It is not mind or body.
It is both mind and body.
For anyone, anytime,
Take care of your body and mind.
Be positive about what you want to be.
Look up at the stars shining in the sky.
For your mind and body
North Star is a personal Pilates studio where you can focus on your mind and body.
We want you to live your life fully, embracing your body just as it is.
We’re dedicated to helping you embrace your body and live your life to the fullest.
We hope you’ll take the time to treat yourself and enrich both your mind and body.
Reservation
Pilates instructor
Yoshie Kitaura
2008-2022Sony corporation
2022-2024giftee corporation
2024started Pilates studio North Star
Qualifications
Peak pilates PPC1(basic)
Body intelligence Birth Recovery Pilates
Aromatherapy Salon Nerori Certification
Head Massage / Hand Reflexology
16 years of experience as a manual transcription director, technical writer, designer, and design director.
While working at a company, I took a leave of absence because of significant stresses.I also visited hospital for infertility treatment, but unfortunately, I experienced two miscarriages.
Around that time, I started taking yoga classes and met Pilates. After I started practicing Pilates, my physical condition improved and my body changed, so I decided to study Pilates more seriously.
Beauty Acupuncturist
Hidenobu Kagawa
Acupuncturist/Osteopath/kids Flag football coaching/Residential property trader
He played baseball in junior high and high school and became interested in the physical well-being due to an injury he experienced at high school.
He entered the University of Tsukuba's College of Physical Education in 2004 with the goal of becoming a sports trainer.
During his college years, he played American football and was selected for the Kanto National Team in 2005. But he had to give it up because he suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee. After he started to work as a real estate property trader, he also coached flag football teams for elementary school students and provided acupuncture and moxibustion conditioning. Then he started his own business as an acupuncturist.
He is now a father of two children. He accompanies the All-Japan Ski Cross team on their overseas tours as their exclusive trainer.
Our studio can provide on-site beauty acupuncture treatment for clients who wish.
Training consultant
Hiroko Ando
https://yuta-training.net/
Physical Education, University of Tsukuba
Graduated from Morinomiya Acupuncture College
Representative of yuta Co.
Professional athletes Ms. Ando supports：
Professional table tennis player (Osaka) / University table tennis player (Aichi) / Professional track and field athlete (Hyogo) / SASUKE athlete (Osaka) / University student aerobics athlete (Ibaraki)
Name of competitions Ms. Ando supported as a trainer and therapist:
Table tennis / Track and field long jump /SASUKE / Aerobics / Baseball / American football Rugby/ Volleyball /Soccer/ Contemporary /ballet /Jazz dance/ Rock dance/ Trampoline
Countries Ms. Ando accompanied as a trainer:
Sweden, Germany, Korea, China, Australia, etc.
Location
Near the Azabu-Juban Station
open for only members or reserved guest
Steps to the lesson
1. Make a reservation
Please make a reservation for your first lesson.
Click here for the reservation website.
2. on the lesson day
Please bring the below with you.
・Comfortable clothing for moving
・non-slip socks（Socks available for rental at the studio）
3. Join our membership
If you decide to keep practicing Pilates at North Star, please join our membership.
After joining our membership, you can make a reservation through the reservation system.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Pilates studio North Star is recommended for:
People who want to live a brighter life by changing their body and mind.
People who are under significant stresses and feel powerless to make any changes, even if they desires to.
People who are tired of their persona. (the role they have in society)
People who want to try new exercises but hesitate.
People who feel that moving their bodies is a big challenge.
People who want to be healed and happy.
People who get mentally exhausted from group lessons.
People who want to embrace their bodies.
People who want to live their life taking care of their body.
Voice of customers:
R.F
I am continuing group pilates!
*Group lessons in English are currently not available.
I continue to attend group Pilates lesson once a month.
The stylish space and Kitaura's gentle advice are soothing, and the feeling of slowly and steadily strengthening the deep parts of my stomach is addictive.
I found it much easier to get into than yoga, which involves mental approaches and meditation, because I can just focus on breathing and physical movement.
Also, the real joy of group lessons is being able to experience a sense of accomplishment with everyone after it's over. It seems like the difficulty and strain is increasing with each session, but I'm sure that's just my imagination, right?
I look forward to it every month, thinking, "Let's do our best together again next time!" Thank you for your always careful guidance 😊
E.T
I’ve been practicing Pilates since the North Star opened.
I started Pilates because I wanted to strengthen my core muscles to improve my performance in boxing.
In the lessons, I receive careful advice and am supported in making the correct movements, so I've been able to continue without any strain.
I also enjoy the very relaxing massages after each lesson, which I feel very refreshed.
Compared to before I started Pilates, I feel that my core muscles is more stable and I can transmit more power to my punches and footwork. I’m looking forward to continuing Pilates and strengthening my body!
M.G
Online lessons are great!
*Online lessons in English are currently not available.
◎Reasons for continuing
I became interested in Pilates when I saw a instagram post which shows body change before and after practicing Pilates. I thought, "My body also could be changed like this! Amazing! I want to try it too!" and immediately looked for a nearby class.
There are few Pilates classes around where I live , but fortunately I could find one and started going to classes. But after about a month, I had to leave classes due to work commitments and my child's poor health.
That's when I found out Kitaura-san’s online Pilates lessons.
The classes I used to go was machine Pilates, so I was worried about how to practice online only with a mat, but I learned that mat Pilates by online is effective enough. So I decided to try right away.
During the lesson, she goes through the menu with me and calls out to me as she watches my movements, so I hardly feel the inconvenience of online classes.
She gradually improves my Pilates level according to my body condition, so I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy when I can"do it."
I was worried about online lessons at first, but now I feel that there are many advantages of online classes.
When I used to take actual classes, I had to leave my house 30 minutes before the class and prepare my clothes, but with online classes, I can be ready in 5 minutes before the class, which is convenient.
Also, even when my child is sick, I can continue the class every week because I could stay at home.
By continuing, I have been able to feel the benefits of Pilates, so it is very helpful to have online classes at home that I can easily participate in.
◎Differences between before and after practicing Pilates
I feel that being able to make time to face my body for 30 minutes every week has made a positive difference to both my body and mind.
I usually do a lot of desk work, so I used to suffer from stiff shoulders. I used to rush to get a massage every time, but now I don't need to go to a massage because I can take a deep breath and correct my posture in the middle of my work.
Mentally, Pilates makes me feel refreshed, so I feel like I'm in good shape.
◎Comment
I recommend for Pilates beginners!
There are many Pilates videos on YouTube that you can do at home, but I feel that taking online lessons is completely different from doing it only by yourself.
The teacher is very friendly, and I recommend it to people who are new to Pilates. I also appreciate the positive comments from Kitaura-san during lessons.
Seeing the changes in my teacher, who I have something in common with - we're both the same age and mom - gives me hope, so I'd like to continue working hard at it for the sake of myself a few years from now.
I look forward to working with you in the future!
＊studio North Star is currently not accepting new online lessons.
Y.T
It's been a while since I've felt confident in myself!
◎Reasons for continuing
I'm grateful that I can decide the frequency at my own pace! I'm always grateful that the teacher is flexible for me...!
I'm the type of person who gets tired of any lesson halfway through, but because it's a promise with Kitaura-san! Because I can talk to Kitaura-san!
◎Differences before and after I started Pilates
I can now live my life with awareness of my breathing and back muscles! I feel like I can do it naturally in my daily life because I was taught carefully from the basics and understood right move properly 🙌
◎Comments
Thank you as always! You praise me every lesson and help me to level up little by little according to my pace, so I'm full of excitement, wondering what I'll be able to do today ❤️
As someone who hates exercise and gets bored easily, I'm happy that I'm able to continue my regular exercise habit, and I've been able to feel confident in myself for the first time in a long time! lol
H.S
Private lessons are still ongoing!
I couldn't lose the weight after giving birth, so I looked for various fitness gyms every day.
But I was not sure if I could work at the gym by myself. Also, I was not feeling comfortable when there were many people at the gym.
But then, by chance, I found Pilates studio North Star.
I expected that it would be tough, but when I tried it, I felt great!
I thought I could keep it up, so I've been continuing ever since.
Every time I go, I feel I’m improving and I'm in better health.
Since North Star provides private lessons, I can exercise while relaxing without worrying about other people.
Kitaura-san's bright and gentle atmosphere and encouragement make me feel at ease, and the massage after Pilates is also great!
It's now become a monthly pleasure for me. I really want to recommend this studio for many people☺️
FAQ
Q
What is Pilates?
A
Pilates was developed by Joseph H. Pilates as a science for self-control of muscles and mind.
Rather than instantaneous exercises for the superficial muscles, it is characterized by its careful approach to the skeleton and deeper muscles, and in recent years it has also been used as a form of rehabilitation for recovery from injuries and improvement of ailments.
Q
What are the benefits of Pilates?
A
Although it varies from person to person, these effects are generally observed.
(Some effects can be felt after just one session, but the effects are greater with continued use.)
・Strengthening of the trunk by strengthening the deep core muscles
・Increased flexibility of joints and muscles
・Improved posture
・Stress reduction through breathing and concentration
・Improved immunity through blood circulation
Q
I have never done Pilates before, can I do it?
A
Yes you can!
Don't worry, we'll customize the exercises especially for you to best fit your body condition and how you feel on the day.
Q
I have no experience with exercise and I'm not good at strenuous exercise. Can I still give it a try?
A
Yes, you can!
During private lessons, you will make moves according to your ability of motion, strength, and stamina. So even if you are not good at sports that require set forms or speed, no need to worry.
Q
What is the normal lesson like?
A
First, we warm up with fundamental movements (warm-up exercises), and check your body condition on the day.
After that, we practice Pilates using a variety of props, such as mats, reformers and chairs. The lesson is specially customized for each customer's goals and conditions.
Finally, The session ends with a head massage or aromatherapy hand reflexology whichever you like.
Q
What should I bring?
A
Please bring comfortable excercise outfit and non-slip socks.
Socks are available for rental for free at the studio.
Q
What kind of clothes should I wear?
A
Basically, any clothes which you can easily move are fine.
There will be a lot of bending and stretching exercises, so fitted clothes are preferable rather than loose types of outfits.
Some people may feel embarrassed in tight-fitting clothes, but as studio North Star is a completely private space, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable.
Q
Can I take lessons before and after giving birth?
A
We offer postnatal lessons for the following people.
・1 month after giving birth if you had a vaginal birth
・3 months after giving birth if you had a Caesarean section
*Only for those who have no health concerns and who have been cleared by their doctor to exercise.
*Studio North Star is not offering prenatal lessons.
Q
Can I take my children to the lessons?
A
Children can accompany you only if safety can be ensured.
We will discuss this with you based on the child's age (or age in months for infants).
Q
Are there any cancellation policies for lessons?
A
Please check the cancellation policy on the reservation site.