Basic Anatomy for Pilates Instructors

When I started my Pilates training, I knew zero anatomy. Literally, nothing. I was intimidated — big time. When I began my Pilates teacher training course everyone seemed to talk-the-talk. I listened and nodded pretending I knew what they were talking about and hoped I didn’t get called on. Needless to say, this was not a great way to begin my training. I was in over my head.

I want you to have a different experience. I want you to walk into your first Pilates course with the confidence and knowledge to crush it.

This course will:

• Build your foundational knowledge of anatomy,

• Teach you to use the correct anatomical language that will be used throughout your Pilates teacher training courses,

• Give you the skills to understand the anatomy of an exercise, which will allow you to teach directly to your client’s needs,

• Set you up for long-term success and give you the confidence to teach with knowledge.

If you don’t know what muscles an exercise targets, how can you give a client a well-balanced, educated workout?

Here is a detailed description of the course content:

SECTION 1: Overview of the Course

SECTION 2: Why It's Important to Learn Anatomy as a Pilates Instructor

SECTION 3: What is Anatomical Position?

SECTION 4: Anatomical Terminology

• Basic Anatomical Terminology

• Planes of Motion

• In Studio Recap.

SECTION 5: The Skeleton

• Axial vs Appendicular Skeleton

• Cranium

• Sections of the Spine

• Spinal Curves

• Vertebrae

• Sternum

• Ribcage

• Sacrum

• Clavicle

• Scapula

• Humorous

• Radius & Ulna

• Pelvis

• Femur

• Patella

• Tibia & Fibula

SECTION 6: Movements of the Spine and Joint

• Flexion/Extension

• Abduction/Adduction

• Lateral/Medial Rotation

• Circumduction

• Horizontal Abduction/Adduction

• Supination/Pronation & Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion

• In studio recap

SECTION 7: Types of Joints

SECTION 8: Types of Muscular Contraction

SECTION 9: What is the Core?

SECTION 10: Abdominal Muscles

• Transversus Abdominis (TA)

• Internal Oblique

• External Oblique

• Rectus Abdominis

SECTION 11: Trunk Muscles

• Erector Spinea

• Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

• Internal & External Intercostals

SECTION 12: Lower Body Muscles

• Quadriceps

• Iliopsoas

• Gluts

• Hamstrings

• Gastroc

• Soleus

• Tibialis Anterior

• Peroneals

• Deep Six Lateral Rotators

• Sartorius

• Adductors

• Pectineus

• Gracilis

• Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)

• Iliotibial band (ITB)

• Anterior Leg Review

SECTION 13: Upper Body Muscles

• Serratus Anterior

• Trapezius

• Rhomboid Major and Minor

• Deltoids

• Latissimus Dorsi

• Pectoralis Minor & Major

• Bicep Brachii

• Brachialis

• Brachioradialis

• Tricep Brachii

• Rotator Cuff

• Teres Major

• Coracobrachialis

• Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

• Levator Scapulae

SECTION 14: Bony Landmarks (for postural assessment)

• Overview

• Side View

• Front View

• Back View
  

SECTION 15: Let's Put It All Together!