Pilates: mixed levels

What is the course about?

Developing your Pilates knowledge and practice in a fun and engaging environment. Learning to develop your body awareness, core strength, balance, posture, coordination and breathing techniques. These directly translate to improving your ability to deal with everyday life and improve functional movement. A variety of exercises are performed, flowing smoothly from one to the other whilst focusing on technique and control. Unlike other body conditioning methods, Pilates focuses on working with a mild engagement of the core muscles in order to be effective. Variations are given for exercises to meet the needs of individual learners.

What will we cover?

Each class will have a varied theme. Themes will include: standing well; 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
- Practise lateral breathing
- Perform muscular strength and endurance exercises
- Have a working knowledge of how to improve posture
- Choose to work at an appropriate and effective level for each movement
- Perform 4 movements using small equipment including dynabands, mini-balls and foam rollers
- Improve balance
-- Know how to use relaxation techniques to quieten the mind and improve mind body awareness
- Improved anatomical knowledge.

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

Classes marked mixed levels will be at a slightly quicker pace than beginners and therefore a certain experience in Pilates is required.

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?

There are no other costs. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing and socks, and have a towel to hand. 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 choose other courses from our Health and Wellbeing programme.