Pilates Quiz

abdominals

The group of core muscles that span from the rib cage to the pelvis; both deep and superficial.

agonist

Muscle that initiates the movement with a contraction. antagonist Muscle that acts in opposition to the movement. Chemically signaled to relax.

box

A rectangle of imaginary lines connecting shoulder to shoulder

C curve

Tucking the tailbone

cervical spine

The seven vertebrae immediately below the skull; also called the neck.

coccyx

The two to four fused bones at the base of the sacrum; also called the tailbone. dorsiflexion

extension

Lengthening or moving a limb or joint backward along the sagittal plane

flexion

Shortening or moving a limb or joint forward along the sagittal plane

hyperextension

Movement of a joint past its normal range of motion; discouraged in Pilates because of the stress it places on joints.

imprint

Used to describe the lengthening of the lumbar spine that removes the natural lordotic curve.

integrations

Used to describe the engagement of key muscles designed to provide a strong base while performing Pilates exercises.

kyphosis

Outward curve of the spine (thoracic and sacral).

lateral breathing

Expanding the rib cage laterally (on each side)

lordosis

Inward curve of the spine (lumbar and cervical).

lumbar spine

The five vertebrae in the lower section of the spine; also called the lower back. neutral spine

parallel stance or position

Feet hip width apart and toes facing forward. Equal distance between toes and heels and ankle aligned with knee

Pilates stance or first position

Feet in a V position (1 o’clock and 11 o’clock)

plantar flexion

Pointing the toes away from the body (the opposite of dorsiflexion).

powerhouse

The muscles of the abdomen and the back; also called the core.

prone

Lying face down.

range of motion

The extent of movement within which a joint can be comfortably moved. sacrum

spinal articulation

Moving one vertebra of the spine at a time

supine

Lying face up on the spine.

tabletop legs

Used to describe a supine position with the hips and knees bent to 90 degrees with the thighs perpendicular to the floor and shins parallel to the floor.

thoracic spine

The 12 vertebrae located between the lumbar and cervical vertebrae; also called the upper back.