Functional Anatomy of the Pilates Core

Unlock the functional power of the core and level up your Pilates classes—a fully illustrated, research-backed guide to core stabilization

Improve mobility, build strength, and ease pain

This essential guide—written specifically for Pilates instructors, physical therapists, and bodyworkers—helps you bridge the gap between traditional core training and 21st-century rehabilitation science. Supplemented with more than 290 full-color illustrations, The Functional Anatomy of the Pilates Core will help you build classes that give your students the real-life benefits they really want. You’ll learn how to:

• Incorporate discoveries in fascial health, tensegrity, and neuroplasticity into your class design
• Transition Pilates students and clients away from rigid bracing and gripping habits, moving them toward more dynamic and adaptable core stabilization
• Apply precise assessment cues and progressive exercises to build lasting kinesthetic intelligence and develop the brain-body connection
• Apply the ABCs (alignment, breathing, and coordination) for three-dimensional breath and decompressive intra-abdominal pressure
• Activate deep myofascial stabilizers and distinguish between deep versus superficial balance
• Understand how the thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic regions form the functional powerhouse of the Thoracopelvic Canister (TPC)

Dr. Evan Osar and Marylee Bussard offer Pilates instructors and advanced practitioners a comprehensive understanding of how the core functions—and go deep into functional anatomy and exercise principles. You’ll learn techniques to help your students more effectively stabilize the core; promote proper alignment and movement patterns; and understand how the core shapes the six fundamental Pilates principles of breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow.

Dr. Evan Osar is an internationally recognized author and industry expert in the fields of functional anatomy, corrective exercise, and functional rehabilitation and training. Osar has authored several books, manuals, and DVDs for the health and fitness professional, including the highly acclaimed Corrective Exercise Solutions to Common Hip and Shoulder Dysfunction. He is the developer of the Integrative Movement System™, a principle-based approach to training and conditioning the general population.
 
Marylee Bussard has been teaching Pilates since 2003. She is a graduate of the Soma Institute for Clinical Massage Therapy in Chicago, a certified Integrative Movement Specialist (IMS), and a certified KMI Structural Integration Practitioner.