MAT PILATES STUDY GUIDE - BALANCED
BODY 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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
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
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
The primary functions of the spine include - correct answer-Force transference
Protection of the spinal cord and nerve roots movement
What is the name of the first cervical vertebrae - correct answer- atlas
The purpose of the tail wag and seated side stretch is to facilitate and enhance
what spinal movements - correct answer-lateral flexion
Movements of the spine in the sagittal or "wheel" plane include - correct
answer-flexion and extension
BODY 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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
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
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
The primary functions of the spine include - correct answer-Force transference
Protection of the spinal cord and nerve roots movement
What is the name of the first cervical vertebrae - correct answer- atlas
The purpose of the tail wag and seated side stretch is to facilitate and enhance
what spinal movements - correct answer-lateral flexion
Movements of the spine in the sagittal or "wheel" plane include - correct
answer-flexion and extension
