STOTT PILATES EXAM WITH DETAILED QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS – FULLY UPDATED
1. What is STOTT PILATES? STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach
to the original Pilates method, incorporating modern principles of exercise
science and rehabilitation. It was developed by Moira and Lindsay G.
Merrithew, with the collaboration of physical therapists and sports medicine
professionals.
2. How does STOTT PILATES differ from Classical Pilates? STOTT
PILATES has modified the original Pilates method by incorporating
contemporary exercise science, focusing on neutral spine positions rather than
imprinted spine, adding five basic principles, modifying certain exercises, and
introducing specialized equipment variations.
3. What are the Five Basic Principles of STOTT PILATES? The Five Basic
Principles are: Breathing, Pelvic Placement, Rib Cage Placement, Scapular
Movement and Stabilization, and Head and Cervical Spine Placement.
4. What is meant by "breathing" in STOTT PILATES? In STOTT
PILATES, breathing emphasizes three-dimensional thoracic breathing, where
inhalation expands the rib cage laterally, and exhalation facilitates deep core
engagement. Exhaling typically occurs during the most challenging phase of an
exercise.
5. What is the proper pelvic placement in STOTT PILATES? STOTT
PILATES promotes maintaining a neutral pelvic position where the pelvis is
balanced between anterior and posterior tilt, creating a natural curve in the
lumbar spine rather than flattening it.
6. How should the rib cage be positioned during STOTT PILATES
exercises? The rib cage should be placed in a position that allows for optimal
breathing while maintaining core connection. It should not protrude forward or
be overly depressed, but should align vertically over the pelvis.
7. What is the principle of scapular movement and stabilization? This
principle focuses on proper positioning and controlled movement of the
, shoulder blades, promoting stability while allowing for functional mobility of
the shoulder girdle during exercises.
8. How should the head and cervical spine be positioned in STOTT
PILATES? The head and cervical spine should maintain a natural alignment
with the thoracic spine, avoiding forward head positioning or excessive tucking
of the chin. This creates proper length in the back of the neck.
9. What is "neutral spine" in STOTT PILATES? Neutral spine refers to
maintaining the natural curves of the spine during exercise, including a slight
curve in the lumbar spine, rather than flattening or "imprinting" it against the
mat as in classical Pilates.
10. Why does STOTT PILATES emphasize neutral spine? STOTT
PILATES emphasizes neutral spine because it promotes balanced muscle
development, reduces stress on spinal discs and joints, respects the spine's
natural shock-absorbing curves, and better transfers to functional everyday
movements.
Core Concepts and Terminology
11. What is the "powerhouse" in Pilates terminology? The powerhouse
refers to the central core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips,
and buttocks. In STOTT PILATES, this is often referred to as "core" or "central
stability."
12. What is the STOTT PILATES concept of "core engagement"? Core
engagement in STOTT PILATES involves the coordinated activation of deep
stabilizing muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm, and pelvic
floor) along with more superficial muscles to create functional stability during
movement.
13. What is the "scoop" in STOTT PILATES? The "scoop" refers to the
drawing in and up of the deep abdominal muscles, particularly the transversus
abdominis, to create core support. It's similar to the hollow or "navel to spine"
cue but with focus on deeper engagement.
14. What does "centering" mean in STOTT PILATES? Centering refers to
focusing attention and activation on the core musculature (the area between the
lower ribs and pelvis) as the source of power and control for all movements.
15. What is meant by "articulation of the spine" in STOTT PILATES?
Articulation refers to the sequential movement of the spine, one vertebra at a
CORRECT ANSWERS – FULLY UPDATED
1. What is STOTT PILATES? STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach
to the original Pilates method, incorporating modern principles of exercise
science and rehabilitation. It was developed by Moira and Lindsay G.
Merrithew, with the collaboration of physical therapists and sports medicine
professionals.
2. How does STOTT PILATES differ from Classical Pilates? STOTT
PILATES has modified the original Pilates method by incorporating
contemporary exercise science, focusing on neutral spine positions rather than
imprinted spine, adding five basic principles, modifying certain exercises, and
introducing specialized equipment variations.
3. What are the Five Basic Principles of STOTT PILATES? The Five Basic
Principles are: Breathing, Pelvic Placement, Rib Cage Placement, Scapular
Movement and Stabilization, and Head and Cervical Spine Placement.
4. What is meant by "breathing" in STOTT PILATES? In STOTT
PILATES, breathing emphasizes three-dimensional thoracic breathing, where
inhalation expands the rib cage laterally, and exhalation facilitates deep core
engagement. Exhaling typically occurs during the most challenging phase of an
exercise.
5. What is the proper pelvic placement in STOTT PILATES? STOTT
PILATES promotes maintaining a neutral pelvic position where the pelvis is
balanced between anterior and posterior tilt, creating a natural curve in the
lumbar spine rather than flattening it.
6. How should the rib cage be positioned during STOTT PILATES
exercises? The rib cage should be placed in a position that allows for optimal
breathing while maintaining core connection. It should not protrude forward or
be overly depressed, but should align vertically over the pelvis.
7. What is the principle of scapular movement and stabilization? This
principle focuses on proper positioning and controlled movement of the
, shoulder blades, promoting stability while allowing for functional mobility of
the shoulder girdle during exercises.
8. How should the head and cervical spine be positioned in STOTT
PILATES? The head and cervical spine should maintain a natural alignment
with the thoracic spine, avoiding forward head positioning or excessive tucking
of the chin. This creates proper length in the back of the neck.
9. What is "neutral spine" in STOTT PILATES? Neutral spine refers to
maintaining the natural curves of the spine during exercise, including a slight
curve in the lumbar spine, rather than flattening or "imprinting" it against the
mat as in classical Pilates.
10. Why does STOTT PILATES emphasize neutral spine? STOTT
PILATES emphasizes neutral spine because it promotes balanced muscle
development, reduces stress on spinal discs and joints, respects the spine's
natural shock-absorbing curves, and better transfers to functional everyday
movements.
Core Concepts and Terminology
11. What is the "powerhouse" in Pilates terminology? The powerhouse
refers to the central core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips,
and buttocks. In STOTT PILATES, this is often referred to as "core" or "central
stability."
12. What is the STOTT PILATES concept of "core engagement"? Core
engagement in STOTT PILATES involves the coordinated activation of deep
stabilizing muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm, and pelvic
floor) along with more superficial muscles to create functional stability during
movement.
13. What is the "scoop" in STOTT PILATES? The "scoop" refers to the
drawing in and up of the deep abdominal muscles, particularly the transversus
abdominis, to create core support. It's similar to the hollow or "navel to spine"
cue but with focus on deeper engagement.
14. What does "centering" mean in STOTT PILATES? Centering refers to
focusing attention and activation on the core musculature (the area between the
lower ribs and pelvis) as the source of power and control for all movements.
15. What is meant by "articulation of the spine" in STOTT PILATES?
Articulation refers to the sequential movement of the spine, one vertebra at a
