Mat

The Mat Series is comprised of three two-day courses. The courses must be taken in the following order: PP, M1, M2. Successful completion of the series will enable participants the opportunity to gain qualification by sitting for the Mat Exam.

Maximum Participants: 20
Prerequisites:

1. Certified Fitness Instructor, or instructor of movement arts such as dance, yoga, tai chi, etc. for three years.
2. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology.
3. 25 hours of private or group Pilates classes.

Course descriptions:

PFP  Polestar Approach to Pilates Principles

This non-apparatus course applies current research in movement science, biomechanics, kinesiology and motor learning to instructional practice through six basic movement principles that are utilised throughout the Polestar curriculum. Tactile, verbal and imagery cues are integrated with Pilates mat exercises. This course introduces Polestar Pilates Screening™, which includes postural evaluation and functional testing, to prepare participants to properly design and implement Pilates exercises for patients and clients. This unique component significantly enhances your decision-making skills as a Pilates practitioner.

Participants: 25 maximum
Course Duration: 2 days, 16 hours
Prerequisites:

1. Certified fitness instructor (ACE, AFAA, ASCM, etc.) or instructor of movement arts such as dance, yoga, tai chi etc., for three years.
2. One semester of basic anatomy/physiology OR completion of Polestar's two-day anatomy and physiology basics course OR completion of Primal Anatomy Home Study (Internet or CD).
3. 25 hours of private or group Pilates classes. Required for Studio, Allegro and Mat qualification. CECs American Council on Exercise CEC's: 1.6 NATABOC CEU's: 13.75 hours Course Dates Fees Register

CECs

American Council on Exercise CEC's: 1.6
NATABOC CEU's: 13.75 hours

M1 Mat Level 1

This 2-day course teaches 9 preparatory (or pre-Pilates) mat exercises and 16 Pilates mat exercises for beginning and intermediate levels. The six basic Polestar Pilates Principles are incorporated into the learning process, to provide a clear understanding of the underlying fundamentals of each mat exercise. Programme design and exercise sequencing are addressed for a variety of group exercise and personal training settings. Verbal, tactile and imagery cues are used to facilitate motor learning.

Course Duration: 2 days, 16 hours
Participants: 20 maximum
Prerequisites: PP

CECs

American Council on Exercise CEC's: 1.6
NATABOC CEU's: 13.5 hours

M2 Mat Level 2

19 Pilates-evolved mat exercises are presented for intermediate and advanced levels. This course focuses on practical teaching experience that emphasises group dynamics. Polestar Pilates Principles are applied to verbal, tactile and combined cueing. Programme design and exercise sequencing are discussed for a variety of clients and class settings. To enhance teaching outcomes, Polestar instructors provide analysis and critique of instructional styles.

Course Duration: 2 days, 16 hours
Participants: 20 maximum
Prerequisites: PP, M1. Self-Mastery of M1, suggested.

CECs

American Council on Exercise CEC's: 1.6
NATABOC CEU's: 13.5 hours

Mat qualification:

Prerequisites: PP, M1, M2

M-Exam mat series exam
The Mat qualification exam contains written and practical components as well as a case study. Each case study will be based on information from a Polestar Pilates Fitness Screening. For Mat , the practical requires you to defend your case study and teach a portion of a Mat class. You will be evaluated on verbal and tactile cueing, accuracy, exercise modification, sequencing and the quality of instruction. You will also be required to demonstrate exercises successfully in front of the examiner.
Suggested completion of Self-Mastery of M1, M2  (approximately 50 hours), observation (25 hours), Assistant Teaching (25 hours) and Teaching/Practicum (50 hours)