AFPA PILATES INSTRUCTOR MAT FINAL 2026
EXAM PREPARATION PACK KEY EXERCISE
TECHNIQUES AND SAMPLE QUESTIONS WITH
EXPLANATIONS
◉ When planking on the Reformer, what are the common cues or
corrections you may need to teach? Answer: Eyes gaze to the floor,
back of the neck is long. Keep the abdominals engaged, spine long,
shoulder blades down while lifting out of the wrists
◉ If a client is supinating their feet during Articulating Bridges, what
might you offer for support? Answer: A ball between their ankles
◉ Which body position does a client do a shoulder adduction at the
springboard? Answer: all of the above
◉ What is the right classical order of Joseph's first 5 Pilates Mat
exercises? Answer: Hundred, roll up, roll over, one leg circle, rolling
like a ball
◉ Which order of movements explains how to apply Pilates
principles of movement progression in terms of planes of motion?
Answer: Sagittal, frontal, transverse
,◉ If a client experiences vertigo from time to time, what exercise
would you omit from their Ladder Barrel work? Answer: Flat back
series
◉ If I start teaching at a studio, who holds the responsibility to make
sure the equipment in the studio is safe and well maintained?
Answer: 1. I, as the Pilates instructor, do. I should check for any
malfunctions before every class
2. The other Pilates instructors on the team. Every instructor needs
to be responsible for keeping up the equipment.
3. Studio Management or Owners
4. Individuals who clean the studio
◉ A client has told you they have been diagnosed with Spondylolysis
and/or Spondylolisthesis. What lumbar positioning should you
avoid? Answer: 1. Lumbar extension/ anterior pelvic tilt
◉ Matwork is a great way to create a strong foundation for Pilates
Movement. Answer: True
◉ What client would not be permitted to attempt Pikes on the chair?
Answer: 1. None of these clients should do Pike on the Chair
, ◉ If a client is Kyphotic, what programming would be most
appropriate? Answer: Strengthening the thoracic extensors/mid
back, stretching the pectorals/opening the chest
◉ What exercises must a client complete before trying Cast A Spell?
Answer: 1. Flat Back
2. Twist
3. Lean
◉ If a client has a herniated disc, what exercise can they safely
perform at the Springboard? Answer: Thigh Stretch
◉ Which Cadillac exercise is the best choice to help a client with
kyphosis? Answer: Swan
◉ Which Springboard exercise cannot also be done on the
Reformer? Answer: Magician Series
◉ The correct starting position for Teaser on the long box is supine
on the box with the head near the footbar, legs in tabletop with the
arms straight up towards the ceiling Answer: False
◉ Which Springboard exercise is helpful for a client with kyphotic
shoulders? Answer: Chest Expansion
EXAM PREPARATION PACK KEY EXERCISE
TECHNIQUES AND SAMPLE QUESTIONS WITH
EXPLANATIONS
◉ When planking on the Reformer, what are the common cues or
corrections you may need to teach? Answer: Eyes gaze to the floor,
back of the neck is long. Keep the abdominals engaged, spine long,
shoulder blades down while lifting out of the wrists
◉ If a client is supinating their feet during Articulating Bridges, what
might you offer for support? Answer: A ball between their ankles
◉ Which body position does a client do a shoulder adduction at the
springboard? Answer: all of the above
◉ What is the right classical order of Joseph's first 5 Pilates Mat
exercises? Answer: Hundred, roll up, roll over, one leg circle, rolling
like a ball
◉ Which order of movements explains how to apply Pilates
principles of movement progression in terms of planes of motion?
Answer: Sagittal, frontal, transverse
,◉ If a client experiences vertigo from time to time, what exercise
would you omit from their Ladder Barrel work? Answer: Flat back
series
◉ If I start teaching at a studio, who holds the responsibility to make
sure the equipment in the studio is safe and well maintained?
Answer: 1. I, as the Pilates instructor, do. I should check for any
malfunctions before every class
2. The other Pilates instructors on the team. Every instructor needs
to be responsible for keeping up the equipment.
3. Studio Management or Owners
4. Individuals who clean the studio
◉ A client has told you they have been diagnosed with Spondylolysis
and/or Spondylolisthesis. What lumbar positioning should you
avoid? Answer: 1. Lumbar extension/ anterior pelvic tilt
◉ Matwork is a great way to create a strong foundation for Pilates
Movement. Answer: True
◉ What client would not be permitted to attempt Pikes on the chair?
Answer: 1. None of these clients should do Pike on the Chair
, ◉ If a client is Kyphotic, what programming would be most
appropriate? Answer: Strengthening the thoracic extensors/mid
back, stretching the pectorals/opening the chest
◉ What exercises must a client complete before trying Cast A Spell?
Answer: 1. Flat Back
2. Twist
3. Lean
◉ If a client has a herniated disc, what exercise can they safely
perform at the Springboard? Answer: Thigh Stretch
◉ Which Cadillac exercise is the best choice to help a client with
kyphosis? Answer: Swan
◉ Which Springboard exercise cannot also be done on the
Reformer? Answer: Magician Series
◉ The correct starting position for Teaser on the long box is supine
on the box with the head near the footbar, legs in tabletop with the
arms straight up towards the ceiling Answer: False
◉ Which Springboard exercise is helpful for a client with kyphotic
shoulders? Answer: Chest Expansion
