Brief Description:

Have you ever wanted to try Pilates but you were not exactly sure what it involved and whether it would be suitable for you? Pilates is a form of exercise which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. This helps to improve general fitness and overall well-being.

Similar to Yoga, Pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility. In Pilates the chance of injury is much lower than with other more strenuous forms of exercise.
Pilates also focuses on the mind-body connection and breathing.
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates as an exercise program for injured dancers and soldiers while living in the UK. Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were closely connected.
Beginner level exercises will help you improve posture, mobility, muscular strength and breathing technique. Each session will aim to build and develop from the previous session. This workout is designed to help you develop leaner, longer-looking muscles, establish core strength and stability and heighten mind-body awareness. Class numbers are limited which gives you an opportunity to interact and be corrected by your tutor.
Because Pilates can be modified to provide either a gentle strength training program or a challenging workout, most people would have no problem with this form of exercise. It is suitable both for beginners and for people who already exercise regularly.
As listed above, the health benefits include:
Good posture – Pilates will teach you to gain and maintain good posture. The exercises require that your body is always in alignment. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from lower back pain.
Muscle Tone – The exercises involve the use of muscles that you may not use on a daily basis. After the initial soreness, you’ll find that your muscles will become more toned.
Stronger abdominal muscles – Pilates focuses on strengthening your core which includes your abdominal muscles.
Flexibility – Pilates will increase your flexibility
Improves your balance – Through the mind-body connection which is taught in Pilates you will become much more aware of how your body moves and performs. Therefore Pilates not only improves your physical balance through correct posture but will also restore your mind-body balance.
Gives you a general sense of well-being – Because Pilates focuses on providing balance between your mind and body it gives you an overall sense of well-being.

Timetable for this term:

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No Previous experience necessary.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:
Enhance body awareness
Improve muscle strength
Learn breathing technique
Improve posture

For the first session you will need to bring:

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Continue Pilates in the following term.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s , you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.