Page 1 of 64
POLESTAR PILATES EXAM Questions And
Correct Answers
1. How many Polestar Principles are there?
A) 4 B) 5 C) 6 D) 7
Answer: C
Rationale: The Polestar system is built on six core Principles of
Movement that guide assessment, exercise design, and teaching:
Breathing, Axial Elongation & Core Control, Spine Articulation,
Organization of the Head Neck and Shoulders, Alignment &
Weight Bearing of the Extremities, and Movement Integration.
2. What is the first Polestar Principle?
A) Axial Elongation & Core Control B) Spine Articulation C)
Breathing D) Movement Integration
Answer: C
Rationale: Breath is the first principle because movement begins
,Page 2 of 64
with breath. Proper breathing facilitates rib cage mobility, core
activation, and nervous system regulation, forming the foundation
for all other principles.
3. Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration?
A) External intercostals B) Diaphragm C) Abdominals D)
Scalenes
Answer: B
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration,
contracting and flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air
into the lungs. Accessory muscles assist during forced or deep
breathing.
4. The "rule of ribs" states that the rib follows the path of
which vertebral structure?
A) Spinous process B) Vertebral body C) Lower vertebral
transverse process D) Intervertebral disc
,Page 3 of 64
Answer: C
Rationale: Rule #2 states that the rib will follow the path of the
lower vertebral transverse process, moving like a slinky. This
arthrokinematic relationship is essential for understanding rib cage
mobility during breathing and spinal movement.
5. Which muscles are involved in expiration?
A) Diaphragm and external intercostals B) Abdominals, internal
intercostals, and pelvic floor C) Sternocleidomastoid and
scalenes D) Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi
Answer: B
Rationale: Expiration is primarily passive at rest, but during forced
expiration, the abdominals, internal intercostals, and pelvic floor
muscles actively contract to decrease thoracic volume and push air
out.
, Page 4 of 64
6. According to Polestar Principle 2, what must occur before
control?
A) Strength B) Mobility C) Endurance D) Flexibility
Answer: B
Rationale: Principle 2 states that mobility is necessary before
control. A joint must have adequate range of motion before
neuromuscular control and strength can be effectively developed.
7. Axial elongation places the body in its optimal position to
increase:
A) Available degrees of freedom and efficiency of movement
B) Muscle hypertrophy C) Heart rate D) Flexibility only
Answer: A
Rationale: Axial elongation creates space between vertebrae,
reducing compressive forces and increasing the degrees of freedom
for movement. This improves movement efficiency and reduces risk
of injury.
POLESTAR PILATES EXAM Questions And
Correct Answers
1. How many Polestar Principles are there?
A) 4 B) 5 C) 6 D) 7
Answer: C
Rationale: The Polestar system is built on six core Principles of
Movement that guide assessment, exercise design, and teaching:
Breathing, Axial Elongation & Core Control, Spine Articulation,
Organization of the Head Neck and Shoulders, Alignment &
Weight Bearing of the Extremities, and Movement Integration.
2. What is the first Polestar Principle?
A) Axial Elongation & Core Control B) Spine Articulation C)
Breathing D) Movement Integration
Answer: C
Rationale: Breath is the first principle because movement begins
,Page 2 of 64
with breath. Proper breathing facilitates rib cage mobility, core
activation, and nervous system regulation, forming the foundation
for all other principles.
3. Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration?
A) External intercostals B) Diaphragm C) Abdominals D)
Scalenes
Answer: B
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration,
contracting and flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air
into the lungs. Accessory muscles assist during forced or deep
breathing.
4. The "rule of ribs" states that the rib follows the path of
which vertebral structure?
A) Spinous process B) Vertebral body C) Lower vertebral
transverse process D) Intervertebral disc
,Page 3 of 64
Answer: C
Rationale: Rule #2 states that the rib will follow the path of the
lower vertebral transverse process, moving like a slinky. This
arthrokinematic relationship is essential for understanding rib cage
mobility during breathing and spinal movement.
5. Which muscles are involved in expiration?
A) Diaphragm and external intercostals B) Abdominals, internal
intercostals, and pelvic floor C) Sternocleidomastoid and
scalenes D) Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi
Answer: B
Rationale: Expiration is primarily passive at rest, but during forced
expiration, the abdominals, internal intercostals, and pelvic floor
muscles actively contract to decrease thoracic volume and push air
out.
, Page 4 of 64
6. According to Polestar Principle 2, what must occur before
control?
A) Strength B) Mobility C) Endurance D) Flexibility
Answer: B
Rationale: Principle 2 states that mobility is necessary before
control. A joint must have adequate range of motion before
neuromuscular control and strength can be effectively developed.
7. Axial elongation places the body in its optimal position to
increase:
A) Available degrees of freedom and efficiency of movement
B) Muscle hypertrophy C) Heart rate D) Flexibility only
Answer: A
Rationale: Axial elongation creates space between vertebrae,
reducing compressive forces and increasing the degrees of freedom
for movement. This improves movement efficiency and reduces risk
of injury.
