What is the Polestar Pilates Method?
Polestar President Brent Anderson PT
OCS brings a scientific and holistic perspective to the work of
Joseph Pilates. His extensive background in rehabilitation and movement
science expands on Pilates’ principles by adding manual skills, advanced
body awareness, and principles from motor control theory. The Polestar
Pilates Method applies current research and practice in orthopaedics,
sports medicine and movement science to the principles of Joseph Pilates.
Polestar’s curriculum teaches applications for the full range of Pilates equipment, which includes the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Combo Chair, Ladder Barrel and Wall Unit and incorporates mat exercises and small props such as wall/door springs, the Flex Ring Toner®, rotating disks, balance boards, foam rollers and the gym ball. Special attention is placed on safety, cueing and appropriate exercise selection. Balanced Body ® videos are used to supplement instruction.
Brent Anderson consults with professional dance companies, schools and
conservatories throughout the world. He served as President of the American
Physical Therapy Association's Performing Arts Special Interest Group
and is a member of the Research Committee, International Association of
Dance Medicine and Science.
Polestar offers the most comprehensive
Pilates rehabilitation and fitness curriculum and certification in the
world today. Medical facilities, performing arts conservatories and fitness
trainers use our innovative system of Pilates techniques worldwide.
Improves the mind/body connection
"It is the mind which builds the body." said Joseph Pilates. The Polestar Pilates Method gets you "in tune" with
your body by concentrating on proper alignment and smooth movement.
Conditions the whole body
Many other exercise programmes take a "body parts" approach to conditioning,
with isolated exercises for each muscle group. The Polestar
Pilates Method trains the whole body - coordinating the upper and
lower musculature with the body's centre. For example, most exercises
on the Reformer work a number of muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous
movement, elongating at the same time as they strengthen and stretch.
The result: muscles that are long and strong.
Creates a balanced body
With the Polestar Pilates Method, no muscle
group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly
conditioned, helping you meet lifestyle goals and play sports more efficiently
with less chance of injury. The programme dramatically improves strength,
flexibility, balance, coordination and posture. It creates a body that
looks long and lean, with slender thighs, flat abdominal muscles and a
strong back.
Suitable for everyone
The workout is surprisingly relaxing and revitalising. It's gentle enough
for mothers-to-be, yet challenging enough for the super-fit. It's a programme
that works for everyone, regardless of age or condition.
So safe, physiotherapists use it
The programme is one of the safest workouts you can use. The Reformer
aligns and supports the back and neck; most of the exercises are non-impact
and partial-weight-bearing. No other system is so gentle to your body
while giving it a challenging workout. The programme is appropriate for
a wide range of rehabilitation goals. Says Brent Anderson, "The Polestar Pilates Method is instrumental in the
treatment of a variety of patients, from the chronically impaired to the
elite athlete."
What's missing from conventional workouts?
Aerobic classes provide a cardiovascular workout, but don't train balanced
strength and flexibility. Impact injuries are a common problem. Stair-steppers,
treadmills, rowers and ski machines offer aerobic benefits and some strength
training, but don't train flexibility or range of motion. They also tend
to over train some muscles while under training others, creating muscle
imbalances and joint strains that can lead to injury. Weight training
with free weights train strength, but not flexibility and coordination.
Imbalanced weight training can also build bulky muscles.
The ideal complement to an aerobic programme
The Polestar Pilates Method should be combined
with efficient aerobic activity such as walking, jogging or cycling for
a complete program of neuromuscular and cardiovascular fitness.