Health, Fitness and Personal Development


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Increasingly we are hearing on the media about the importance of personal fitness and its contribution to health and well being. Exercise is a powerful weapon for warding off the effects of a negative lifestyle and the effects of aging. Obesity is now common and links to diabetes in the older person and our increasing sedentary society all lead to the detriment of our health. Exercise lowers the blood pressure and cholesterol and can tackle depression and chronic fatigue. Further, exercise releases those feel good endomorphones and these can boost immunity too. All types of exercise are valuable in aiding and maintaining health. The courses at ACRES go further than just “doing”. Students gain knowledge of what their subject is about and its contribution to their health. Needless to say they are very enjoyable too!

Most of our courses run for 10 to 12 weeks over three terms, though there are some 1 day workshops and shorter 5 week courses. In the case of our 5, 10 and 12 week courses it is planned that these courses will continue throughout the year if there is sufficient student interest.

There is a range of courses with a variety of levels. For example those with “Gently” in the title are specifically designed for the older learner. These exercise classes in this range continue to be very popular and early enrolment is recommended. Other courses in this curriculum area will specify the level of experience required, with beginners, improvers, intermediate and all abilities. If you need further information and guidance then please contact us on 01825 761820 or visit our website www.acreslearning.org.uk for a course information sheet which provided useful details and clarification for each course.

Fitness


All courses stress all round exercise suitable for a wide range of abilities and are taught by well qualified and committed tutors. Whatever your age, health and fitness is central to overall well being.

Fitness courses on offer this year:

Yoga
Pilates
Tai Chi
Keeping Fit Gently

Yoga
Yoga is a holistic approach to health focussing on postures, breathing and relaxation. It is a very valuable tool for the reduction of stress and increasing mobility. The more advanced course gives consideration to meditative techniques. We offer a variety of courses and levels which will encourage students to work within their personal movement range.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a non combat approach to the martial arts and is invaluable in developing a calm mind and a stronger body with improved balance and coordination and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Pilates
Pilates is invaluable all round exercise particularly focusing on posture and core strength. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Keeping Fit Gently
These are all round fitness classes for the mature and older learner. The course will cover mobility, spine, posture, breathing, balance and fall prevention.



Complementary Therapies



Complementary therapy courses on offer this year:

Alexander Technique
Massage
Aromatherapy


Alexander Technique is a proven way of understanding and aiding postural joint and stress problems. This is not an exercise class. All learners will receive plenty of 1:1 guidance.

Massage This course will enable learners to discover the benefits of using simple massage techniques on family and friends, helping promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension and stress. This course does not qualify you to be a professional practitioner.

Aromatherapy You will learn about the properties of various essential oils, their beautiful aromas and healing properties as well as how to use them safely and effectively in health and beauty preparations.


Dance



People are becoming increasingly aware of dance and how dancing is an all round enjoyable, fun method of improving fitness and well being. Dancing works on all areas of the body and it stimulates cardio vascular activity; uses music which enhances enjoyment and use of the mind.

Dance courses on offer this year:

Medau
Latin American Dance
Baroque Dance
Belly Dancing
Medieval Dance
A Day of Dance
Dance for Exercise
Italian Renaissance Dance
Movement and Dance Gently
17th Century County Dance

Medau
Medau is a unique form of dance based exercise for the whole body, designed to keep you fit, healthy and free of stress. Each class is personally designed by your teacher for the “whole you”, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Belly Dance
This is an alluring and rhythmical style of dance which is excellent for flexibility, developing co ordination and improving posture as well as great fun to do.

Dance for Exercise
These courses use a variety of different techniques and dance styles such as jazz, cabaret, and Irish to give a stimulating exercise class. Excellent for all-round fitness.

Movement and Dance Gently
This fun and popular course is designed for the older learner. It uses a range of enjoyable styles of dance which promote all round health. During the course you will learn simple dances with props as well as relevant health issues.

Latin American Dance
This dance course is all about the passionate and dynamic style of the Latin moves. You will study the Mambo, Latin American Rumba and Samba. It is excellent for flexibility, coordination and cardio vascular.


One Day Dance Workshops


Medieval Dance
These are very simple but enjoyable dances for all abilities. Students will learn the Circle and line dances from the 12th to 14th century, such as the Washerwoman’s Branle, the Farandole and the Horse’s Branle.

Italian Renaissance Dance
Students will learn the dances of the Italian court of the 15th century, including Anello for 4 people and Alessandrescha for a couple.

17th Century Country Dance
Students will learn to dance the English country dances, such as “Hole in the Wall” and “Picking of Sticks” as published by John Playford in the 17th century.

Baroque Dance Workshop
Students will learn the basic Baroque steps of the 18th century and use them to dance the Ballroom Minuet and the Gavotte.

A Day of Dance
This will be an active but fun filled day where students will learn the basics of salsa, rock and roll, freestyle and disco.