Health, Fitness and Personal Development


Increasingly, we are hearing in 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 older people. Our increasingly sedentary society leads 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 endorphins 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 three terms in 10 week blocks. In the case of our 10 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. The 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, either "beginners", "improvers", or all abilities.

If you need further information and guidance then please contact us on 01825 761820.

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
• Yoga for Men
• Yoga Gently
• Tai Chi
• Chairobics

Yoga

Yoga is a holistic approach to health focusing 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.

Yoga for Men

This is becoming an increasing popular course that is designed to cater for male students of all abilities. The course enables students to develop and maintain the holistic health benefits associated with yoga through movement, breathing, relaxation and meditation and to develop a range of strategies to deal with daily stress.

Yoga Gently

This course is designed to cater for students of all abilities, but with the older learner in mind, who want to progress gently to develop and maintain a comfortable personal movement range. No prior experience is required, just a desire to improve personal mobility and flexibility in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

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 is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Chairobics

This course is specifically designed by an experienced tutor for those learners who have limited standing ability and/or restricted movement and mobility patterns. Participants will be encouraged to work within their own comfort levels. Classes will be undertaken with small groups, which will allow for enhanced interaction and supervision by the tutor, with adaptations provided to suit the medical and physical requirements of each individual.

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 whilst the music enhances enjoyment.

Dance courses on offer this year:

• Belly Dancing
• Zumba followed by Stretch and Relax
• Movement and Dance Gently
• Middle Eastern Dance Gently

Belly Dancing

This is an alluring and rhythmical style of dance which is excellent for flexibility, developing coordination and improving posture as well as great fun to do. ACRES offers both beginners and improvers classes at Crowborough and Uckfield. Please see our Course Information Sheets for further advice.

Zumba followed by Stretch and Relax

On this course you will learn about Zumba dance, including the four basic Zumba rhythms – Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia and Reggaetton with variations of the moves that suit your own ability and fitness levels. After the Zumba class the tutor will provide stretch and relaxation exercises, the perfect antidote after a thorough workout.

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.