Basic Anatomy for Pilates Instructors

Human Anatomy

Basic Anatomy for Pilates Instructors
Basic Anatomy for Pilates Instructors

Basic Anatomy for Pilates Instructors udemy course

Human Anatomy

When I started my Pilates training, I knew zero anatomy. Literally, nothing. I was intimidated — big time. When I began my Pilates teacher training course everyone seemed to talk-the-talk. I listened and nodded pretending I knew what they were talking about and hoped I didn’t get called on. Needless to say, this was not a great way to begin my training. I was in over my head.

I want you to have a different experience. I want you to walk into your first Pilates course with the confidence and knowledge to crush it.

This course will:

  • Build your foundational knowledge of anatomy,

  • Teach you to use the correct anatomical language that will be used throughout your Pilates teacher training courses,

  • Give you the skills to understand the anatomy of an exercise, which will allow you to teach directly to your client’s needs,

  • Set you up for long-term success and give you the confidence to teach with knowledge.

If you don’t know what muscles an exercise targets, how can you give a client a well-balanced, educated workout?


Here is a detailed description of the course content:

SECTION 1: Overview of the Course


SECTION 2: Why It's Important to Learn Anatomy as a Pilates Instructor


SECTION 3: What is Anatomical Position?

SECTION 4: Anatomical Terminology

  • Basic Anatomical Terminology

  • Planes of Motion

  • In Studio Recap.

SECTION 5: The Skeleton

  • Axial vs Appendicular Skeleton

  • Cranium

  • Sections of the Spine

  • Spinal Curves

  • Vertebrae

  • Sternum

  • Ribcage

  • Sacrum

  • Clavicle

  • Scapula

  • Humorous

  • Radius & Ulna

  • Pelvis

  • Femur

  • Patella

  • Tibia & Fibula

SECTION 6: Movements of the Spine and Joint

  • Flexion/Extension

  • Abduction/Adduction

  • Lateral/Medial Rotation

  • Circumduction

  • Horizontal Abduction/Adduction

  • Supination/Pronation & Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion

  • In studio recap


SECTION 7: Types of Joints

SECTION 8: Types of Muscular Contraction


SECTION 9: What is the Core?

SECTION 10: Abdominal Muscles

  • Transversus Abdominis (TA)

  • Internal Oblique

  • External Oblique

  • Rectus Abdominis

SECTION 11: Trunk Muscles

  • Erector Spinea

  • Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

  • Internal & External Intercostals

SECTION 12: Lower Body Muscles

  • Quadriceps

  • Iliopsoas

  • Gluts

  • Hamstrings

  • Gastroc

  • Soleus

  • Tibialis Anterior

  • Peroneals

  • Deep Six Lateral Rotators

  • Sartorius

  • Adductors

  • Pectineus

  • Gracilis

  • Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)

  • Iliotibial band (ITB)

  • Anterior Leg Review

SECTION 13: Upper Body Muscles

  • Serratus Anterior

  • Trapezius

  • Rhomboid Major and Minor

  • Deltoids

  • Latissimus Dorsi

  • Pectoralis Minor & Major

  • Bicep Brachii

  • Brachialis

  • Brachioradialis

  • Tricep Brachii

  • Rotator Cuff

  • Teres Major

  • Coracobrachialis

  • Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

  • Levator Scapulae

SECTION 14: Bony Landmarks (for postural assessment)

  • Overview

  • Side View

  • Front View

  • Back View

SECTION 15: Let's Put It All Together!