Exercise Anatomy Course

Lesson 1 • Anatomical Terminology and Orientation

Establishes directional terms, body planes, and axes used throughout anatomy. Provides the reference language needed for all subsequent structural descriptions.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to the Nervous System

Outlines central and peripheral nervous system divisions relevant to motor control. Prepares students to understand neuromuscular communication in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Levels of Structural Organisation

Traces organisation from cells to organ systems. Connects microscopic tissue types to the macroscopic structures relevant to movement.

Lesson 4 • Connective Tissue Structures

Covers cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and fascia as passive stabilisers and force transmitters. Links connective tissue properties to injury risk and movement efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Muscle Roles in Movement

Defines agonist, antagonist, synergist, and stabiliser roles within movement patterns. Prepares students to analyse muscle coordination in functional tasks.

Lesson 2 • Contraction Types and Force-Velocity

Compares concentric, eccentric, and isometric contractions with their force-velocity relationships. Applies these concepts to exercise selection and loading strategies.

Lesson 3 • Muscle Fiber Types and Metabolism

Distinguishes slow-twitch and fast-twitch fibres by metabolic and contractile properties. Connects fibre type distribution to endurance versus power performance.

Lesson 4 • Muscle Architecture and Force Output

Analyses pennation angle, physiological cross-sectional area, and fibre length. Explains how architecture determines a muscle's speed, range, and force capacity.

Lesson 1 • Lower Extremity Joint Mechanics

Examines hip, knee, ankle, and foot joint mechanics under load. Establishes the kinetic chain relationships critical for gait and sport analysis.

Lesson 2 • Joint Classification and Structure

Categorises joints by structural type and degrees of freedom. Establishes the anatomical basis for predicting allowable movement at each joint.

Lesson 3 • Upper Extremity Joint Mechanics

Covers glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and elbow joint mechanics. Builds understanding of shoulder complex rhythm and elbow stability.

Lesson 4 • Spine and Thorax Joints

Details intervertebral joints, facet orientation, and costovertebral articulations. Connects spinal joint mechanics to posture and trunk movement patterns.

Lesson 1 • Ground Reaction Forces and Pressure

Interprets vertical, anterior-posterior, and mediolateral ground reaction force components. Links force plate data patterns to movement quality assessment.

Lesson 2 • Work, Power, and Energy in Movement

Defines mechanical work, power, and energy transfer during exercise tasks. Connects these quantities to performance metrics and training load quantification.

Lesson 3 • Torque and Lever Systems

Calculates torque as force times moment arm and classifies musculoskeletal levers. Explains mechanical advantage and its implications for exercise design.

Lesson 4 • Force, Mass, and Newton's Laws

Applies Newton's three laws to human movement scenarios. Provides the mechanical foundation for understanding how muscles and external loads interact.

Lesson 1 • Deep Stabilising Muscles of the Spine

Identifies transversus abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor as the local stabilising system. Explains their anticipatory activation role in protecting the spine.

Lesson 2 • Cervical and Thoracic Spine Muscles

Maps deep cervical flexors, suboccipitals, and thoracic extensors. Relates cervical muscle function to head position and upper extremity movement.

Lesson 3 • Global Trunk Musculature

Covers rectus abdominis, obliques, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum as force producers. Distinguishes global movers from local stabilisers in trunk function.

Lesson 4 • Spinal Stability Models and Assessment

Presents passive, active, and neural subsystem stability models. Guides students in applying these models to movement screening and exercise prescription.

Lesson 1 • Thigh and Knee Musculature

Covers quadriceps, hamstrings, and IT band complex in detail. Explains their roles in knee extension, flexion, and dynamic stabilisation.

Lesson 2 • Foot Intrinsic Muscles and Arches

Identifies plantar intrinsic layers and their role in arch support. Connects intrinsic foot strength to propulsion efficiency and injury prevention.

Lesson 3 • Hip Musculature and Function

Details gluteal group, hip flexors, adductors, and deep rotators. Connects hip muscle function to pelvic control and lower limb alignment.

Lesson 4 • Lower Extremity Kinetic Chain Analysis

Integrates hip, knee, and ankle function in closed-chain movements. Applies kinetic chain principles to squat, lunge, and jump landing mechanics.

Lesson 1 • Arm and Elbow Musculature

Covers biceps brachii, triceps, brachialis, and anconeus in functional context. Connects elbow flexor and extensor anatomy to pressing and pulling exercise mechanics.

Lesson 2 • Upper Extremity Kinetic Chain in Sport

Integrates trunk, shoulder, elbow, and wrist in overhead and throwing patterns. Applies sequential segmental energy transfer to performance and injury prevention.

Lesson 3 • Forearm and Wrist Musculature

Maps flexor and extensor compartments of the forearm and their wrist actions. Relates forearm anatomy to grip strength and wrist stability in loaded tasks.

Lesson 4 • Hand Intrinsic Muscles and Grip

Identifies thenar, hypothenar, and interosseous muscles and their grip contributions. Connects hand anatomy to force transmission in resistance training and sport.

Lesson 1 • Movement Pattern Classification

Organises exercises into push, pull, hinge, squat, carry, and rotation patterns. Provides a systematic framework for balanced programme construction.

Lesson 2 • Anatomical Analysis of Key Exercises

Dissects muscle activation, joint angles, and force demands in foundational lifts. Builds the analytical skill to evaluate any exercise from an anatomical perspective.

Lesson 3 • Postural Assessment and Correction

Identifies common postural deviations and their muscular imbalance origins. Connects postural findings to corrective exercise selection and cueing strategies.

Lesson 4 • Integrating Anatomy into Programme Design

Applies anatomical principles to periodisation, exercise order, and volume distribution. Produces programmes that reflect structural balance, recovery needs, and client goals.