Learning Anatomy for Movement

Anatomical Study Aids for Pilates, Yoga, and Dance Teachers

May 21, 2009 Elisabeth Marshall

Movement teachers have a specialised interest in anatomy, so they need specialised resources.

Pilates, yoga, and dance training programmes have varying requirements for anatomy knowledge. Even in schools with no formal anatomical training component, some teachers are keen to enhance their knowledge in a way that is practical and applicable to the daily business of teaching. In addition, movement disciplines have their own areas of focus – such as the core muscles, the feet, and the spine – that teachers often want to study in greater depth.

Top Resources for Anatomy Study

A good, comprehensive anatomy atlas is vitally useful. Atlases can be expensive, but they are often available from used bookstores or online. Frank H. Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy (Saunders, 2006) is a good choice – it has detailed full-colour paintings and is invaluable for reference.

Flashcards are a useful tool for memorising muscles. They are available from Netter (Saunders, 2006); another worthwhile source is Books of Discovery's Trail Guide to the Body flashcards (2006).

Anatomy of Movement

Blandine Calais-Germain's Anatomy of Movement (Eastland Press, 2007) covers anatomy with particular reference to yoga and dance. It's well-written with superb illustrations showing muscles and bones in three-dimensional, moving forms.

Those who enjoy Calais-Germain's approach will find more insights in her Anatomy of Movement: Exercises (Eastland Press, 2008), which applies anatomical knowledge to practical movement, as well as Anatomy of Breathing (Eastland Press, 2006) and The Female Pelvis (Eastland Press, 2003).

Franklin Method Resources

Eric Franklin, founder of the Franklin Method, writes creative, unique books that use imagery and exercises to explore the body. Movement teachers can use his work to better understand specific areas, like the pelvic floor or the shoulder girdle, and also to refine their use of imagery in cueing.

Some useful books by Eric Franklin are Conditioning for Dance (Human Kinetics Publishers, 2003), Pelvic Power (Princeton Book Company, 2003), and Relax Your Neck, Liberate Your Shoulders (Princeton Book Company, 2002).

Anatomy for Yoga

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley (Pranamaya, 2003) is also useful for Pilates, dance, and gymnastics teachers. In a well-produced DVD, Grilley explains the normal variations in bone and joint structure. By understanding the difference between muscle tension and bone compression, teachers can better understand their students' movement challenges and gifts.

Trail Guide to the Body

Trail Guide to the Body (Books of Discovery, 2005), by massage therapist Andrew Biel, is a unique guide to palpatory anatomy. It's useful for movement teachers who cue with their hands and want to know which muscles they're touching. There's also a DVD demonstrating the palpation techniques, using live models and graphic overlays to visualise anatomy.

Other Resources

Movement teachers can also take advantage of the depth of knowledge available through other bodyworkers. Since many movement teachers are skilled at learning kinaesthetically, they may find it valuable to enlist the help of a knowledgeable massage therapist, Rolfer, or Feldenkrais teacher who's interested in explaining anatomy as they work together.

A basic and practical knowledge of anatomy can help movement teachers to see clearly, touch with purpose, and gain confidence in their work with students.

The copyright of the article Learning Anatomy for Movement in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Elisabeth Marshall. Permission to republish Learning Anatomy for Movement in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dancers Need Practical Anatomy Knowledge

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