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MAT PILATES STUDY GUIDE -
BALANCED BODY 2026 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | A+ GRADED | WITH
EXPERT SOLUTIONS
What are the three levels of observation an instructor can use to
analyze a client's movement patterns? - correct answer-global,
integrated planar and local
When observing vertical alignment from the side, what key bony
landmarks do you want to line up with the plumb line of gravity? -
correct answer-Tip of earlobe, top of shoulder, center of rib cage,
high point of illiac creast, mid-point of the lateral side of the knee,
slightly in front of the lateral malleolus of the ankle
What muscle imbalances are usually associated with thoracic
kyphosis? - correct answer-Thoracic extensors and scapular
stabilizers are weak or long, anterior chest muscles are tight or
short
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When training clients what key factors are important to consider
when planning our exercise program? - correct answer-Current
fitness level, age, quality of motor control and learning style
The 80/20 rule in training applies to what philosophy? - correct
answer-When training, 80% of a session is dedicated to refining
skills the client has already learned and 20% to learn new skills.
What are the four elements of Trunk Integration? - correct
answer-Breathing, inner unit, outer units, spinal mobility
On an inhale, the diaphragm contracts and the dome moves -
correct answer-downward, drawing air in
Inhaling generally helps to facilitate what spinal movement -
correct answer-extension
The inner unity or core includes what muscles - correct answer-
Pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, multifidi and diaphragm
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What foundational exercises bring awareness to breath in
relationship to the transversus abdominis - correct answer-
Fingertip abdominals
All four abdominals
In a normal, healthy body, the inner unit of the core fires - correct
answer-Reflexively in reaction to postural changes and load being
placed on the spine, Consciously when needed for support, and
helps to propel the body forward.
Supine exercises which teach lumbopelvic stability - correct
answer-marching, toe taps, dead bugs
Which exercise is a good way to teach lumbopelvic stability in
prone - correct answer-swimming
A supine exercise which strengthens the hamstring and glutes
while training stability in the oblique slings is - correct answer-
bridge marching
MAT PILATES STUDY GUIDE -
BALANCED BODY 2026 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | A+ GRADED | WITH
EXPERT SOLUTIONS
What are the three levels of observation an instructor can use to
analyze a client's movement patterns? - correct answer-global,
integrated planar and local
When observing vertical alignment from the side, what key bony
landmarks do you want to line up with the plumb line of gravity? -
correct answer-Tip of earlobe, top of shoulder, center of rib cage,
high point of illiac creast, mid-point of the lateral side of the knee,
slightly in front of the lateral malleolus of the ankle
What muscle imbalances are usually associated with thoracic
kyphosis? - correct answer-Thoracic extensors and scapular
stabilizers are weak or long, anterior chest muscles are tight or
short
, Page | 2
When training clients what key factors are important to consider
when planning our exercise program? - correct answer-Current
fitness level, age, quality of motor control and learning style
The 80/20 rule in training applies to what philosophy? - correct
answer-When training, 80% of a session is dedicated to refining
skills the client has already learned and 20% to learn new skills.
What are the four elements of Trunk Integration? - correct
answer-Breathing, inner unit, outer units, spinal mobility
On an inhale, the diaphragm contracts and the dome moves -
correct answer-downward, drawing air in
Inhaling generally helps to facilitate what spinal movement -
correct answer-extension
The inner unity or core includes what muscles - correct answer-
Pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, multifidi and diaphragm
, Page | 3
What foundational exercises bring awareness to breath in
relationship to the transversus abdominis - correct answer-
Fingertip abdominals
All four abdominals
In a normal, healthy body, the inner unit of the core fires - correct
answer-Reflexively in reaction to postural changes and load being
placed on the spine, Consciously when needed for support, and
helps to propel the body forward.
Supine exercises which teach lumbopelvic stability - correct
answer-marching, toe taps, dead bugs
Which exercise is a good way to teach lumbopelvic stability in
prone - correct answer-swimming
A supine exercise which strengthens the hamstring and glutes
while training stability in the oblique slings is - correct answer-
bridge marching
