NEW 2026 DATES AVAILABLE NOW- SEE "COURSE LOCATIONS & DATES" BELOW!
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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.
- Deep understanding of core Pilates principles
- Expert knowledge in programme design
- Advanced exercise sequencing techniques
- Mastery of group teaching dynamics
- 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.
- Polestar Principles of Movement – in-person full day (8 hours) introductory module, based on Dr. Brent Anderson’s book “Principles of Movement”
- Mat-1 – 16 hours over two consecutive days (Sat/Sun)
- Practicum #1 – 4 hours
- Mat-2 – 16 hours over two consecutive days (Sat/Sun)
- Practicum #2 – 4 hours
- Practicum #3 – 4 hours
Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to sit the Polestar Mat Examination for full certification.
WHY CHOOSE POLESTARWith 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. |
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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:
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Enhanced Movement Assessment Skills
Real-World Readiness
Competitive Advantage
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Much better Foundation
Professional Network
Risk Reduction
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SIGN UP NOW!
CLICK ON THE LITTLE "+" SIGNS TO EXPAND THE BELOW PARAGRAPHS
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The Polestar Mat Series focuses on the original Pilates mat exercises, their progressions from beginner to advanced level, as well as a unique blend of mat exercises using small props (foam roller, magic circle, fit ball, rotation discs and balance board).
Upon qualification, you’ll be equipped to:
- Teach mat exercises for beginning through advanced levels
- Master the versatile uses of Pilates exercises on the Mat, a crucial skill for any Pilates instructor
- Develop assessment techniques to help your clients make consistent progress on their goals
- Apply exercise modifications for a variety of populations
- Learn to customise workouts for each client’s needs, essential for any Pilates Instructor seeking high client retention
- Learn to expertly teach Pilates in both group and private settings, broadening your instructing capabilities and enabling your teaching to be accessible to more clients
- Work confidently with low-risk adults, athletes, dancers, and older clients
- Create tailored programmes and exercise sequencing with advanced cueing skills using the Pilates Mat
PRE-REQUISITES
- Attainment of Secondary education or Tertiary education equivalent.
- A good understanding of Pilates – a minimum of 25 hours of personal Pilates practice either in private or group sessions. This may include mat work and studio work (preferably with a Polestar Pilates certified practitioner, but not mandatory). This can be provided as a log from your studio/gym or letter/email from your Pilates practitioner.
- Polestar Pilates Courses require the completion of basic anatomy/physiology. If you are already qualified in one of the following occupations you would qualify: Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Exercise Physiologist, Nurse, Myotherapist, Remedial Massage Therapist, Cert IV Personal Trainer.
However, if you are from a different background and have NOT completed any basic Anatomy and Physiology education completion, it is required prior to the start of your course. Polestar provides the online Anatomy course that meets these requirements.
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.
✨ Not sure if your background or experience fits? Don’t worry – just reach out and we’ll be happy to help you work it out.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course is delivered in-person OR virtual via Zoom and with three Practicums (4 hours each) included in the course fee.
Whilst attending the Mat course, or once completed, students can also attend optional Continuing Education courses, Workshops and Masterclasses, examples of which can be found by clicking here.
COURSE COMPONENTS
Polestar Principles of Movement – IN-PERSON
Start your journey by exploring the foundational Polestar Principles of Movement, which include breath, alignment, mobility, control, and movement integration. This material lays the groundwork for all movement analysis, teaching, and client programming throughout the course.
Learn and apply the theories of movement that lay the foundation for Polestar Pilates in this prerequisite for all other Polestar courses. Using evidence-based research, you will discover the passage ways for movement throughout the body and develop the tools to provide either assistance for or challenge your clients in helping them achieve their goals. Polestar Principles will bring to life your ability to assess, problem-solve, design and modify exercise programs to meet specific needs and abilities.
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This non-apparatus course component introduces current research in movement science, motor learning, bioenergetics, and communication science to instructional practice through basic movement principles which are used throughout the Polestar Pilates curriculum. It also introduces the Polestar Assessment Tool™, which includes postural evaluation and functional testing, to prepare you to properly design a plan to implement Pilates exercises for clients. This unique component significantly enhances decision-making skills as a Pilates practitioner. Polestar Principles of Movement is held on a Saturday and takes 8 hours |
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Students must purchase the accompanying book “Principles of Movement” by Dr. Brent Anderson prior to starting the Principles of Movement sessions. Click here or on the image above for more details and to order a copy.
Please note that for those participants undertaking more than one Polestar Series course, it is only required to complete Polestar Principles of Movement ONE time. So if for example, you want to complete the Polestar Comprehensive Series after you have completed the Mat and/or Reformer Series, you do not have to redo the Polestar Principles of Movement, provided you previously completed the current version of the Polestar Principles of Movement.
MAT–1, MAT-2 AND 3X 4-HOUR PRACTICUMS (ON-SITE OR VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM)
After the Polestar Principles of Movement course component, the Mat Series continue with MAT-1 followed by a Practicum, which in turn will be followed by MAT-2, followed by the second and third Practicum.
In total the Series are spread out over approximately a 2 to 3 month period. The time between each session allows you to practice and become comfortable with the material before continuing to the next module or Practicum.
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 PPO. Additionally, you will learn:
- Cueing and movement facilitation
- Indications and contraindications for exercise selection
- Integration of manual mobilisation skills and Pilates movement (appropriate to your scope of practice)
PRACTICUMS (on-site or virtual via Zoom)
Practicums help accelerate your teaching and demonstration hours in a supported environment with an Educator.
Teaching is within a clinical format against units of competency and allows students to accrue 2 hours for 1 hour (1:2) towards their student logbook.
Topics included will be review of Theory, Repertoire, Case Studies and Self-Mastery demonstration and teaching.
Practicums are included in the course fees and are generally scheduled over 4hrs but can be shorter and some are online. You need to attend all three Practicums.
COURSE LOCATIONS & DATES
| 2026 Course Dates | AUCKLAND CBD and ONLINE |
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REGISTRATIONS CLOSE SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY ’26! |
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| 8hr Polestar Principles of Movement Compulsory for ALL students for ALL courses. | Sat 7 Mar '26 8:30AM to 5:30PM - in-person |
The above session must be completed prior to attending your first face-to-face course weekend. |
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| 14hrs MAT-1 | Sat 28 March '26 - 12:00 to 6:00pm Sun 29 March '26 - 8:00am to 5:00pm |
| 4hr PRACTICUM-1 | Sun 19 April '26 - 10:00am to 1:00pm |
| 14hrs MAT-2 | Sat 16 May '26 - 12:00 to 6:00pm Sun 17 May '26 - 8:00am to 5:00pm |
| 4hr PRACTICUM-2 | Sat 13 June '26 - 1:00 to 5:00pm |
| 4hr PRACTICUM-3 | TBC |
PLEASE NOTE: It’s very important to register well ahead of time, because you need to complete the online theory portion of the course prior to attending in-person weekend. Don’t hesitate and register now!
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 3% gets added when you pay via Visa or Mastercard. This fee will be added to your invoice & receipt. To avoid this surcharge, you can also internet transfer the fee – see below for more information.
If you have completed any of our other training courses with Polestar NZ you are entitled to an additional discount. Please let us know the details in this case by clicking here
Also, you can see below that you can register for a BUNDLE of both the Mat and Reformer Series in one go. This saves you a considerable amount compared to completing these two course series separately.
The Mat and Reformer Series bundle is made up of PPO, MAT-1, MAT-2, REF PHASE-1, REF PHASE-1, and includes the Practicum sessions.
PLEASE NOTE: It’s very important to register well ahead of time, because you need to complete the online theory portion of the course prior to attending in-person weekend. Don’t hesitate and register now!
| Location | Normal Package Price | Early Bird Price | Early Bird Saving |
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| Auckland in-person MAT Series: PPO, MAT 1 and MAT 2 Rest of New Zealand via Zoom | $3,790 * | $3,590 ** | $200 ** |
| Auckland REFORMER & MAT BUNDLE / Rest of New Zealand via Zoom | $7,600 * | $7,200 ** | $400 ** |
* Normal Package Price – post Early Bird date
** Early Bird Price – if registered and paid in full by 31 January 2026
Exam Fees are not included in the Course Fees.
NOTE: there will be some additional costs which are not covered in the course fees. As part of your logbook hours all repertoire must be signed off for teaching and demonstration. Polestar allocates time at each face to face weekend for check off but if these are not completed they must be done in your own time at your cost with a Mentor. Also Self-Mastery logbook hours will be at an additional cost, note that 15 hours can be completed as self-directed study (unsupervised).
IMPORTANT: The following options exist to pay for your Polestar course(s):
1. Pay the registration fee in full, and make use of the Early Bird discount (provided you’ve paid prior to the Early Bird expiry date)
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- Click one of the yellow banners below to register and pay via credit card – for which you will get charged a credit card fee
- To avoid paying the credit card fee, internet transfer the full amount into the Polestar account 030104 0440078 00 (Westpac). Please note to add your name as a reference, otherwise we may not recognise your payment! The Account Name is “Polestar Pilates NZ LTD”, and for overseas-based payments, should you need it, the Westpac SWIFT code is WPACNZ2WXXX.
2. Use the Payment Plan, outlined below, and pay the fee over a 2 month period. This is a slightly more expensive option, but helps when you need to spread out the payments.
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- Click one of the yellow banners below to register and pay via th Payment Plan. This is only available via credit card.
Please note that an automatic credit card surcharge of 3% gets added when you pay via Visa or Mastercard.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Course tuition fees do not cover certain ancillary costs such as the following:
- Dr. Brent Anderson’s book “Principles of Movement”.
- Required Reading Material. There are required readings throughout the course. Many are available in the library for free, but if you want to add them to your collection, you must purchase them.
- Optional Manuals. There may be optional hard copy manuals – such as in some cases in a different language other than English – students are eligible to purchase. Student is responsible for shipping costs, which may vary by location.
- Self-Mastery Hours. You are responsible for fees associated with acquiring your hours. Certified instructor led in-person classes, studio time and private sessions must be purchased for an additional fee.
- Observation and Apprentice Teaching Hours are at no charge.
- Mentorship. If you seek further mentorship and assistance outside of what is provided in the course, you will be responsible for the payment of your mentor. This includes exercise sign-offs with your Mentor during these booked sessions.
NOTE: The amount of mentoring varies widely depending on the student and the course, and whether the student has put enough effort into preparation. There are no recommended minimum or maximum number of mentoring sessions, and therefore no estimation of costs available.
- Exam Fees
Please note also that overdue Assignments will incur additional grading fees.
PAYMENT PLAN
Polestar Pilates NZ offers a 2 to 3-month payment plan that allows you to pay for your enrolment over a period of time instead of all at once.
The payment plan requires either a $800 or a $1,000 deposit and a $100 handling fee, as shown below.
Payments are due on the 1st of each month and a late payment penalty or credit card decline penalty of $50 will be applied. For the Mat Series, the following payment option is available:
| Course | Normal Price incl. Handling Fee | Deposit* | Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 |
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| PO, MAT 1 and MAT 2 | $3,890 | $800 | $1,545 | $1,545 | N.A. |
| Reformer & Mat BUNDLE | TBC | $1,000 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
* Deposit of either $800 or $1,000 is required at the time of registration, and any Payment Plan can only be used in conjunction with your credit card.
Please note that an automatic credit card surcharge of 3% gets added when you pay via Visa or Mastercard
COURSE ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION
Assessment requirements include: attending all of the course hours, completing reading and writing assignments, as well as a specified number of observation, self-mastery, and apprentice teaching hours as noted below.
To track your hours and progress, a log book will be issued at the start of your course with your materials. Certificates are granted upon successful completion of the log-book, and an 80% pass mark on the final exam.
The delivery modes are broken down as follows:
| Lectures & Homework | Observation | Practice / Self-Mastery | Apprentice Teaching |
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| 35 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
Lectures: Lecture hours include formal lecture/workshop face-to-face delivery, practical and written assessments and mandatory tutorial hours. They can also include online lectures accessed via the Polestar online platform.
Observation: Observation is where the student observes a studio in action, and has their hours signed off by a certified practitioner (preferably Polestar qualified). Polestar Online Academy can also be used for up to 10 observation hours in each course.
Self-Mastery (and Self-Directed): These hours are for Students to practice the exercises learnt in the curriculum so as to master the repertoire. Self-mastery hours include 30% of self-directed hours i.e. practicing the repertoire in your own time at home or with other students. NOTE: Polestar Online Academy can also be used as a tool for your self-practice hours. The remaining hours may be a combination of Matwork, Reformer and/or Studio sessions.
Apprentice Teaching: Once you feel confident in the repertoire, you will be expected to assist a senior instructor or Pilates practitioner (preferably Polestar qualified) within a Pilates Studio workplace in order to gain practical experience. You will teach under their guidance and assist with tactile cueing and client correction for the remaining hour to achieve sign off. NOTE: a qualified Pilates instructor must be present at all Apprentice Teaching sessions to provide sign off and feedback.
Self-Study Requirements: following is the recommended MINIMUM hours required per week for duration of the course:
- Self-Practice – minimum 2 hour per week
- Supervised Practice – minimum 2 hour per week
- Observation – minimum 2 hours per week
- Apprentice Teaching – minimum 2-3 hours per week (from S/R-2)
- Written homework – minimum 3 hours per month
For all hours, 50% can be completed with a non-Polestar trained instructor.
Logbook: You are responsible for completing the reading and writing assignments and ensuring your logbook is checked off by a Polestar Educator or Mentor: all repertoire must be signed off for teaching and demonstration. Polestar allocates time at each face to face weekend for check-off but if you have not completed these, they must be done in your own time at your cost with a Polestar Mentor.
Practicums: Practicums help accelerate your teaching and demonstration hours in a supported environment with an Educator. Teaching is within a clinical format against units of competency and allows students to accrue 2 hours for 1 hour (1:2) towards their student logbook.
Topics included will be review of Theory, Repertoire, Case Studies and Self-Mastery demonstration and teaching. They are scheduled generally over 3 hours but this can vary and some are online.
There are 3 Practicums scheduled as part of the Mat course and they are included in the course fees.
TEXT BOOKS
As part of the training Polestar recommends the following text to assist with your learning:
- Anatomy of Movement, Blandine Calais-Germain: Eastland Press 1993.
- Pilates Evolution, the 21st Century or Return to Life through Contrology – Joseph Pilates: Bain Bridge Books.
- Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Eric Franklin: Human Kinetics 1996.
PLEASE NOTE: Each student is required to purchase the “Principles of Movement” book by Dr. Brent Anderson prior to starting this course, as this forms the basis of the Polestar Principles Online (PPO) module. Click here for more details and to order a copy.
MENTORS
Mentorship & Check-offs are held regularly with the local Educator. These sessions allow students to get direct feedback on their movement and teaching as they progress through the material taught at the previous modules.
Select exercises will be filmed and submitted to the lead educator to check for competency. These “check-offs” are required prior to sitting for the final exam.
If competencies are not met during these sessions, additional fees may apply to schedule time to check-off missed exercises.
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.
POLESTAR’S ONLINE RESOURCE CENTRE
Check your inbox for an email outlining your homework assignments and lots of useful information for your course.
Prior to or during your first weekend, you will receive your manuals and this is when you can start to complete your logbook hours.
PRACTICUMS AND MENTORING
Integrated throughout the program are three dedicated practicums, which also serve as structured mentoring sessions. Each 4-hour practicum is designed to:
- Review and consolidate the Core Curriculum.
- Refine teaching, cueing, and movement demonstration skills.
- Provide opportunities for logbook check-offs and self-mastery practice.
- Revisit and deepen understanding of the Polestar Principles.
- Allow students to bring forward questions for clarification and receive direct educator guidance.
Practicums help accelerate your teaching and demonstration hours in a supported environment with a Polestar Educator.
Teaching is within a clinical format against units of competency and allows students to accrue 2 hours for 1 hour (1:2) towards their student logbook.
Topics included will be review of Theory, Repertoire, Case Studies and Self-Mastery demonstration and teaching. Practicums are scheduled generally over 4hrs but can be shorter and some are online.
There are 3 online 4-hour Practicum Sessions scheduled as part of the course and are included in the course fees.
Please click here and look for the “Course Locations & Dates” for the exact dates & times for when the Practicum Sessions will be held.
FINAL EXAM
For the Reformer exam please allow 3-4 hours for the total written and practical examination process. The written examination consists of a 1-hour 50 question multiple-choice section, and a 1-hour case study. The multiple-choice examination will cover the material taught in the courses, general exercise knowledge, equipment set-up, cueing, safety, precautions and modifications, contraindications, the Polestar Fitness Screening, and Pilates history.
For the case study, you will create two, hour-long group Reformer classes including modifications for specific populations.
The practical examination is a group class with 4 examinees – typically 1 hour, with 15 minutes for each person to teach 4 exercises randomly selected by the examiner.
Exercises are drawn from a hat. Each paper to be drawn has 4 pre-printed exercises on it, basic to advanced, plus any variations necessary. Students have a total of 15 minutes to teach their 4 exercises to the rest of the group, who are the mock class. The students in the “class” are graded on their demonstration of the exercises at the same time that the teacher is graded on their teaching skills.
After the teacher finishes the examiner will call them aside and ask them any questions that remain, i.e. exercise principles, common mistakes, precautions and contraindications, modifications, exercise rationale.
The entire exam is worth a total of 100 points.
The candidate will need to achieve an 80% pass mark on both written and theory sections of the exam.
Exam Fees of $450 (incl. GST) are not included in the Course Fees. Click here to register for your Reformer Exam.
PLEASE NOTE: All logbook hours, face to face weekends and assignments must have been completed.
REGISTRATION POLICIES
Please ensure to familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies (incl. Cancellations and Transfers) on this page before you register.
PLEASE NOTE: It’s very important to register well ahead of time, because you need to complete the online theory portion of the course prior to attending in-person weekend. Don’t hesitate and register now!
If you need help with our online registration system, please CLICK HERE.
Christchurch dates coming soon – but please register your interest by clicking here!
PLEASE NOTE: To avoid paying the credit card fee, which you will incur when you use any of the above options, internet transfer the full amount into the Polestar account 030104 0440078 00 (Westpac).
Then please let us know by clicking here.
Make sure to add your name as a reference, otherwise we may not recognise your payment!
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
Training with Polestar
I have completed the Mat, Reformer, Mat and Reformer mentoring and the Comprehensive series through Polestar. I love the depth of knowledge I’ve gained about anatomy and movement. The resources and ongoing education are fantastic. I feel very well qualified to work with peoples bodies and understand different pathologies that may present. This training challenges you to go deeper and become very professional. I am very grateful.
Mat Pilates is where it all began for me!
As a Pilates Educator, teacher, and mover, Mat Pilates is where it all began for me, including my Polestar training. I’m deeply passionate about Mat work because of its incredible versatility. You can teach and practice Mat Pilates anywhere, making it perfect for clients who need to do Pilates homework between sessions. When clients continue their practice independently at home, I see remarkable progress in their movement, which can positively impact their lives.
Teaching clients online or when they’re travelling is another benefit of Mat Pilates. During my dance career, I could maintain my conditioning while on tour—all I needed was floor space! During the COVID lockdown, Mat Pilates became essential. Without equipment, clients dramatically improved their mobility, strength, and stability using just their body, gravity, and small props. It was a lifesaver for both their bodies and our livelihood as instructors. It also empowered clients to truly understand their home program.
Recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for Mat Pilates through my postpartum journey. After giving birth to my twin boys nine months ago, I’ve been doing Mat exercises daily. With limited time and access to studio equipment, I’ve returned to advanced exercises, even achieving movements I thought I might never do again. Thanks to the knowledge from my training, I was able to rehabilitate and challenge myself back to my pre-pregnancy Pilates ability. I’m incredibly grateful for Mat Pilates!
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.