Join theLeaders in Pilates instructor Training
With the most advanced Pilates Instructor Training and world-class educators, join over 15,000 graduates who choose Polestar Pilates.
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COMPREHENSIVE Pilates
TEACHER TRAINING Course
About this course Start a new career as a Pilates Instructor with the world’s most renowned Pilates teacher education. Our comprehensive teacher training will allow you to become a confident and skilled Pilates Instructor.
Transition
(Bridging)
About this course Designed for experienced Pilates instructors with a Comprehensive training background. Learn about movement assessment, sequencing and program design, problem solving for unique client needs, and more. Taught by Heidi Wright (F.I.S.T.D. F.C.U.S.A. FINAL DIPLOMA N.C.P.T.).
You will learn to:
- Master the versatile uses of Pilates exercises, a crucial skill for any Pilates instructor
- Develop assessment techniques to help your clients make consistent progress on their goals
- Polestar will teach you everything you need to know to help others transform themselves through Pilates.
- Learn to customise workouts for each client’s needs, essential for any Pilates Instructor seeking high client retention
- Learn to teach Pilates in both group and private settings, broadening your instructing capabilities and enabling your teaching to be accessible to more clients
- Understand the physics of the equipment at a deep level, enabling you to manipulate any apparatus to suit your client’s needs
- Learn to safely adapt exercises for injuries and special needs, ensuring responsible and equitable instruction
You will learn how to:
- Enhance coaching skills to forge deeper client connection
- Understand how Pilates exercises are connected for effective program design
- Develop tailored evaluation techniques to meet each client’s needs
- Gain skills to improve client outcomes
- Deepen your knowledge of biomechanics and anatomy in relation to Pilates
- Refine assessment and design skills for targeted sessions
- Use neurolinguistic approaches for better client interactions
- Master advanced cues for standout classes
Course Dates
| Session | Dates (2024) | Channel | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome & Orientation | To Be Scheduled 1 week prior | Online | 1 hour TBA |
| Module 1 | 27 & 28 Jan | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | Sat & Sun 8 am to 5 pm |
| Module 2 | 16 & 17 March | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | Sat & Sun 8 am to 5 pm |
| Module 3 | 18 & 19 May | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | Sat & Sun 8 am to 5 pm |
| Module 4 | 20 & 21 July | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | Sat & Sun 8 am to 5 pm |
| Module 5 | 14 & 15 Sept | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | Sat & Sun 8 am to 5 pm |
| Module 6 | 23 & 24 Nov | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | Sat & Sun 8 am to 5 pm |
| Module 6 Check out | To Be Scheduled | In-Person, Parktown North Johannesburg | 2 hours TBA |
In-Person learning will be hosted at the Polestar Pilates Studio in Parktown North Johannesburg.
Online learning will be done via Zoom or MS Teams.
Principle Instructor: Heidi Wright
Assistant Instructor: Nesta Graupner
Price: R 54 000 per delegate.
Payment options:
- R 9 000 x 6 instalments payable 7 days before the commencement of each module.
- R 50 000 if paid upfront in full.
Polestar Instructor Certification will be received on completion of all course work and passing the final assessment. The assessment and all course manuals are included in the price of the course and access to the online learning platform and all its resources will be available for the duration of 1 year. Trainees based in Johannesburg will be able to utilise the equipment at the Parktown North studio for practice purposes subject to availability and a nominal fee.
Program advantages:
- Becoming a part of an elite global community of comprehensive Pilates practitioners
- Engaging in a blended learning experience with in-person and online instruction
- Accessing a rich trove of online resources for a deeper dive into Pilates instruction
- Benefitting from exceptional student support throughout your journey
- Learning from senior instructors with one-year access to Polestar’s virtual studio, a hub of advanced learning and practise.
Certification
A diploma from Polestar Pilates teacher training qualifies you for the National Pilates Certification Program.
| Duration: | 6 days intensive over 3 weekends |
|---|---|
| Format: | In-person labs, online access to the Polestar comprehensive learning management system (LMS) boasting world-class video material, online quizzes, lectures and homework |
| Educators: | Heidi Wright & Nesta Graupner |
| Where: | Polestar Pilates South Africa Studio 29 7th Avenue Parktown North, Johannesburg |
TUITION
R 54 000 for Comprehensive R37 500 for Transition Payment terms available
- In-person intensive training, six 8-hour days – 8 am to 6 pm daily
- Physical Manuals included
- Coursework: Online lectures, video resources, online quizzes and assignments
- Final examination
REFORMER COURSE
About this coures
Start a new career as a Pilates Reformer Instructor with the world’s most renowned Pilates teacher education. Our Reformer teacher training will allow you to become a confident and skilled Pilates Reformer Instructor. Taught by Heidi Wright.
You will learn to:
- You will learn to safely and confidently instruct your clients to achieve their goals faster by using the Reformer Apparatus
- You will learn the the Polestar Screening and Assessment Tools and practice class design activities.
- You will gain confidence in understanding critical precautions and contraindications for special populations, including recommended modifications and substitutions
- You will gain strong communication, cueing, and teaching skills
- You will learn Polestar’s humanistic philosophy, prioritising individual needs and personalised instruction to foster a deep understanding of the mind-body connection
- You will become a part of a passionate, global community of Polestar Pilates instructors which allow for teaching and mentorship anywhere in the world
| Duration: | 6 days intensive over 3 weekends |
|---|---|
| Format: | In-Person labs, online access to the Polestar comprehensive learning management system (LMS) boasting world class video material, online quizzes, lectures and homework |
| Educators: | Heidi Wright & Nesta Graupner |
| Where: | Polestar Pilates South Africa Studio 29 7th Avenue Parktown North, Johannesburg |
Tuition
R 30 000 (Payment Terms available)
Additional payment options are available for registered health care professionals. Please enquire for more information.
Polestar Pilates MAT Course for Pilates Instructors and Physiotherapists
About this course
The Polestar Pilates Mat course is for anyone and everyone, from beginner to advanced students, practitioners to chiropractors or physiotherapists. The course is taught by Heidi Wright.
You will learn to:
- You will learn to access clients, understand critical precautions and contraindications for special populations as well as learn to use tactile, verbal and imagery cueing to facilitate your teaching.
- You will learn the the Polestar Screening and Assessment Tools and practice class design activities.
- You will also learn the reasoning behind a Polestar Pilates exercise program and become a graduate of the global Polestar community.
Certification
Diploma from Polestar Pilates teacher training qualifies you for the National Pilates Certification Program.
| Duration: | 12 x 2 hours sessions over a a period of 6 months |
|---|---|
| Format: | In-Person and online labs, online access to the Polestar comprehensive learning management system (LMS) boasting world class video material, online quizzes, lectures and homework |
| Educators: | homework |
| Where: | Heidi Wright & Nesta Graupner Polestar Pilates South Africa Studio 29 7th Avenue Parktown North, Johannesburg |
TUITION
R 15 000 (Payment Terms available)ONLINE, SELF-PACED WORKSHOPS
ANATOMY
Description
Eryn Apanovitch, Assistant Professor at the University of Miami, will go through the bones, joints, muscular contributions to movement, and vascular structures of each section of the body. Unlike other anatomy courses, Shelly Power and Brent Anderson’s discussion on the practical application of these movement concepts makes this a very user-friendly and movement-oriented anatomy course. Relating anatomical concepts to familiar movements sharpens your intuition while expanding your intellect.
CONTENT SEGEMENTS
This is an 8-hour online course with 7 modules. Each module will be available after the completion of the previous one. Quizzes, resources, and discussions qualify your learning as you go through the course.
| Intro | |
|---|---|
| Module 1: | General Concepts |
| Module 2: | The Spine |
| Module 3: | The Thorax |
| Module 4: | The Abdomen |
| Module 5: | The Upper Limb |
| Module 6: | The Pelvis and Perineum |
| Module 7: | The Lower Limb |
TUITION
R 2 200.00
- The course is 100% online and self-paced.
- Students have access to the Learning Platform for a period of 2 months to complete the course.
INTRO TO PILATES FOR REHAB AND OSTEOPOROSIS
Polestar has been the leader in the field of Pilates rehabilitation for more than 20 years. Enjoy Dr. Anderson taking you through a brief introduction of Pilates for Rehabilitation populations. This online lecture will cover a brief history of Joseph Pilates and its evolution to current research in the field of Pilates rehabilitation. Anderson briefly discusses the six basic Movement Principles unique to Polestar and how they affect many diverse rehabilitation populations.
learning outcomes- History of Joseph Pilates, the evolution of the Pilates Method, and current research in the field of Pilates rehabilitation.
- Six basic Movement Principles unique to Polestar and how they affect many diverse rehabilitation populations.
Join us for an introductory, dynamic and fun lecture on bone physiology and the pathological condition of Osteoporosis. Easily identify Osteoporosis or those at risk for fracture using a very simple 4-step screening. Learn the most important concepts from Polestar Pilates, contraindicated exercises and the best Pilates exercises for bone health for adults and older adults. Get the latest research on bone building exercise and fracture prevention.
learning outcomes- How bones function
- Bone-safe Pilates Principles and Priorities
- Bone Health Benefits of Pilates
- Bone Health Strengthening Tips
- How To Interpret A T-score and Bone Density Study
- Precautions and Contraindications for Fracture Prevention
- Latest Research on Best (and worst) Exercises for Bone Health
DURATION
49 MINUTES
TUITION
R 650.00
- The course is 100% online and self-paced.
- Students have access to the Learning
Platform for a period of 1 month to complete the course.
This workshop will take you through an excursion of anatomy, pathology, and guidelines for movement to create safe and effective programs for your clients with Osteoarthritis of the hip.
The workshop is broken into 5 chapters with resources and includes a PDF handout for download of Pre-Pilates and Pilates mat movements. Click the content tab and start with chapter 1; there is a short 2 question quiz after each chapter.
LEARNING OUTCOMES- Review the science of evidence-based practices for assessment and treatment of hip Osteoarthritis.
- Apply best practices for assessment and movement into the routine of a client with hip Osteoarthritis.
- Learn how to implement guidelines for movement into the Pilates routine of a client with hip osteoarthritis in order to create a successful movement experience.
- Lessen the fear associated with working with a client with hip Osteoarthritis.
DURATION
3 HOURS
TUITION
R 1 250.00
- The course is 100% online and self-paced.
- Students have access to the Learning Platform for a period of 1 month to complete the course.
MOVING THE WORLD FOR 30 YEARS
Polestar Pilates is a global community of movers that focus on whole body health, positive movement experiences, and the mind-body-spirit connection.
Our mission is to shape and transform South African health by making Pilates available to everyone. Joseph Pilates’s original work was much more than just exercise. Polestar expands on this by adding critical thinking, assessment, accessibility, and teacher training into its programs.
Founded in the United States in 1992, Polestar today is found in over 60 countries and we are thrilled to be one of the 40 sites that also offer instructor training. At the forefront of Pilates education, we are proud to spread the benefits of Pilates by producing the finest Pilates professionals in the world.
Polestar Instructor Academy South Africa
We are a global community of Pilates Professionals changing the world of movement by producing the best Pilates instructors and setting the gold standard in Pilates instruction. Our courses are designed for aspiring and professional Pilates instructors, physical therapists, and fitness enthusiasts. Each group’s unique needs and aspirations are catered to through our strategically designed offerings.
Our Key Differentiators are that:
- Our scientifically based curriculum is grounded in cutting-edge research in movement science and rehabilitation.
- Our training is accessible and relevant in over 40 countries, creating a global Polestar Pilates network of excellence.
- Our humanistic approach focuses on personalised guidance, empathy, and inclusivity.
- We are committed to imparting skills to individuals from all walks of life.
Our Academy’s teaching staff are highly experienced Pilates professionals who are required, by Polestar, to meet stringent requirements to teach and facilitate our courses. This ensures consistent quality globally. Our Comprehensive Pilates course is rigorous and will prepare aspiring and professional Pilates Instructors with the expert knowledge and practice required to confidently attempt the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) certification exam. This is the globally recognised standard for Pilates Certification. Successful completion of this exam will then qualify the Instructor as a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher or NCPT.
meet the team
Heidi Wright
F.I.S.T.D. F.C.U.S.A. Final Diploma N.C.P.T.
principle Polestar Instructor and
Head of the Polestar Academy
Heidi Wright is a Master Teacher in the genres of Pilates and Ballet. She has been an international and residential guest instructor, lecturer, practitioner and published writer in both genres since 1992 and is certified in Pilates Mat, Allegro, Studio and Post Rehabilitation with Polestar Pilates (Miami) and with Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel. She is also a member of PMA and a NCPT practitioner. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, Heidi holds a special interest in post-operative Breast Cancer therapy and holds a certificate in Post Rehabilitation/Recovery for Breast Cancer patients with the Pink Ribbon Program. Heidi also works with dancers suffering from injuries of overuse, surgery or simply those that are in special needs for their professions. Heidi Wright has certifications in ballet including Fellowship and Final Diploma with Cecchetti I.S.T.D., Cecchetti U.S.A. and The Cecchetti Society of Southern Africa. Heidi also holds a Teachers and Examiners qualification from the United Kingdom Teachers of Dance and has adjudicated dance competitions in both the United States and South Africa.
shelly power
BS, NCPT, Vice President,
International Education
Shelly Power has taught for Polestar Pilates since its inception in 1992. Shelly teaches nationally and internationally for Polestar, administers exams, conducts Pilates workshops and Polestar Mentor and Educator trainings worldwide. She is a frequent presenter at international fitness and Pilates conferences. Shelly brings a unique and fresh approach to the work of Joseph Pilates.
Shelly danced professionally for 12 years and received her BS degree in Dance from California State University, Sacramento, where she served on the faculty from 1992-1998. She is certified in GYROTONIC®, having trained with Angela Crowley and has completed the first year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. Shelly is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and has served on the Pilates Method Alliance Board of Directors and on several PMA and NPCP committees.
Nesta Graupner Academy Instructor
Nesta has dedicated her life to pursuing her passion and making a difference. Her mission is to assist individuals in achieving their personal goals and aiding in the rehabilitation of those with injuries.
With an extensive background in Ballet training, Nesta has garnered global recognition as an Adagio and Principal dancer.
Bringing with her 18 years of experience in teaching Pilates, Nesta holds multiple comprehensive Pilates certifications.
She is delighted to be a part of Polestar SA, contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to the team.
Ianthe Basson Business Owner, Pilates & Movement Wellness Practitioner, International Presenter, and “lover of all things bringing joyful movement to life!”
Ianthe Basson is a dynamic force in the field of Pilates and movement wellness. A business owner and highly skilled practitioner, international presenter, and an advocate for joyful movement, Ianthe’s journey in the professional movement industry began in 1999.
After facing a spinal injury during her time as a professional dancer with Richard Loring’s ‘African Footprint’ in the early 2000s, she turned to Pilates as her primary method of rehabilitation. Since then, her love and dedication to the Pilates method have only grown stronger.
The rest, as they say, is history! With over two decades of experience, Ianthe has obtained numerous certifications and prestigious accomplishments both locally and internationally. Her specialisation lies in Rehabilitative Pilates for Injuries and Chronic Pain Management. Drawing from her family background in specialist physician medicine, radiology, and cardiology, Ianthe brings a unique perspective to her practice.
Having treated patients in hospitals and step-down rehabilitation clinics, Ianthe now channels her expertise into her full-time Pilates teaching capacity. She is committed to helping clients achieve whole-body health and positive recovery experiences.
Ianthe’s infectious passion and vibrant energy make her a remarkable presence in the field. Her primary purpose and mission are to share her love for movement and create global change through movement wellness, one person at a time. Ianthe looks forward to doing just that through Polestar Pilates South Africa.
Join the Leaders
in Pilates Teacher Training
With the most advanced Pilates Instructor Training and world-class educators, join over 15,000 graduates who choose Polestar Pilates.
Enroll Now