The Reformer Series

Polestar Pilates Reformer Teacher Training Certification provides instruction in Pilates principles, techniques and practice with emphasis on group dynamics for the Reformer.

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

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)

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TRANSFORM YOUR FITNESS PRACTICE WITH THE POLESTAR PILATES REFORMER SERIES!

Whether you’re a physiotherapist, personal trainer, or group exercise instructor, discover how this versatile equipment can revolutionise your clients’ training, following in the footsteps of Joseph Pilates himself.

Our Reformer Pilates Teacher Training course provides a flexible learning programme that can be completed entirely online or through a blend of virtual and in-person training. The Reformer course consists of the foundation module (Polestar Principles of Movement) followed by two intensive 3-day “weekend” courses, complemented by three practical sessions (Practicums).

Master essential skills including:

  • Professional assessment techniques
  • Advanced reformer exercises
  • Progressive movement sequences
  • Core Polestar principles and methodology
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. Reformer Part #1 – 21 hours over three consecutive days (Fri/Sat/Sun)
  3. Practicum Session #1 – 4 hours
  4. Reformer Part #2 – 21 hours over three consecutive days (Fri/Sat/Sun)
  5. Practicum Session #2 – 4 hours
  6. Practicum Session #3 – 4 hours

Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to sit the Polestar Reformer 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.

Polestar Pilates Reformer Teacher Training with 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 Reformer 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 Reformer student


5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)
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Thank you to all the educators at Polestar for such an extraordinarily rewarding experience

April 17, 2025

Thank you to all the educators at Polestar for such an extraordinarily rewarding experience.

You are all the most gifted and passionate teachers…with every encounter, you deepened and enriched my understanding of the fundamentals as well as the nuances of the Polestar principles and exercises well beyond the curriculum.

Your enthusiasm and dedication is admirable and also highly infectious, the Polestar brand is clearly in very good hands in New Zealand!

Kind regards

Paola Dashwood

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

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

Training with Polestar NZ

November 8, 2024

When I decided to do my reformer pilates training I chose Polestar NZ because it was recommend to me by someone whose classes I loved attending. It was the best decision I made. I originally decided to do the training for ‘fun’ – to see if it was something I wanted to pursue. After the first weekend intensive I was hooked and am now on the journey to change careers. The mentors at Polestar NZ are not only experts in what they were teaching us but they were also so incredibly kind and helpful. Studying again can be daunting but they made it feel like it was achievable and that they were there to support every step of the way. I came out of my training with Polestar with a whole new view of what Pilates is and what it can do for people. I am so grateful for the mentors at Polestar NZ and I can’t wait to continue my education with Polestar.

Natalie

DO YOU HAVE POLESTAR REFORMER 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.