Mat Course

With our Mat Pilates Teacher Training, discover the building blocks of movement throughout the full repertoire of Pilates exercises as executed in their pure form on the mat. Develop techniques that focus on group dynamics for mat exercises while evaluating and applying Polestar principles. PLEASE NOTE: you can attend this course ONLINE via Zoom, as well as in-person.

NEW 2026 DATES AVAILABLE NOW- SEE "COURSE LOCATIONS & DATES" BELOW!

How students rate the Polestar Mat Course - click here for the details

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 7 reviews)

LISTEN TO OUR POLESTAR EDUCATORS & MENTORS

Responsive Video

TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER WITH THE POLESTAR MAT SERIES

Master the art of teaching Pilates mat classes, both for groups and individuals, with our prestigious Polestar Mat Pilates Teacher Training Series. This comprehensive programme will elevate you to become a top-tier Pilates Matwork Instructor.

As a graduate, you’ll gain:

  • Deep understanding of core Pilates principles
  • Expert knowledge in programme design
  • Advanced exercise sequencing techniques
  • Mastery of group teaching dynamics
You’ll develop exceptional skills in:

  • Verbal and hands-on cueing
  • Motor learning facilitation
  • One-to-one and group instruction
  • Identifying and correcting improper movement patterns

Upon successful completion of your final assessment, you’ll receive your official qualification as a Polestar Mat Pilates Teacher.

Ready to take your career further? The Mat Series serves as an excellent foundation for the advanced Polestar Comprehensive Series.

Enrol now to begin your journey towards becoming an elite Pilates professional.

Our flexible learning programme can be completed entirely online or through a blend of virtual and in-person training. The Mat course consists of an online foundation module (Polestar Principles) followed by two 2-day weekend courses.

Course Structure:

  1. Polestar Principles of Movement – in-person full day (8 hours) introductory module, based on Dr. Brent Anderson’s book “Principles of Movement”
  2. Mat-1 – 16 hours over two consecutive days (Sat/Sun)
  3. Practicum #1 – 4 hours
  4. Mat-2 – 16 hours over two consecutive days (Sat/Sun)
  5. Practicum #2 – 4 hours
  6. Practicum #3 – 4 hours

Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to sit the Polestar Mat Examination for full certification.

WHY CHOOSE POLESTAR

With over 30 years of experience training Pilates teachers and movement professionals in more than 80 countries, Polestar is recognised as one of the world’s most prestigious schools.

Polestar is also a global community of Pilates professionals who continually explore and integrate the latest research in movement science, while preserving the essence of Joseph Pilates’ original method. This international reach provides a unique perspective that fosters innovation, creativity, and effectiveness in the way we teach Pilates and movement.

The New Zealand Faculty Team delivers the curriculum, giving you access to a group of educators with some with a strong movement background and also physiotherapy backgrounds, who have worked in the Pilates industry for a minimum of 10 years, and some for over 30 years. The support of this national faculty ensures that your learning is never reliant on just one person – it is an entire team committed to guiding, supporting, and educating you throughout your Pilates journey.

At Polestar we are very clear that we offer Pilates training – not fitness training. Pilates is a method grounded in principles and philosophy, not simply a workout. The industry is changing, and many fitness studios are now offering reformer-based group classes that are closer to a gym workout than to Pilates. Through Pilates Aotearoa we are advocating for these studios to advertise transparently what they are – fitness reformer classes, not Pilates.

Pilates Mat Teacher Training from the best in the world

What we teach at Polestar is the Pilates Method, built on principles, evidence-based practice, and a framework of knowledge that prepares you to work with any body, any individual. From that foundation, each graduate can shape their professional path – whether that’s teaching in fitness settings, working in rehab, or offering highly tailored sessions. The distinction is that you are equipped with the depth and flexibility to choose, rather than being limited to one style.

This means the following for you:

Enhanced Movement Assessment Skills

  • More hands-on practice means better ability to spot postural imbalances
  • Increased confidence in identifying movement compensations
  • Stronger clinical reasoning abilities for client programme design

Real-World Readiness

  • Extensive practicum hours simulate actual teaching environments
  • Reduced anxiety when working with first paying clients
  • Better preparation for handling unexpected client needs or limitations

Competitive Advantage

  • More thorough training distinguishes you from other instructors
  • Clients recognise depth of preparation through teaching quality
  • Higher earning potential due to superior skill set

Much better Foundation

  • Extra mentoring hours provide ongoing professional support
  • Better understanding of movement science principles
  • Stronger foundation for potential specialisation areas

Professional Network

  • Extended training time builds relationships with experienced mentors
  • Connections with fellow students create referral opportunities
  • Access to ongoing professional development community

Risk Reduction

  • More supervised practice reduces chance of client injury
  • Better understanding of contraindications and modifications
  • Enhanced professional liability protection through thorough training

SIGN UP NOW!



Tell us about your experience as a Polestar Mat student!

We’re committed to providing the very best in Pilates education and resources, but we can’t do it without you!

Your thoughts on our courses, the online platform, the Mentors etc. help us shape a better experience for everyone.

✨ By sharing your feedback, you’re not only helping us improve, but you’re also inspiring the next generation of Pilates professionals! ✨

We therefore would love to hear from you — please take a few minutes to share your experience. 🙏

Click here to give us your review about your experience as a Polestar Mat student


5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 7 reviews)
Excellent100%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Polestar Pilates changed my life!

March 23, 2025

My journey with Polestar began in 2022, at a time when my life had just undergone a significant change during COVID. Seeking stability amid the confusion and uncertainty, I decided to pursue something I could truly focus on and continually explore. That’s when I found Polestar Pilates.

I participated in the training courses of Mat, Reformer and Comprehensive, and got to meet the excellent and professional education team in Auckland. During the process of guidance by the unique mentoring of Polestar system, my body and mind changed greatly. In 2023 and 2024, I successfully passed the Reformer and Comprehensive exams.

I have owned my Pilates home studio, met many lovely clients and gained a lot of recognition and sense of accomplishment in the process of teaching them Pilates.

During the Pilates teacher‘s development, Polestar NZ also provides training opportunities on a variety of topics, including master classes and workshops brought to New Zealand by the founders of the entire system, Brent Anderson and Shelly Power themselves, which are amazing experiences.

I am grateful to Maree, Jo, Emily, Shanelle in Auckland, and Andrew as the system technical support, for their guidance and support throughout my process. This year, I joined the Mentor training program, hoping to become an excellent Polestar mentor like them, who can help more people in a more professional way.

除此之外,我用我的母语中文来表达:所有看到这条反馈的华人朋友,我们新西兰培训中心的所有教育者导师团队非常友好,语言不会成为学习障碍,我今年加入了这个团队 预备成为其中的华人导师,希望将来可以帮到大家,期待!

Minerva Huang

Mat Pilates

March 3, 2025

I recently finished studying Mat Pilates with Polestar. It was a great experience! The course was in depth, comprehensive, informative and incredibly worth while. Although I had done a lot of Mat Pilates before, there was SO MUCH MORE to learn! Emily and the other instructors are highly knowledgeable, passionate and approachable.

I currently have lots of people who come to my classes with injuries or limitations and I now feel well equipped to know how to best modify exercises for them, so they can still progress without doing anything detrimental.

I’m a huge fan of Mat Pilates. The exercises helped me gain strength, mobility, flexibility and balance after giving birth to 3 big babies.

Working with a mentor was highlight for me! Ann Michelle was brilliant in every way, she helped me understand the exercises in depth, answered my endless questions and gave me heaps of encouragement.

Would highly recommend this course.

Jen Harvey

Reformer and Mat Polestar Training

February 24, 2025

I am currently completing the Polestar Reformer and Mat courses, and I am beyond impressed with the experience! The courses have deepened my understanding of Pilates and given me the skills to both practice and teach it effectively.

What stood out the most was the attention to understanding the anatomy and biomechanics behind the exercises, while also offering plenty of opportunities to practice teaching and receiving feedback.

The team at Polestar are knowledgeable, passionate and approachable, always ready to answer questions

I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their Pilates knowledge or to become a certified instructor.

Charlotte

Training with polestar

February 18, 2025

I have completed the Reformer and Mat Polestar Pilates courses and they were both amazing!

The in-person weekends were so well organized, covering all aspects of the material in great detail. The educators were not only incredibly knowledgeable but also friendly, supportive, and super thorough in their teaching.

Throughout my mentoring journey leading up to the exam, my mentors made me feel more than prepared for both the practical and theory exams.

Both courses have provided me with extensive knowledge of the anatomy and confidence that I can manage any body that may come into my classes.

As a graduate from a couple years ago I continue to feel supported by the ongoing education and resources we get as a Polestar graduate.

Cheyanne

Mat Pilates!

November 11, 2024

Becoming a Mat Pilates instructor with Polestar Pilates has been a truly rewarding experience! The course offers in-depth learning with a strong focus on the science of movement, biomechanics, and anatomy. It’s not just about teaching exercises but understanding the why behind every movement, which has given me the confidence to guide clients effectively and safely.

Polestar’s approach is both scientific and holistic. They emphasise a client-centered method that integrates mindfulness and alignment, ensuring every session is tailored to individual needs. The educators and mentors are exceptional—passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive of your learning journey.

It took me a little time to grasp the Principles of Movement, however I now appreciate how essential that foundational knowledge is. Having completed the Mat certification, I feel it’s given me a real advantage as I continue my studies with the Comprehensive Studio course.

Overall, Polestar Pilates offers a comprehensive, inspiring, and high-quality training experience. I couldn’t recommend it more for anyone serious about becoming a Pilates instructor.

Yanna

DO YOU HAVE POLESTAR MAT SERIES COURSE QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?

We would love to hear from you. Please use the form to send your message and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.