CLUB PILATES EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Bridge with knee extensions is a beginner move because it introduces a longer lever
angle on the low back. - Answer- False
Mermaid cannot be modified and should not be done unless the client is ready. -
Answer- False (Mermaid has modifications where the client can have multiple
limitations and still get the benefit from the move)
Why would you place the leg straps above your client's knees during feet in straps
series? - Answer- If your client needed a smaller Range of Motion (ROM) in the hip
joint
What is the best way to evaluate the ROM of the ankles? - Answer- Heels lower and
Lift
What are the contraindications for Swan on the Reformer? - Answer- Pregnancy,
shoulder replacement, slipped disc, osteoporosis
When is a client ready to jump? - Answer- When they have a stable pelvis and they
are able to maintain a basic level of proprioceptive awareness?
The correct starting position for Backstroke on the long box is supine on the box with
the head near the footbar and the torso flexed and supported on the box, legs in
table top with the arms straight up and facing the ceiling. - Answer- False
What are the elements of good flow programming when teaching group Pilates
classes? - Answer- Progressions, Transitions, Creative Sequencing
During Side Lying Legs in Straps Series, the spine should be in a neutral position. -
Answer- True
How is footwork on the jumpboard different. than footwork on the reformer? -
Answer- There is more surface area under the foot of the jumpboard which elicits a
reaction closer to real life than the footbar on the reformer
What is the safest way to complete the arm facing side series? - Answer- Having the
client sit on the carriage or long box
What are the major muscles emphasized in supine arms in straps series? - Answer-
Transverse abdominis for stabilization, hip flexors to hold legs in place and
latissimus dorsi & the long head of the tricep for arm movement
What is the most advanced variation of Bridge and why? - Answer- Semi circle - it
incorporates multiple variations of spinal articulations and requires a client to have
impeccable proprioceptive awareness
, What are the four main muscles emphasized during footwork on the reformer? -
Answer- Transverse Abdominis, Contralateral Obliques, Glutes, Hamstrings
Clients should always be in thoracic extension when jumping supine on the
jumpboard? - Answer- False
Pick the correct list of possible matwork variations that could be taught on the
reformer with arms in straps. - Answer- Single leg stretch, Double leg stretch, Lower
and lift, Scissors, Helicopters, Criss-Cross, Frogs
How many springs should be on during Short Box Series? - Answer- ALL springs
Pulling Straps Series develops posterior chain strength which beneficial for better
posture. - Answer- True (make sure that you always tell your clients the "why" behind
the move)
Footwork on the reformer shows the instructor key indicators of how the client's
functional patterns may have created misalignments - Answer- True
For a client who has valgus knees, what is the most effective positioning and prop to
use during footwork? - Answer- Feet parallel, Magic Circle at the outside of the upper
knee area
Pick the correct group of contraindications for articulation during Bridge on the
Reformer. - Answer- Pregnancy, hip replacements, slipped disc, osteoporosis
Bridge variations on the Reformer strengthen the back muscles and posterior chain
overall. - Answer- True
The postural muscles are stabilizers during Presentation. - Answer- True (Yes, the
postural muscles keep the body from swaying during the movement)
For Supine Arms in Straps series, the safest client progression would be in what
order? - Answer- Start with head down & legs in table top, then progress to thoracic
flexion with arm movement, followed by maintaining thoracic flexion the entire time
and legs in extension.
Supine Arms in Straps Lower and Lift is done in which plane of motion? - Answer- All
planes
Full Teaser on the reformer is performed on the Short Box. - Answer- False (Full
Teaser should be done on the long box)
Why is Shave the head more advanced than Hug a Tree? - Answer- It has back
extension involved, which requires more upper body strength and control
Which is the "best" way to transition? - Answer- Instructor changes the springs while
clients do a different move to distract them.
AND ANSWERS
Bridge with knee extensions is a beginner move because it introduces a longer lever
angle on the low back. - Answer- False
Mermaid cannot be modified and should not be done unless the client is ready. -
Answer- False (Mermaid has modifications where the client can have multiple
limitations and still get the benefit from the move)
Why would you place the leg straps above your client's knees during feet in straps
series? - Answer- If your client needed a smaller Range of Motion (ROM) in the hip
joint
What is the best way to evaluate the ROM of the ankles? - Answer- Heels lower and
Lift
What are the contraindications for Swan on the Reformer? - Answer- Pregnancy,
shoulder replacement, slipped disc, osteoporosis
When is a client ready to jump? - Answer- When they have a stable pelvis and they
are able to maintain a basic level of proprioceptive awareness?
The correct starting position for Backstroke on the long box is supine on the box with
the head near the footbar and the torso flexed and supported on the box, legs in
table top with the arms straight up and facing the ceiling. - Answer- False
What are the elements of good flow programming when teaching group Pilates
classes? - Answer- Progressions, Transitions, Creative Sequencing
During Side Lying Legs in Straps Series, the spine should be in a neutral position. -
Answer- True
How is footwork on the jumpboard different. than footwork on the reformer? -
Answer- There is more surface area under the foot of the jumpboard which elicits a
reaction closer to real life than the footbar on the reformer
What is the safest way to complete the arm facing side series? - Answer- Having the
client sit on the carriage or long box
What are the major muscles emphasized in supine arms in straps series? - Answer-
Transverse abdominis for stabilization, hip flexors to hold legs in place and
latissimus dorsi & the long head of the tricep for arm movement
What is the most advanced variation of Bridge and why? - Answer- Semi circle - it
incorporates multiple variations of spinal articulations and requires a client to have
impeccable proprioceptive awareness
, What are the four main muscles emphasized during footwork on the reformer? -
Answer- Transverse Abdominis, Contralateral Obliques, Glutes, Hamstrings
Clients should always be in thoracic extension when jumping supine on the
jumpboard? - Answer- False
Pick the correct list of possible matwork variations that could be taught on the
reformer with arms in straps. - Answer- Single leg stretch, Double leg stretch, Lower
and lift, Scissors, Helicopters, Criss-Cross, Frogs
How many springs should be on during Short Box Series? - Answer- ALL springs
Pulling Straps Series develops posterior chain strength which beneficial for better
posture. - Answer- True (make sure that you always tell your clients the "why" behind
the move)
Footwork on the reformer shows the instructor key indicators of how the client's
functional patterns may have created misalignments - Answer- True
For a client who has valgus knees, what is the most effective positioning and prop to
use during footwork? - Answer- Feet parallel, Magic Circle at the outside of the upper
knee area
Pick the correct group of contraindications for articulation during Bridge on the
Reformer. - Answer- Pregnancy, hip replacements, slipped disc, osteoporosis
Bridge variations on the Reformer strengthen the back muscles and posterior chain
overall. - Answer- True
The postural muscles are stabilizers during Presentation. - Answer- True (Yes, the
postural muscles keep the body from swaying during the movement)
For Supine Arms in Straps series, the safest client progression would be in what
order? - Answer- Start with head down & legs in table top, then progress to thoracic
flexion with arm movement, followed by maintaining thoracic flexion the entire time
and legs in extension.
Supine Arms in Straps Lower and Lift is done in which plane of motion? - Answer- All
planes
Full Teaser on the reformer is performed on the Short Box. - Answer- False (Full
Teaser should be done on the long box)
Why is Shave the head more advanced than Hug a Tree? - Answer- It has back
extension involved, which requires more upper body strength and control
Which is the "best" way to transition? - Answer- Instructor changes the springs while
clients do a different move to distract them.
