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!