Pilates beginners

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Learn Pilates’ exercises to improve your general health at a gentle and enjoyable pace. This course covers basic moves to improve core strength, balance and posture. Suitable for all, including complete beginners and those who want to exercise at a slower pace.

Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

5 Dates Available

  • Start Date: 15 Apr 2026
    End Date: 17 Jun 2026
    This course is full
    Wed (Daytime): 13:00 - 14:15
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: FJF28
    Tutors:  Cathy Norris
    Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £167.00 Concession £146.00
  • Start Date: 06 Jul 2026
    End Date: 27 Jul 2026
    Mon (Daytime): 13:15 - 14:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: FJF23
    Tutors:  Eleanor Shearn
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £79.00
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  • Start Date: 14 Sep 2026
    End Date: 16 Nov 2026
    Mon (Daytime): 14:15 - 15:15
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: FJF75
    Tutors:  Eleanor Shearn
    Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £132.00
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  • Start Date: 16 Sep 2026
    End Date: 18 Nov 2026
    Wed (Daytime): 13:00 - 14:15
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: FJF20
    Tutors:  Cathy Norris
    Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £153.00
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Any questions? health@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 8142 4577

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
252062
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £79.00

What is the course about?

Pilates is a form of body conditioning that concentrates on building strength from the core (centre) of the body. It can help improve posture, muscular strength, mobility, breathing techniques and relaxation.
A variety of exercises are performed, flowing smoothly from one to the other whilst focusing on technique and control. Unlike many other body conditioning methods, Pilates focuses on working with a mild engagement of the core muscles and offers a unique approach to improving well-being.

What will we cover?

Each class will have a varied theme including good standing posture; basic knowledge of alignment; breathing patterns; working the abdominals; working for a healthy, strong back; improving spinal mobility; hip, thigh and leg exercise. Each class builds upon the last so that you gradually become more physically challenged and as your body responds you feel more in tune and aware of your movements and stature.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Use core muscles effectively
- Improve balance
- Practise lateral breathing
- Perform muscular strength exercises
- Have a working knowledge of how to improve standing posture
- Practice relaxation techniques.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for beginners and students with some experience, or those who want to work at a gentle pace. At this level you will learn all of the basic principles and techniques before being introduced to more challenging exercises. Variations are given for exercises to meet the needs of individual learners.

Please contact your GP for advice if you have any health conditions which may impact on your participation in the course. In addition, please ensure that you tell the tutor about any conditions or concerns at the start of the course.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

• Practical class work
• Following tutor demonstration
• Explanations including visualisation
• Some one-to-one guidance from the tutor
• Group work
• Printed hand outs
• Use of images, repetition and some anatomical knowledge
Although there is no specific work set outside of the class, students will gain most benefit if exercises are performed regularly and practised between classes.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Information on books will be given during the course, but these are not essential. Avoid eating at least one and a half hours prior to exercising.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Students can progress to Pilates mixed levels.

Cathy Norris See more See less
Eleanor Shearn See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.