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Learn Pilates: Classical Mat - Beginner to Advanced (Udemy.com)

Pilates will transform your body, improve your posture, health & wellbeing, core strength, mobility and flexibility

Created by: Josie McKenlay

Last updated June 2026

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What you will learn

  • The fundamental foundations of Pilates: neutral position, thoracic breathing and ideal postural alignment
  • How and when to breathe and correct alignment for each exercise correctly
  • The Principles of Pilates and how to apply them to the exercises to make each exercise more effective and safe
  • The exercises suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels: how to modify and progress
  • The complete Classical Pilates Mat sequences for each level
  • The history, the benefits and basic anatomy & physiology to enhance understanding

How it compares

Against the other 662 rated Udemy courses in Health & Fitness on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.7 out of 5higher than 66% of them
  • Reviews1,779#81 of 663 by number of reviews
  • Length11.5 hourslonger than 91% of them
  • Last updatedJune 2026more recently than 80% of them

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Course Description

This course will teach you the Classical Mat Pilates sequence from complete beginner to advanced level.  You will start by learning the fundamentals (neutral position, correct breathing, where the core muscles are and how to engage them) and move through short classes to prepare you for the sequence.  In a short time you will feel the incredible benefits Pilates offers.

"A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." Joseph Pilates

This course is summed up so well in this quote.  I have seen clients transform their bodies in a few short months by following the complete Pilates Classical Mat sequence.  Although the physical changes are astonishing in such a short time, the benefits to their health are equally amazing: - 

  • Most become more body aware within 3 classes

  • Posture improves

  • Chronic back pain disappears

  • Energy levels are enhanced

  • Flexibility and Mobility increase

  • Sports injuries are less frequent

  • Clients report  that they feel calmer and less stressed

  • Flat abs, strong back and that long, lean look that Pilates gives

  • Improved bone density

  • Better control of the pelvic floor

  • Pilates is THE BEST preparation for pregnancy and can really help with recovery

Anyone can do Pilates: you don't have to be young or a contortionist: the age range for my clients are from 18 to 84 years of age and once you have learned the sequence, you have it for life.

  • This course consists of a Pilates Guide booklet in PDF format;

  • 11 hours of videos: workshops, classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced

  • The complete matwork sequence suitable for that level.

The workshops teach the basics of Pilates and so this is where you start and refer back anytime you need a reminder.  You will learn

  • Neutral position, the ideal alignment for pelvis and spine

  • Thoracic (lateral) breathing

  • How to locate the core muscles and engage them

  • Drills to strengthen the core muscles

  • How to set up correctly and prepare for each exercise

  • How and when to breathe and how breathing can progress exercises

  • The Principles of Pilates which will take your practice to a new level

The classes teach you all the exercises you will need for the Mat sequence and each prepares you for the next. 

"Great instructor. The exercises evolve naturally in difficulty. Timely and clear cues." 5* review from Katarina, a student

You should practice each class until you feel comfortable to move on.  The sequence should be repeated at least 10 times, every other day.  You will then be ready to move on to the next level.

It is possible to complete this course within 3 months for the fit and injury free; 5 to 6 months is achievable for most people.

"With her gentle voice, clear instructions and perfect pacing, Josie takes us through beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. Her prompts and self-check reminders seem to come exactly when needed. There are ample opportunities to practice and progress at each level, and will benefit all ages and body types." 5* review from Susan Pav

"In 10 sessions you will feel the difference. In 20 you will see the difference. And in 30 you will have a whole new body." Joseph Pilates

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Instructor Details

Josie McKenlay

With nearly 40 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge to every course I teach. I began my career as an aerobics instructor in London before training extensively in Pilates and yoga in the late 1990s. Since then, I’ve built a diverse portfolio of clients, delivering private classes across London and the Middle East, and contributing a lifestyle column to a Dubai‑based sports newspaper.

My passion is helping people improve their wellbeing through safe, evidence‑based movement practices. Over the years, I’ve expanded my expertise with training in aerial yoga, self‑myofascial release therapy, Barre, indoor cycling, and special populations, including seniors, pre- and post‑natal clients, and those managing chronic health conditions.

Teaching on Udemy allows me to share this knowledge globally in an accessible, affordable way. My courses are designed to empower fitness professionals with practical tools to adapt their skills for diverse populations — from senior fitness training and exercise adaptations for older adults to back care, postural assessment, and nutrition education.

Qualifications & Training

Level 3 Education, Training & Assessing

Pilates Classical Mat & Props

Pilates Orthopaedics

Barre

Myofascial Release

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Reviews

4.7

1,779 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By dalila Bajoudi on 8/23/2026

A great teaching , a proper pilates instructor no doubt about it. I'm one myself so i know what Im talking about when it comes to a pilates .Thank you. I just had a feeling to do a refresher course so I have not been disappointed at all on the contrary very much satisfied .

By Leonora on 5/6/2026

I am enjoying it, very calming

By Jodi Elizabeth Beresford on 4/14/2026

I love Josie's teaching, she's very informative, she doesn't over complicated things yet you feel like your getting all the information.

By Chris Taylor on 2/24/2026

Amazing tutor. Very clear instructions. Enjoying the course so far!

By Julie A Whitley on 10/13/2025

I am really enjoying this course so far. I am learning so much - especially the Pilates breathe. Josie is an excellent instructor. She enables her students to feel successful and her using is spot on. I love her analogies like the “tray of marbles” and “don’t squash the little white grape”!

By Amy Chase on 10/4/2025

This was a wonderful, full course. Josie has an excellent teaching style, very soothing and relaxing, even while doing some quite complicated exercise.

By Julie de Burgh on 1/18/2022

This course is really good for me. I am learning to loosen and strengthen my body and appreciate the precise instructions given, and the encouragement to work at my own pace.

By Sandra Powell on 12/20/2020

Yes. Good pace.

By Pelusita Camargo on 11/27/2020

Good quality coursework

By Charlie middleton on 10/27/2020

Great explanations, calming presence, very excited to learn more.

By Virginie MINYANGADOU on 10/22/2020

Parce que le cours est trs bien structur et bien expliqu. Comment faire pour enregistrer les sances afin de pouvoir les excuter tout moment ?

By Barbara A Rosen on 10/15/2020

Excellent attention to detail and a phenomenally helpful class.

Showing 12 of 179 reviews

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Quality Score

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Overall Score : 94 / 100