Contrology Coach · Study Guide
Apparatus
Reformer, Cadillac, chair, and barrels: setup checks, spring logic, spotting, and the safety calls the exam loves. Distilled from the practice bank and the classical spring charts.
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Question Before a reformer session, which check is essential? Tap to reveal Answer Inspect springs, straps, ropes, carriage movement, and stops for damage or unsafe setup.
Equipment checks catch frayed straps and damaged springs before a client loads the machine. Appearance is secondary to function and safety.
Question A strap is frayed where it attaches to a reformer. What should happen? Tap to reveal Answer Remove the equipment from service until it is repaired or replaced.
Damaged load-bearing parts are not a judgment call. The machine stays out of service until the part is safe again.
Question On the Cadillac or trapeze table, why do overhead spring setups need extra care? Tap to reveal Answer A failed or poorly secured spring or bar above the client creates a serious falling or recoil hazard.
Equipment above the body demands secure attachment and clear checking — the consequence of a failure is higher.
Question A client asks why a heavier reformer spring does not always make an exercise harder. Best explanation? Tap to reveal Answer Springs can resist or assist depending on the exercise, body position, and direction of movement.
Spring load interacts with gravity, leverage, and the goal of the exercise. In some patterns more spring supports the load rather than simply making it harder.
Question What is the purpose of setting the reformer headrest and shoulder blocks appropriately for a supine client? Tap to reveal Answer To support head and shoulder positioning and help organize alignment before movement begins.
Setup shapes alignment before the first repetition.
Question During chair work, what should the teacher confirm before the client presses the pedal? Tap to reveal Answer Foot placement, pedal control, spring choice, and a safe path for the pedal to return.
The chair pedal can move quickly and load the body through the feet or hands; a controlled return path is part of safe instruction.
Question A barrel exercise requires the client to drape backward over the curve. Safest teaching approach? Tap to reveal Answer Use support, choose an appropriate barrel size or substitute, and progress range gradually.
Barrel work changes spinal position and balance demands; support and gradual range beat being forced into the shape.
Question Which maintenance habit best protects both clients and equipment? Tap to reveal Answer Clean and inspect high-touch parts and moving components on a regular schedule, and log problems.
Logging issues keeps small problems from being forgotten until they become injury risks.
Question Before a client steps onto a reformer platform for standing work, what should be checked? Tap to reveal Answer Carriage stability or lock position as the exercise requires, foot placement, and available support.
Standing work changes the risk if the carriage can move unexpectedly.
Question In reformer Footwork, what is a central teaching focus? Tap to reveal Answer Organized leg press with pelvis and trunk control while the carriage moves smoothly.
Footwork is not just leg pressing — watch leg alignment, pelvis position, foot contact, and a controlled carriage return.
Question A client performs Elephant with a rounded, shifting pelvis and uncontrolled carriage. Most useful first correction? Tap to reveal Answer Reduce range, re-establish hinge and trunk control, and cue a quieter carriage.
Elephant depends on hip hinge, shoulder support, and carriage control. Restore organization before adding range.
Question Classical Basic reformer: how many springs for Footwork? Tap to reveal Answer 4 springs.
Toes · Arches · Heels · Tendon Stretch. Pilatesology's published Basic setting — springs are machine-relative, so your own machine's feel is the final word.
Question Basic Stomach Massage: how do the springs step down across Round → Hands Back → Reach Up? Tap to reveal Answer 4 → 3 → 2.
Each part sheds a spring as the position opens up. From Pilatesology's Basic chart.
Question Classical Basic: Feet in Straps spring setting? Tap to reveal Answer 2 springs.
Leg Circles & Frogs, right after the Hundred in the Basic order.
Question Classical Basic: Short Box Series spring setting? Tap to reveal Answer 2 springs.
Round Back · Flat Back · Side to Side · Tree.
Question What springs close the classical Basic order — Running and Pelvic Lift? Tap to reveal Answer 4 springs each.
The Basic order opens and closes heavy: Footwork 4, Running 4, Pelvic Lift 4.
Question Breast Stroke on the reformer — the correct set-up? Tap to reveal Answer Long box on the carriage, hands in straps, client facing the foot bar.
Question Up Stretch — the correct foot alignment? Tap to reveal Answer On the metatarsals, heels against the shoulder blocks.
Question For a beginner mounting and dismounting the reformer, the springs should be… Tap to reveal Answer Attached and in the resting position.
A settled, predictable carriage while the client gets on and off.
Question Where do you stand to spot Elephant for a beginner? Tap to reveal Answer To the side of the reformer, with a foot on the carriage if needed to control it.
Question Why should a Pilates teacher never physically modify the equipment? Tap to reveal Answer It can compromise the integrity of the equipment.
A modified machine is a safety failure waiting for a load.
Question How do you know a client is ready for Short Spine Massage? Tap to reveal Answer They can lift their hips to put the straps on themselves.
Deck source: distilled from the Contrology Coach study library — the classical order charts, the functional anatomy sheet, and an original practice bank aligned to the NPCP content outline. Practice material, not actual exam questions.
