Stott Pilates Exam - Basic Principles (Merrithew Essential/Intermediate Reformer)

STOTT PILATES EXAM - BASIC
PRINCIPLES (MERRITHEW
ESSENTIAL/INTERMEDIATE
REFORMER)
Breathing Principle Exercises - ANSWER-1. Natural Breath Pattern
2. Breathing Flexed Forward
3. Lateral Cage Breathing While Supine
4. Pelvic Floor Engagement Sitting
5. Transversus Engagement Sitting
6. Breath Pattern Supine Incorporating Abdominals

Pelvic Placement Exercises - ANSWER-1. Rocking Pelvis
2. Neutral to Imprint
3. Leg Slides OR Leg Lifts

Rib Placement Exercise - ANSWER-1. Arm Raises

Scapular Movement & Stabilization Exercise - ANSWER-1. Protraction/Retraction
2. Elevation/Depression
3. Arm Scissors
4. Arm Circles

Head & Cervical Placement - Things to Remember - ANSWER--cervical spine should
hold its natural curve (anterior convex) and the skull should be balanced directly above
the shoulders in sitting/ standing
-pads/ pillows may be needed in supine/ prone to prevent hyperextension of the cervical
spine
-cervical spine should continue the line of the thoracic spine in neutral, during flexion,
extention, lateral flexion, and rotation
-cranio - vertebral flexion
-use these methods to stabilize cervical area and avoid strain

Head & Cervical Placement - Exercise - ANSWER-1. Cranial-Vertebral Flexion (Head
Nods)
2. Modified Ab Prep
3. Modified Breast Stroke Prep

Breathing Principle Benefits - ANSWER-Mind-Body Awareness - promotes
concentration and awareness of self
3D nature of the mechanical movement of breath