AFAA Pilates Specialization Exam
Questions and Answers 2023
Pilates definition - -Mind-Body program including:
1. concentration
2. centering
3. breathing
4. strength control
5. precision
6. flowing movement
7. isolation / flexibility
-Eastern Approach to Pilates - -Embraces calm centering and wholeness,
with an emphasis on stretching and limbering
-Western Approach to Pilates - -Brings more attention to developing muscle
tone and strength through movement
-Joseph Pilates - -German bodybuilder and gymnast that designed a
physical fitness system that emphasized strength, flexibility and balance.
-Contrology - -Book by Joseph Pilates - and defined as the complete
coordination of body, mind and spirit- the underlying philosophy was that
each participant has the ability to acquire complete control of their own body
and through repetition of exercises they gradually & progressively acquire a
natural rhythm and coordination associated with subconscious activities
-Pilates Method - -a conditioning method developed by Joseph Pilates over
70 years ago. A series of exercises that brings attention to the body-mind
connection and are flowing movements executed without stress.
-Pilates Mat Method - -Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's and
appealed to dancer's as it complemented their traditional exercise training
and soon became part of many dance-based and physical therapy trainings
-Benefits of Pilates - -1. increases joint mobility, flexibility and body
awareness
2. develops muscular strength and endurance
3. improves posture and alignment which may relieve back strain and other
postural-related disorders
4. Improves general mobility to allow more fluid & graceful movement
5. Stimulates circulation & blood oxygenation, boosting the body's immune
system (general exercise)
6. Exercise in general improves cognitive function
, -Pilates Basic Theories - Concentration & Control - -all movement is initiated
through the mind and stimulation of motor areas in the brain causes the
initiation of movement. It is important to be conscious and focus on
connecting the mind and body
-Pilates Basic Theories - Centering - -- all Pilates based movement is
centered on stabilizing the torso - strengthening this area transfers power to
the limbs - arms/legs and also decreases stress to the ligaments/joints
-Pilates Basic Theories - Breath - -this principle acknowledges the breath as
an integral part of every movement - in Pilates based exercise the breathing
technique emphasizes a deep diaphragmatic inhale, followed by a forced
exhalation through the mouth with each movement. The breath should lead
the movement - deep breathing releases toxins from the body
-Pilates Basic Theories - Precision & Flow - -- Pilates based exercises flow
from one position to the next - there are no static exercises
- by concentrating on the precision & flow of the movements you will be able
to synchronize the movement with the breath improving control &
kinesthetic awareness.
- focus is on the quality of the movement versus quantity of repetitions
- proper execution will ensure the full effect of the exercise
- every part of the body plays an important role in performing exercises
safely & effectively
- movements should be performed without strain - a person should never
force the body into an awkward or painful position
-Pilates Basic Theories - Stamina - -- the physical or mental strength to
resist fatigue & improve the ability to perform over time.
- the result can be increased endurance, vigor & vitality & related to the
cardiorespiratory as well as the musculoskeletal systems
- Stamina is necessary to improve core strength/endurance as well as the
supplemental muscles that support gross muscle movement
-Pilates Basic Theories - Imagination/Intuition - -- incorporate
visualization/imagination to initiate muscle movement
- become aware of the body & its signs
-avoid overtraining, use creativity/imagination as you move in and out of
positions
-Pilates Basic Theories - Integration - -- become more aware of body as a
single integrated unit
- identifying the body's deeper support system increases efficiency of
movement
Questions and Answers 2023
Pilates definition - -Mind-Body program including:
1. concentration
2. centering
3. breathing
4. strength control
5. precision
6. flowing movement
7. isolation / flexibility
-Eastern Approach to Pilates - -Embraces calm centering and wholeness,
with an emphasis on stretching and limbering
-Western Approach to Pilates - -Brings more attention to developing muscle
tone and strength through movement
-Joseph Pilates - -German bodybuilder and gymnast that designed a
physical fitness system that emphasized strength, flexibility and balance.
-Contrology - -Book by Joseph Pilates - and defined as the complete
coordination of body, mind and spirit- the underlying philosophy was that
each participant has the ability to acquire complete control of their own body
and through repetition of exercises they gradually & progressively acquire a
natural rhythm and coordination associated with subconscious activities
-Pilates Method - -a conditioning method developed by Joseph Pilates over
70 years ago. A series of exercises that brings attention to the body-mind
connection and are flowing movements executed without stress.
-Pilates Mat Method - -Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's and
appealed to dancer's as it complemented their traditional exercise training
and soon became part of many dance-based and physical therapy trainings
-Benefits of Pilates - -1. increases joint mobility, flexibility and body
awareness
2. develops muscular strength and endurance
3. improves posture and alignment which may relieve back strain and other
postural-related disorders
4. Improves general mobility to allow more fluid & graceful movement
5. Stimulates circulation & blood oxygenation, boosting the body's immune
system (general exercise)
6. Exercise in general improves cognitive function
, -Pilates Basic Theories - Concentration & Control - -all movement is initiated
through the mind and stimulation of motor areas in the brain causes the
initiation of movement. It is important to be conscious and focus on
connecting the mind and body
-Pilates Basic Theories - Centering - -- all Pilates based movement is
centered on stabilizing the torso - strengthening this area transfers power to
the limbs - arms/legs and also decreases stress to the ligaments/joints
-Pilates Basic Theories - Breath - -this principle acknowledges the breath as
an integral part of every movement - in Pilates based exercise the breathing
technique emphasizes a deep diaphragmatic inhale, followed by a forced
exhalation through the mouth with each movement. The breath should lead
the movement - deep breathing releases toxins from the body
-Pilates Basic Theories - Precision & Flow - -- Pilates based exercises flow
from one position to the next - there are no static exercises
- by concentrating on the precision & flow of the movements you will be able
to synchronize the movement with the breath improving control &
kinesthetic awareness.
- focus is on the quality of the movement versus quantity of repetitions
- proper execution will ensure the full effect of the exercise
- every part of the body plays an important role in performing exercises
safely & effectively
- movements should be performed without strain - a person should never
force the body into an awkward or painful position
-Pilates Basic Theories - Stamina - -- the physical or mental strength to
resist fatigue & improve the ability to perform over time.
- the result can be increased endurance, vigor & vitality & related to the
cardiorespiratory as well as the musculoskeletal systems
- Stamina is necessary to improve core strength/endurance as well as the
supplemental muscles that support gross muscle movement
-Pilates Basic Theories - Imagination/Intuition - -- incorporate
visualization/imagination to initiate muscle movement
- become aware of the body & its signs
-avoid overtraining, use creativity/imagination as you move in and out of
positions
-Pilates Basic Theories - Integration - -- become more aware of body as a
single integrated unit
- identifying the body's deeper support system increases efficiency of
movement
