STOTT PILATES WRITTEN EXAM 2025 | ALL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS | VERIFIED ANSWERS | LATEST
VERSION | ALREADY GRADED A+
Contemporary Pilates Principles & Practice | Key Domains: STOTT PILATES Five Basic Principles
(Breathing, Pelvic Placement, Rib Cage Placement, Scapular Movement & Stabilization, Head &
Cervical Placement), Anatomy & Biomechanics, Essential & Intermediate Exercises (Mat &
Equipment), Modifications & Progressions, Postural Analysis, Programming for Specific Client
Needs, and Safety & Professional Conduct | Expert-Aligned Structure | Exam-Ready Format
Introduction
This structured STOTT PILATES Written Exam for 2025 provides 100 high-quality exam-style
questions with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes the contemporary approach to the
method, integrating modern principles of spinal biomechanics and rehabilitation to promote
optimal posture, functional movement, and safe, effective exercise execution for diverse client
populations.
Answer Format
All correct answers must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by concise rationales
explaining the anatomical principle, the application of one of the Five Basic Principles, the correct
biomechanical alignment for safety and efficacy, and why alternative options represent incorrect
form, unsafe positioning, or a misunderstanding of the STOTT PILATES methodology.
1. Which of the following best describes the STOTT PILATES principle of “Pelvic Placement”?
A. Maintaining a fixed posterior pelvic tilt at all times
B. Allowing the pelvis to move freely without stabilization
C. Stabilizing the pelvis and lumbar spine in neutral or imprint based on exercise and client
needs
D. Tucking the pelvis under to flatten the lower back in all exercises
,C. Stabilizing the pelvis and lumbar spine in neutral or imprint based on exercise and client
needs
STOTT PILATES recognizes two primary pelvic positions: neutral (natural lumbar curve maintained)
and imprint (slight posterior tilt for core support in supine leg work). The choice depends on the
exercise, spinal condition, and client’s ability to stabilize, reflecting modern biomechanics over the
traditional “flat back” approach.
2. During the “Hundred” exercise, what is the correct rib cage placement?
A. Flared outward to expand the chest
B. Depressed and stabilized to avoid over-recruitment of neck muscles
C. Lifted to facilitate deeper inhalation
D. Rotated anteriorly to increase thoracic mobility
B. Depressed and stabilized to avoid over-recruitment of neck muscles
Rib cage placement is a core STOTT PILATES principle. In the Hundred, the ribs must remain gently
drawn down toward the pelvis to prevent flaring, which can lead to neck strain and disengagement of
the deep core. This supports proper scapular stability and diaphragmatic breathing.
3. Which breathing pattern is emphasized in STOTT PILATES?
A. Chest breathing with shallow inhalations
B. Lateral thoracic breathing with exhalation through pursed lips
C. Diaphragmatic breathing with breath holding during exertion
D. Rapid breathing to increase oxygen intake
B. Lateral thoracic breathing with exhalation through pursed lips
,STOTT PILATES uses lateral (360-degree) thoracic breathing to maintain abdominal engagement
while allowing full oxygen exchange. Exhalation through pursed lips helps activate deep core
stabilizers (transversus abdominis, pelvic floor) and control movement tempo.
4. In the “Roll-Up” exercise, what is the primary purpose of initiating movement from the
thoracic spine?
A. To increase lumbar flexion
B. To protect the lumbar spine by promoting segmental articulation
C. To engage the hip flexors
D. To reduce neck strain by limiting cervical movement
B. To protect the lumbar spine by promoting segmental articulation
The Roll-Up emphasizes sequential movement starting at the thoracic spine to encourage spinal
articulation and reduce shear forces on the lumbar discs. This aligns with STOTT PILATES’ focus on
functional movement and spinal health.
5. What is the correct head and cervical placement during supine abdominal exercises like
“Single Leg Stretch”?
A. Head lifted with chin tucked tightly to chest
B. Head resting on the mat at all times
C. Head lifted with the cervical spine in line with the thoracic spine, maintaining a small space
under the chin
D. Head rotated to one side to stretch the neck
C. Head lifted with the cervical spine in line with the thoracic spine, maintaining a small
space under the chin
, STOTT PILATES emphasizes cervical alignment that avoids excessive flexion (which strains the neck) or
hyperextension. The “small space under the chin” (about the size of an apple) ensures proper head
placement without compressing cervical discs.
6. Which muscle group is primarily targeted in the “Side Leg Series” for hip stabilization?
A. Hip flexors
B. Gluteus maximus
C. Gluteus medius and deep lateral rotators
D. Hamstrings
C. Gluteus medius and deep lateral rotators
The Side Leg Series (e.g., Clam, Side Leg Lift) specifically targets the gluteus medius and deep hip
rotators to improve pelvic stability during single-leg stance—a key component of functional movement
and injury prevention emphasized in STOTT PILATES programming.
7. When cueing “Scapular Movement and Stabilization,” what is the goal during arm
movements in “Arm Circles”?
A. Allow full scapular elevation and protraction
B. Keep the scapulae pinned firmly to the rib cage at all times
C. Encourage natural scapulohumeral rhythm while maintaining control and avoiding winging
D. Retract the scapulae maximally throughout the movement
C. Encourage natural scapulohumeral rhythm while maintaining control and avoiding
winging
AND CORRECT ANSWERS | VERIFIED ANSWERS | LATEST
VERSION | ALREADY GRADED A+
Contemporary Pilates Principles & Practice | Key Domains: STOTT PILATES Five Basic Principles
(Breathing, Pelvic Placement, Rib Cage Placement, Scapular Movement & Stabilization, Head &
Cervical Placement), Anatomy & Biomechanics, Essential & Intermediate Exercises (Mat &
Equipment), Modifications & Progressions, Postural Analysis, Programming for Specific Client
Needs, and Safety & Professional Conduct | Expert-Aligned Structure | Exam-Ready Format
Introduction
This structured STOTT PILATES Written Exam for 2025 provides 100 high-quality exam-style
questions with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes the contemporary approach to the
method, integrating modern principles of spinal biomechanics and rehabilitation to promote
optimal posture, functional movement, and safe, effective exercise execution for diverse client
populations.
Answer Format
All correct answers must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by concise rationales
explaining the anatomical principle, the application of one of the Five Basic Principles, the correct
biomechanical alignment for safety and efficacy, and why alternative options represent incorrect
form, unsafe positioning, or a misunderstanding of the STOTT PILATES methodology.
1. Which of the following best describes the STOTT PILATES principle of “Pelvic Placement”?
A. Maintaining a fixed posterior pelvic tilt at all times
B. Allowing the pelvis to move freely without stabilization
C. Stabilizing the pelvis and lumbar spine in neutral or imprint based on exercise and client
needs
D. Tucking the pelvis under to flatten the lower back in all exercises
,C. Stabilizing the pelvis and lumbar spine in neutral or imprint based on exercise and client
needs
STOTT PILATES recognizes two primary pelvic positions: neutral (natural lumbar curve maintained)
and imprint (slight posterior tilt for core support in supine leg work). The choice depends on the
exercise, spinal condition, and client’s ability to stabilize, reflecting modern biomechanics over the
traditional “flat back” approach.
2. During the “Hundred” exercise, what is the correct rib cage placement?
A. Flared outward to expand the chest
B. Depressed and stabilized to avoid over-recruitment of neck muscles
C. Lifted to facilitate deeper inhalation
D. Rotated anteriorly to increase thoracic mobility
B. Depressed and stabilized to avoid over-recruitment of neck muscles
Rib cage placement is a core STOTT PILATES principle. In the Hundred, the ribs must remain gently
drawn down toward the pelvis to prevent flaring, which can lead to neck strain and disengagement of
the deep core. This supports proper scapular stability and diaphragmatic breathing.
3. Which breathing pattern is emphasized in STOTT PILATES?
A. Chest breathing with shallow inhalations
B. Lateral thoracic breathing with exhalation through pursed lips
C. Diaphragmatic breathing with breath holding during exertion
D. Rapid breathing to increase oxygen intake
B. Lateral thoracic breathing with exhalation through pursed lips
,STOTT PILATES uses lateral (360-degree) thoracic breathing to maintain abdominal engagement
while allowing full oxygen exchange. Exhalation through pursed lips helps activate deep core
stabilizers (transversus abdominis, pelvic floor) and control movement tempo.
4. In the “Roll-Up” exercise, what is the primary purpose of initiating movement from the
thoracic spine?
A. To increase lumbar flexion
B. To protect the lumbar spine by promoting segmental articulation
C. To engage the hip flexors
D. To reduce neck strain by limiting cervical movement
B. To protect the lumbar spine by promoting segmental articulation
The Roll-Up emphasizes sequential movement starting at the thoracic spine to encourage spinal
articulation and reduce shear forces on the lumbar discs. This aligns with STOTT PILATES’ focus on
functional movement and spinal health.
5. What is the correct head and cervical placement during supine abdominal exercises like
“Single Leg Stretch”?
A. Head lifted with chin tucked tightly to chest
B. Head resting on the mat at all times
C. Head lifted with the cervical spine in line with the thoracic spine, maintaining a small space
under the chin
D. Head rotated to one side to stretch the neck
C. Head lifted with the cervical spine in line with the thoracic spine, maintaining a small
space under the chin
, STOTT PILATES emphasizes cervical alignment that avoids excessive flexion (which strains the neck) or
hyperextension. The “small space under the chin” (about the size of an apple) ensures proper head
placement without compressing cervical discs.
6. Which muscle group is primarily targeted in the “Side Leg Series” for hip stabilization?
A. Hip flexors
B. Gluteus maximus
C. Gluteus medius and deep lateral rotators
D. Hamstrings
C. Gluteus medius and deep lateral rotators
The Side Leg Series (e.g., Clam, Side Leg Lift) specifically targets the gluteus medius and deep hip
rotators to improve pelvic stability during single-leg stance—a key component of functional movement
and injury prevention emphasized in STOTT PILATES programming.
7. When cueing “Scapular Movement and Stabilization,” what is the goal during arm
movements in “Arm Circles”?
A. Allow full scapular elevation and protraction
B. Keep the scapulae pinned firmly to the rib cage at all times
C. Encourage natural scapulohumeral rhythm while maintaining control and avoiding winging
D. Retract the scapulae maximally throughout the movement
C. Encourage natural scapulohumeral rhythm while maintaining control and avoiding
winging
