Please read before starting your workshop

Pilates is not just exercise. Pilates is not just a random choice of particular movements.

Body alignment can be described as the relative positioning of body segments, such as placement of the head relative to the shoulders.

Understanding the muscles that are working in a given mat exercise will help you apply the Pilates foundation principles discussed in chapter 1 and the alignment principles discussed in chapter 2.

Although most Pilates exercises encourage use of the abdominals, the exercises in this chapter focus particularly on strengthening the abdominals in their action of spinal flexion and also developing the skill of using the abdominals for stabilization.

Movement of the spine is a complex process.

Research has demonstrated that drawing the abdominal wall inward tends to produce activation of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles.

This chapter focuses on lateral flexion and rotation of the spine

This chapter focuses on improving the strength, muscular endurance, and skilled activation of the spinal extensors

Consistent practice is essential to reap the rewards of Pilates, and a well-structured program is key to maximizing gains from each session

This chapter focuses on exercises that can be performed at the beginning of the mat session.

Essential Pilates Final Exam Please answer each question to the best of your knowledge. You will have 3 attempts to achieve a passing grade of 80% Good Luck