gateway Matwork with Polestar New Zealand, you are entitled to an additional discount. Ask us about the details.

• * Normal Package Price – post Early Bird date




• ** Early Bird Price – Auckland ’20 – if registered and paid in full by 15 Feb 2020




• *** Early Bird Price – Christchurch ’20 – if registered and paid in full by 30 June 2020




• Should you require a payment option other than credit card, please contact us by clicking here




• Exam Fees are not included in the Course Fees

Payment Plan

Polestar Pilates NZ has a Payment Plan available which enables you to pay for your enrolment over a period of time, rather than in one go. The Payment Plan is available on the Normal Package Price for PO, Reformer-1 and Reformer-2 only and incurs a one-time non-refundable handling fee of $100.



You have the option therefore to pay for the course fees in one go, or spread it out over a number of months. If you want to use the Payment Plan, you can choose this option at the time you register via the MindBody Online system.


Payments are required on the 1st of each of the months outlined below. Late payment penalty or credit card decline penalty of $50 will apply.


For the Ultimate Reformer Series, the following applies:

• * Deposit of $800 is required at the time of registration

Please note that an automatic credit card surcharge of 1.87% gets added when you pay via Visa or Mastercard.

Registration Policies

Please ensure to familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies (incl. Cancellations and Transfers) on this page before you register.

Help with MINDBODY ONLINE registration system

If you need help with our online registration system, please CLICK HERE.