National Pilates Certification (NAFC) | 2025/2026 Exam Q&A – 100+ Questions | Spinal Conditions, Joint Function, Planes of Motion

This document includes over 100 fully answered exam questions from the National Pilates Certification course, designed for the 2025/2026 academic year at NAFC University. It serves as a detailed and practical study guide for students, instructors, and certification candidates preparing for the NAFC national Pilates exam or seeking foundational knowledge in Pilates-based anatomy and safety precautions. Key topics covered: Cartilage Types: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage Connective Tissues: ligaments, tendons, fascia Muscle Functions & Actions: concentric, eccentric, isometric, synergists, antagonists Spinal Deviations: lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, swayback, and related terms (e.g., Cobb angle) Joint Conditions & Precautions: ACL injuries, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff impingement, thoracic outlet syndrome, fibromyalgia, MS, osteoporosis, and arthritis Planes of Motion & Body Directional Terms: sagittal, frontal, transverse; superior/inferior, medial/lateral, proximal/distal Joint Actions: flexion, extension, rotation, circumduction, elevation, depression, supination, pronation Bone Types & Landmarks: flat, long, short, irregular bones; ASIS, PSIS, coracoid process, glenohumeral joint Pilates Safety Guidelines for movement modifications based on injuries and special populations Movement Cues & Teaching Language used in a clinical Pilates setting Each answer is concise and aligned with certification-level expectations, providing both the terminology and anatomical understanding required to ensure client safety and successful class delivery. Perfect for: Students preparing for National Pilates Certification (NAFC or equivalent) Learners in Pilates Instructor Training, Exercise Science, or Rehabilitation & Movement Therapy Current instructors needing a refresher on injury precautions and anatomical terminology Professionals in clinical Pilates, physical therapy, or corrective exercise programs Whether preparing for an exam or improving your cueing, anatomy knowledge, and safety strategies, this Q&A set is an essential study and reference tool. Keywords: Pilates certification, NAFC, cartilage types, ligaments, tendons, muscle function, spinal deviations, lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, ACL precautions, shoulder impingement, osteoporosis, planes of motion, joint actions, directional terms, posture correction, fascia, Pilates anatomy, bone landmarks, special populations, Pilates exam prep