Human Anatomy Study Guide

Hi, Alex!

I put a lot of value and importance on studying and understanding how our musculoskeletal systems functions. We must understand the instrument that we're working with. It's our responsibility.

Now, it's a learning process…all of it. With that, I mean, one ought to start out just by learning the names and primary functions of the muscles and bones that we can palpate (touch) and commonly use in Pilates. Then layer, by layer learn more about it all. Secondary [and beyond] functions of muscles, understanding of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing functions of bones, ligaments and tendons, functions and composition of joints, the nervous system, cardio-pulmonary system…the list grows. It's a learning process. Fascinating.

First…primary functions of muscles and bones. A great place to start.

Once we know what does what and why…then we can understand what the heck we're doing in Pilates. When I see Pull Straps I, I know what muscles do what and why and understand what is working on my client and not. I can see inside his/her body and know with complete confidence what is going on. It all makes sense to me and is no mystery. Not from sheer intuition but from anatomical study.

I had ITB syndrome many years ago. I was in Physical Therapy for it and it still wasn't helping. I decided to study up on it all, figured out what it was, what muscles do what and realized that my PT wasn't addressing the real issue. From my anatomy study, I
was able to heal myself by addressing the real imbalance.

My client has plantar faciatis. The way most people deal with it is to address the symptoms. That doesn't satisfy me. I study the anatomy of the dysfunction. Understand what is happening on the base anatomical level. Address the it from that knowledge and I can help my client.

Learning is a precious gift and makes everything better!

Let me know if I can guide you to any resources.

Enjoy!
- Shari