Brief Description:

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.
It incorporates exercises to help improve posture, mobility, muscular strength and breathing technique. Each session will aim to build and develop on from the previous session. This workout is designed to help participants 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.

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 be much more toned
Stronger abdominal muscles – Pilates focuses on strengthening your core which includes your abdominal muscles, you’ll find that one of the benefits of Pilates is that it will result in a flat stomach.
Flexibility – Pilates will restore 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.
Pilates gives you a general sense of well-being – because it focuses on providing balance between your mind and body.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

40 – 50 hours tuition

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

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

None

For the first session you will need to bring:

A mat, towel and small cushion. Please also wear comfortable clothing that you can move in, trainers and water bottle.

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

Your tutor will advise you.
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 Sundays, 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.