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Pilates > Pilates Principles > Flashcards

Pilates Principles Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 9 Pilates Principles (NOT Movement principles)

A

Balanced Muscle Development, Breathing, Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Relaxation, Rhythm/Flow, Whole Body Movement

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2
Q

The ______ is the essential link between the mind and the body.

A

breath

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3
Q

Breath is integrated into every movement in order to (3 reasons)

A

improve flow of oxygen, awareness, improve capacity of lungs

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4
Q

When teaching it is important to have a client do only as many repetition as they can without losing _______.

A

Their concentration

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5
Q

In Pilates all movement radiates ____________.

A

Outward from the center

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6
Q

The end product of concentration, control, centering and practice is….

A

precision

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7
Q

Key categories of Pilates Movement Principles: (10)

A 
Breathing
Core Activation
Neutral Spine
Abdominal Strengthening
Lumbopelvic Stability
Strengthening and Mobilizing the Spine
Scapular Stability and Mobility
Correcting Alignment
Release Work
Stretching
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8
Q

The primary muscle of respiration is______.

A

The diaphragm

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9
Q

The bottom edge of the diaphragm attaches to (5 places)…

A 
inside of the rib cage
the spine
the 12th rib
the lowest costal cartilages
and the xiphoid process
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10
Q

When at rest, the diaphragm sits at about the level of the ____ rib.

A

5th

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11
Q

The diaphragm can move as much as ____ down with a full inhale.

A

4cm

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12
Q

During exhalation the diaphragm ______ moving _____.

A

relaxes, upward

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13
Q

During inhalation the diaphragm ______ moving _____.

A

contracts, downward

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14
Q

Muscles also involved in breathing _____ (4).

A

Intercostals
Serratus Posterior, superior & inferior
scalenes
upper trapezius

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15
Q

As a general rule inhaling facilitates ____ and _________.

A

spinal extension and lateral flexion

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16
Q

As a general rule exhaling facilitates _____.

A

spinal flexion

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17
Q

__________ can be encouraged by either inhalation or exhalation.

A

Spinal rotation

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18
Q

Examples of pilates breathing exercise include (4)

A

Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing
Lateral (rib) breathing
One lung breathing
Sniffing breath (staccato or syncopated breath)

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19
Q

During diaphragmatic breathing which three muscles are contracting together on the exhale?

A

transversus abdominis, pelvic floor, multifidi

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20
Q

Breathing exercise appropriate for foot work and calming…

A

diaphragmatic (belly) breathing

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21
Q

Stimulating breath that can be used to increase energy and stimulate the mind…

A

lateral (rib) breathing

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22
Q

“Send your breath into the back and sides of the ribs without expanding the abdomen”

A

lateral (rib) breathing

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23
Q

Type of breath used for sustained abdominal contraction (such as 100)

A

Lateral (rib) breathing

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24
Q

Type of breath used to increase the expansion of the lungs in lateral spine flexion (and scoliosis)

A

One lung breathing

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25
Q

Breath done by taking 2-3 small inhales through the nose and exhaling through the mouth as if blowing out a candle

A

Sniffing breath

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26
Q

Breath used for movements with a percussive componenet as in front kick or side leg kick

A

Sniffing breath

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27
Q

Breath used to take a small sip of air during an exercise where a full inhale would be difficult as the beginning and end of any of the rolling exercises on the mat.

A

Sniffing breath

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28
Q

Elements of the Core include (4)….

A

Transversus abdominis
Pelvic Floor
Multifidi
Diaphragm

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29
Q

Small muscles that connect the spinous process of each vertebra from 3-6 (or more) levels below.

A

Multifidi

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30
Q

Fill in the posterior of the spine between the spinous processes and the transverse processes (2)

A

Multifidi and the rotatores

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31
Q

Acts like a corset to draw in the abdominal muscles and decrease the diameter of the waist…

A

Transversus abdominis

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32
Q

The muscle fibers of the transversus abdominis connect to the ______ in the back

A

Lumbodorsal fascia (along the inside edge of the botom of the ribcage, inside the top edge of the iliac crest and the muscle ends at the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis.

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33
Q

The fascia of the transversus abdominis goes behind the rectus abdominis to connect tot he _____ _____ at the midline of the abdomen.

A

linea alba

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34
Q

When the transversus abdominis contracts it creates tension on the _____ ____ which surrounds the multifidi, acting like a sausage casing around the filling of the multifidi.

A

Lumbodorsal facia

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35
Q

Gently squeeze the spine creating a stabilizing force on the many joints between the vertebrae when contracted

A

multifidi

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36
Q

The pressure of the lumbodorsal facia against the multifidi (when contracted) create space between the vertebra called ….

A

decompression or axial elongation

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37
Q

decompression or axial elongation is caused by

A

The pressure of the lumbodorsal facia against the multifidi

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38
Q

Create the top and bottom of the cylinder formed by the transversus abdominis

A

pelvic floor and diaphragm

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39
Q

The primary purpose of the pelvic floor is to

A

hold the contents of the abdomen up against gravity and to control what comes out and when.

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40
Q

Contains muscles that connect the pelvis to the femur

A

pelvic floor

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41
Q

The pelvic floor is often called the _____ because it contracts and releases in relationship to the diaphragm when the core is working normally

A

pelvic diaphragm

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42
Q

Examples of exercises used to activate the core…

A

Fingertip abdominals, All fours abdominals, pelvic floor engagement (also called kegels), standing multifidi engagement

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43
Q

Exercise used to identify and engage the transversus abdominis (squeezing hip bones closer and engaging pelvic floor with a ball between knees as it is being pulled away)

A

fingertip abdominals

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44
Q

Exercise used to identify and engage the transversus abdominis and identify neutral spine (like a pregnant cat pulling up her kittens)

A

All fours abdominals

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45
Q

Exercise used to strengthen and increase the awareness of the pelvic floor

A

Pelvic floor engagement (also called Kegels)

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46
Q

Exercise used to identify and engage the multifidi (finger tips on low back)

A

Standing multifidi engagement

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47
Q

Abdominal muscles not included in “the core” (3)

A

Internal oblique abdominal
External oblique abdominal
Rectus abdominis

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48
Q

Examples of exercises for developing abdominal strength (2)

A

abdominal curls

Oblique abdominals

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49
Q

The outer unit consists of what four systems?

A

Anterior oblique system
Posterior oblique system
Deep longitudinal system
Lateral system

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50
Q

The anterior oblique system includes (4)

A

Right serratus anterior, right external oblique, left internal oblique, left adductor muscles
(and on the balancing line)
Left serratus anterior, left external oblique, left internal oblique, and right adductor muscles

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51
Q

System that creates torso flexion and torso rotation as when doing criss cross in supine position

A

anterior oblique system

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52
Q

System instrumental in creating pelvic stability during walking

A

anterior oblique system

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53
Q

The deep longitudinal system includes (5)

A 
Erector spinae
quadratus lumborum
thoracodorsal fascia
sacrotuberous ligament
biceps femoris
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54
Q

The posterior oblique system includes… (2)

A

latissimus dorsi and the contralateral gluteus maximus

55
Q

System that creates torso extension and rotation as when doing swan in prone position

A

posterior oblique system

56
Q

The system that creates spinal extension

A

deep longitudinal system

57
Q

System that runs like two columns of support along the sides of the spine

A

deep longitudinal system

58
Q

The lateral system includes

A

gluteus medius
gluteus minimis
contra lateral adductors of the thigh

59
Q

Muscles responsible for adduction and abduction of the hips and for upslip and downslip of the pelvis

A

Lateral system muscles (gluteus medius
gluteus minimis
contra lateral adductors of the thigh)

60
Q

System that acts to balance the forces on the pelvis and to keep our pelvis over our femurs in walking and standing.

A

lateral system

61
Q

System that runs like two columns of support along the inside and outside of each leg

A

lateral system

62
Q

Examples of exercises used to teach lumbopelvic stability

A

marching
toe taps
opposite arm/leg reach

63
Q

Examples of exercises used to increase spinal mobility

A 
cat/camel
hip circles (poodle tail)
tail wag
bridging (pelvic tilts)
back extension exercises
64
Q

The shoulder consists of three primary bones:

A

clavicle
scapula
humerus

65
Q

The shoulder consists of three primary joints

A

sternoclavicular
acromioclavicular
glenohumeral

66
Q

Muscles that provide glenohumeral stability and support (4)

A 
the muscles of the rotator cuff
subscapularis
supraspinatus
infraspinatous
teres minor
67
Q

Muscles of the shoulder play what three major roles?

A

Glenohumeral stability and mobility
muscles that move the scapula
muscles that move the humerus

68
Q

Muscles that move the scapula

A

rhomboids
sterratus anterior
trapezius

69
Q

Muscles that move the humerus

A

pectoralis major
latissimus dorsi
teres major

70
Q

Rotator cuff strength is essential for good should function because the rotator cuff ________.

A

holds the humerus in the glenoid fossa and adjust the humeral motion in the joint

71
Q

The rotator cuff is more of ______ than _____.

A

endurance, strength (so focus on light resistance and high reps)

72
Q

Examples of exercises for strengthening the rotator cuff (2)

A

Internal and external rotation (with upper arm held against rib cage)

73
Q

Examples of exercises for improving scapular and glenohumeral mobility (3)

A

telecope arms
pinwheel
angels in the snow

74
Q

Examples of exercises for scapular stabilization (3)

A

sternum drops
wall push ups
plank position and push ups

75
Q

The science of understanding the optimum relationship of the body to gravity in order to create good posture and efficient movement patterns.

A

Postural analysis

76
Q

Side view proper postural alignment (from head down)

A 
Tip of earlobe
Top of shoulder
Center of rib cage
High point of iliac crest
midpoint of the lateral side of the knee
slightly in front of the lateral malleolus of the ankle
77
Q

Front view vertical proper postural alignment (from head down)

A

nose
center of sternum
navel
center of pubic bone

78
Q

Proper postural leg alignment when viewed from the front (from top down)

A

inside ASIS
center of patella
center of the front of the ankle
space between 2nd and 3rd toe

79
Q

These points should line up horizontally or appear even side to side when viewed from the front

A 
eyes level
shoulders level
equal distance between arms and torso
ASIS level
High point of the iliac crests level
both knees even
equal turnout on both feet
80
Q

Back view vertical proper postural alignment (from head down)

A

Center of skull
Spine straight
Center of sacrum and tailbone

81
Q

Back view of proper postural alignment of leg (from top down)

A

Center of gluteal fold
Center of back of knee
Center of achilles

82
Q

These points should line up horizontally or appear even from side to side when viewed from the back.

A 
Ears level
Level and balanced scapula
Equal distance between spine and sides of ribs
PSIS level
High point of iliac crests level
knees level
83
Q

A lateral deviation of the spine

A

scoliosis

84
Q

Scoliosis that occurs in one part of the spine such as the thorax is called…

A

a c curve scoliosis

85
Q

If the scoliosis occurs in two parts of the spine it is called

A

an s curve scoliosis

86
Q

A spinal curve toward the front of the body

A

lordosis

87
Q

A spinal curve toward the back of the body

A

kyphosis

88
Q

Lumbar lordosis is usually accompanied by (4 things)

A

tight low back extensors
anteriorly tilted pelvis
tight hip flexors
weak abdominals

89
Q

Thoracic kyphosis is usually accompanied by (3 things)

A

weak thoracic extensors
tight anterior chest muscles
weak scapular stabilizers

90
Q

In winging scapula the medial border of the scapula lifts off the rib cage and can be an indication of ______.

A

weak serratus anterior

91
Q

When working with winging scapula strengthen the ______ and strengthen the _______

A

strengthen the scapular stabilizers

strengthen thoracic extensors

92
Q

In elevated scapula, the scapula is lifted up towards the ears and usually indicates tightness in the (3)_______ and weakness in the (2)________.

A

tightness in the: upper trapezius, pectoralis minor and levator scapulae
weakness in the: serratus anterior and lower trapezius

93
Q

When working with elevated scapula strengthen the ______ and stretch the ________

A

Strengthen the scapular depressors

Stretch the chest

94
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when the ASIS is anterior of the public bone

A

Anterior pelvic tilt

95
Q

When working with anterior pelvic tilt stretch the_______ and strengthen the_______.

A

stretch the hip flexors and lumbar extensors

Strengthen the abdominals and hamstrings

96
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when the ASIS is posterior of the pubic bone.

A

Posterior pelvic tilt

97
Q

When working with posterior pelvic tilt strengthen the ______ and stretch the _________.

A

Strengthen the hip flexors and lumbar extensors

Stretch the hamstrings and abdominals

98
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when one ilium is higher (and lower) than the other.

A

Pelvic up slip (“high hip”)

Pelvic down slip (“low hip)

99
Q

When working with pelvic up slip and down slip.

A

balance the length and strength of the adductors and abductors and of the oblique abdominals and quadratus lumborum.

100
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when one ASIS is closer to the midline and more anterior than the other in relationship to the midline.

A

Pelvic inflare

101
Q

When working with pelvic inflare and pelvic outflare…

A

balance the rotation of the torso and pelvis through the anterior and posterior oblique slings and the hip rotators.

102
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when one ASIS is farther from the midline and more posterior than the other in relationship to the midline.

A

pelvic outflare

103
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when the femurs angle toward the midline (such as the patellas aiming toward the midline when the legs are straight as if they were cross-eyed.

A

Femoral internal rotation

104
Q

When working with femoral internal rotation strengthen the ______ and stretch the ________.

A

Strengthen external femoral rotation

Stretch adductors

105
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when the femurs angle away from the midline.

A

Femoral external rotation

106
Q

When working with femoral external rotation strengthen the ______ and stretch the______.

A

Strengthen the femoral internal rotators

Stretch the external rotators

107
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when the knees are closer than the heels in standing.

A

Knock Knees or “genu valgus”

108
Q

Angle of the femur in relationship to the hip joint

A

Q-angle

109
Q

Knock knees are more common in _____.

A

women because of their wider hips

110
Q

When working with genu valgus…..

A

correct the alignment in standing and in footwork on the reformer

111
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when the feet are together in standing and the knees do not touch.

A

Bow legs (genu varum)

112
Q

When working with genu varum….

A

correct the alignment in standing and in footwork on the reformer

113
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when while in standing alignment viewed from the side the knees are posterior to the plumb line.

A

knee hyper extension

114
Q

When working with knee hyper extension

A

keep the knees slightly bent in weight bearing or when the feet are in the straps

115
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when in standing alignment the arch flattens toward or on the ground and the achiles tendon bows toward the medial side of the foot. Weight is carried on the side of the foot when standing.

A

Pronation

116
Q

When working with feet pronation strengthen _______.

A

The arch and the medial line of the legs

117
Q

Alignment anomaly that occurs when in standing the arch is lifted and the weight of the foot is carried on the outside of the foot.

A

Supination

118
Q

When working with supination

A

Stretch the arch and medial side of the legs

119
Q

A deviation of the toe toward the center of the foot that usually occurs on the big toe.

A

Bunions

120
Q

When working with bunions correct the tendency to…

A

overturn out the legs and feet

121
Q

Examples of poor posture patterns (underlying habits that produce postural alignment anomalies)

A

Upper crossed syndrome

Lower crossed syndrome

122
Q

Upper crossed syndrome is characterized by _______.

A

forward head and rounded shoulders

123
Q

The tight/active muscles in upper crossed syndrome… (9)

A 
Levator scapulae
Middle and upper trapezius
Sternocleidomastoid
Scalenes
Subscapularis
Latissimus dorsi
Teres major
Pectoralis minor
Flexors of the humerus (especially biceps brachii)
124
Q

The weak/inactive muscles in upper crossed syndrome… (8)

A 
Lower trapezius
Serratus anterior
Rhomboids
Supraspinatus
infraspinatus
Deltoid
Deep neck flexors
Extensors of the upper extremity (especially the triceps brachii)
125
Q

Lower crossed syndrome is characterized by _________.

A

anterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar lordosis

126
Q

The tight/active muscles in lower crossed syndrome… (10)

A 
iliopsoas
Tensor fascia lata
adductors
lumbar erector spinae
Rectus femoris
Quadratus lumborum
Piriformis
Latissimus dorsi
soleus
Hamstrings
127
Q

The weak/inactive muscles in lower crossed syndrome… (9)

A 
Gluteus medius
gluteus minimus
Rectus abdominis
Internal and external oblique abdominals
Vastus lateralis and medialis
Tibialis anterior 
Peroneals
128
Q

When working with Upper Crossed Syndrome stretch _______ and strengthen _______.

A

Stretch: chest
Strengthen: scapular stabilizers and depressors, upper back extensors

129
Q

When working with lower crossed syndrome stretch _______ and strengthen _______.

A

Stretch: anterior hip and low back
Strengthen: abdominals and gluteals

130
Q

Examples of releasing exercises (5)

A

Skull clock, pelvic clock, knee stirs, knee folds, towel hip circles

131
Q

Three common strategies for overcoming the “stretch reflex” are:

A

Contract/Release
Active Isolated Stretch
Static Stretching

132
Q

Stretching exercise done by alternately isometrically contracting and releasing the muscle for 6 seconds before holding a sustained stretch for 30.

A

Contract release

133
Q

Stretching exercise done by using the muscle on the opposite side of the joint to pull the muscle into a stretched position 6 to 10 times before holding the stretch.

A

Active isolated stretch

134
Q

Stretching exercise done by holding a specific stretch for 30 - 45 seconds to overcome the stretch reflex with time.

A

Static stretching

Pilates (8 decks)

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