Polestar Pilates vs Traditional Pilates: Key Differences Explained
Here are some additional key differences between the Polestar Pilates approach and traditional Pilates:
- Rehabilitative Approach: Polestar’s training incorporates a stronger rehabilitative approach, preparing instructors to work with clients recovering from injuries or managing conditions like osteoporosis. This contrasts with some depictions of traditional Pilates, which may be presented more as a fitness regimen.
- Emphasis on Individual Needs: Polestar Pilates strongly emphasises adapting exercises to individual client needs and limitations. Traditional Pilates may adhere more strictly to established exercise sequences without as much modification. This difference in approach is highlighted by the terms “client-centric methodology” versus “method-centric repertoire”.
- Precautions and Modifications: Polestar instructors are more explicitly taught precautions and modifications for various conditions, such as osteoporosis and spinal issues. While traditional Pilates might address these considerations, Polestar places a greater emphasis on this.
- Scientific Understanding: Polestar emphasises a deeper understanding of human physiology, biomechanics, and pathokinesiology to inform exercise prescription. While traditional Pilates may incorporate some of these elements, Polestar makes them more central to its teaching methodology.
- Assessment and Prescription: Polestar instructors are trained in detailed assessment tools and methodologies for determining client needs and prescribing appropriate exercises. Traditional Pilates may involve a more generalised approach to exercise selection, without as much emphasis on customised programs.
- Collaboration with Other Professionals: Polestar’s training prepares instructors to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists/physiotherapists and physicians, for comprehensive client care. The extent of this collaboration in traditional Pilates is unknown.
Polestar Pilates was founded by physical therapist Dr. Brent Anderson. Brent lectures widely at national and international symposia and consults with universities, hospitals, dance companies and conservatories throughout the world. He is the author of the widely acclaimed “Principles of Movement” book.
Dr. Anderson specialises in movement science, performing arts medicine, chronic pain management, real-time ultrasound, manual therapy and manipulation, dedicating his career to merging the science of rehabilitation with the art of Pilates, creating a holistic approach to health and wellness. With a formal education in Physical Therapy, Brent brings science and justification into the profession of Pilates, and his 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. His goal is to contribute to an “intellectual inheritance” by sharing his knowledge, helping individuals build a foundation for a healthier, more balanced life. Brent is also the host of the weekly free “Pilates Hour” podcast, where he discusses the intricacies of movement science with experts from various fields.
Based on Dr. Anderson’s philosophy and approach, Polestar integrates physical therapy and rehabilitation principles into Pilates training, and we emphasise evidence-based practice and movement science into our Pilates Teacher Training programs. Brent is hosts the weekly Pilates Hour podcast, where he discusses the intricacies of movement science with experts from various fields. Check out the free Pilates Hour sessions by clicking here.
In short: Polestar Pilates provides a much more nuanced and individualised approach to Pilates, drawing upon a deeper scientific understanding of movement and the body’s response to exercise. Traditional Pilates is potentially more rigid in its approach to exercise form and application. The key distinction lies in the degree of adaptation and modification based on client needs.