Observation Hours: 40-Hour Requirement & Online Options

Observation Hours: Requirements and Alternatives

Article Summary
This article addresses Observation hours and the common challenge of completing observation hours, particularly for students living far from Polestar instructors. Learn about flexible options including online resources, in-person requirements, and creative solutions for fulfilling your 40-hour observation requirement.

Understanding the Observation Challenge
Polestar recognizes that finding access to observe Polestar-trained teachers can be difficult, especially for students in remote locations or areas with limited Polestar presence. We've developed flexible solutions to ensure all students can complete their observation requirements successfully.
Total Requirement depends on the course you are taking
  1. 40 Hours for Comprehensive (Studio and Rehab)
  2. 25 Hours for Mat
  3. 25 Hours for Reformer
Recommended Approach: Majority of hours should be observing Polestar-trained instructors.

Flexible Observation Options
Online Observation (Up to 20 Hours for Comprehensive, 7 hours for Mat and Reformer)
Polestar Gateway Portal (PGP) Resources:
  1. Access extensive library of Polestar online materials
  2. Watch recorded classes and instructional videos
  3. Observe various teaching styles and approaches
  4. Study at your own pace and schedule
Benefits of Online Observation:
  1. Available 24/7 to fit your schedule
  2. Replay sessions for deeper understanding
  3. Access to master instructors and specialists
  4. No travel required
  5. Cost-effective option
How to Maximize Online Hours:
  1. Take detailed notes during observation
  2. Focus on teaching techniques and cueing
  3. Observe client interactions and modifications
  4. Study different class formats and structures

In-Person Observation Requirements (At least 20 Hours for Comprehensive and at least 18 hours for Mat/Reformer)
Group Classes (10 Hours Required for Comprehensive, 100% required for Mat/Reformer)):
  1. 5 hours: Observe Mat classes taught by Polestar instructor
  2. 5 hours: Observe Reformer classes taught by Polestar instructor
  3. Must be taught by Polestar-certified instructor
  4. Requires permission from teacher, studio, and clients
Studio Sessions (10 Hours Required):
  1. 10 hours: Observe private or semi-private sessions
  2. Must be taught by Polestar-certified instructor
  3. Provides insight into individual client needs
  4. Requires permission from teacher, studio, and clients

Getting Permission for In-Person Observation
Approaching Instructors
Professional Communication:
  1. Explain your Polestar student status and observation requirements
  2. Request specific dates and times that work for their schedule
  3. Offer to sign confidentiality agreements if requested
  4. Express genuine interest in learning from their expertise
Sample Approach: "Hello [Instructor Name], I'm currently completing my Polestar [Course Type] certification and need to fulfill observation hours. Would it be possible to observe [specific class/session type] to learn from your teaching approach? I can provide documentation of my student status and am happy to work around your preferred schedule."

Studio Permissions
Professional Courtesy:
  1. Contact studio management about observation requirements
  2. Provide Polestar documentation of student status
  3. Respect studio policies and client privacy
  4. Offer to sign waivers or agreements as needed

Client Considerations
Privacy and Comfort:
  1. Instructors should obtain client consent before allowing observation
  2. Position yourself discretely to minimize disruption
  3. Maintain professional demeanor throughout sessions
  4. Respect client confidentiality absolutely
Alert
NOTE: It may be that the studio policy does not allow observation of normal clients. In this case you will need to fulfill your observation hours at another studio OR via a combination of online sessions and mentor/sessions (see below)

Maximizing Check-off Session Hours
Important Opportunity: Hours spent in check-off sessions with mentors can count toward observation requirements.

How It Works:
Group Check-off Sessions:
  1. When you're observing other students during their check-offs
  2. While waiting your turn in group sessions
  3. Watching mentor demonstrations and corrections
  4. Learning from other students' questions and challenges
Strategic Approach:
  1. Schedule group check-offs when possible
  2. Actively observe other students' work
  3. Take notes on mentor feedback
  4. Ask questions about teaching techniques

Making the Most of Observation Hours
Active Observation Techniques
What to Watch For:
  1. Teaching methodology: How exercises are introduced and progressed
  2. Cueing strategies: Verbal, visual, and tactile instruction methods
  3. Client interaction: Communication style and relationship building
  4. Class management: Flow, timing, and organization
  5. Modification approaches: Adaptations for different bodies and abilities
Documentation:
  1. Take detailed notes during observation
  2. Record insights and questions for further study
  3. Compare different teaching styles and approaches
  4. Identify techniques you want to incorporate
Learning Objectives
Technical Skills:
  1. Observe proper exercise execution and form
  2. Study common corrections and modifications
  3. Learn effective sequencing and progression
  4. Understand safety considerations and contraindications
Teaching Skills:
  1. Watch effective communication techniques
  2. Study client motivation and encouragement methods
  3. Observe class atmosphere and energy management
  4. Learn professional boundaries and interaction

Tracking Your Observation Hours
Logbook Documentation
Required Information:
  1. Date and duration of observation
  2. Instructor name and certification status
  3. Type of class or session observed
  4. Brief description of what was learned
  5. Instructor or studio verification (when possible)

Verification Methods
Online Hours:
  1. Self-verification through honor system
  2. Reference specific PGP materials viewed
  3. Document time spent and key observations
  4. No signature required
In-Person Hours:
  1. Request instructor signature when possible
  2. Studio verification through attendance records
  3. Fellow students can verify group observations
  4. Professional courtesy in requesting verification


Planning Your Observation Strategy
Early Planning
  1. Identify local Polestar instructors as soon as possible
  2. Explore PGP online resources to understand available materials
  3. Connect with fellow students for group observation opportunities
  4. Plan travel or intensive periods if needed for in-person observation
Balanced Approach
  1. Start with online observation to build foundational understanding
  2. Schedule in-person observation around instructor availability
  3. Combine observation with other requirements through check-off sessions
  4. Document everything consistently in your logbook


Overcoming Common Obstacles
Limited Local Instructors/Faculty
  1. Maximize online resources (up to 20 hours)
  2. Plan intensive observation periods with travel
  3. Connect with instructors/faculty in nearby cities
  4. Participate in workshops and continuing education events
Scheduling Conflicts
  1. Communicate with instructors about flexible timing
  2. Offer to observe during less popular class times
  3. Consider early morning or evening sessions
  4. Be flexible with your own schedule when possible
Cost Concerns
  1. Prioritize free online observation resources
  2. Share costs with fellow students
  3. Take advantage of Host Mentorship programmes


Related Resources
  1. Understanding Supplementary Hours (Mentorship) - Complete Overview
  2. How to Track and Complete Your Supplementary Hours
  3. Exercise Check-offs: Process and Requirements


Need Help?
If you're struggling to find observation opportunities in your area, contact your host site for instructor referrals or reach out to Polestar Pilates Asia for connections to instructors who welcome student observers.






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