Are you body-confident for movement? Many of us long for agility, grace, accuracy, or poise, yet these qualities often elude us. When we try to fit our bodies into a demonstration shape or to follow set instructions, movement can feel mechanical — as if imposed from the outside. This is where the insight of ‘Functional Anatomy’ becomes transformational.
Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Part 1: The Centre of Movement – The architecture of the spine, core dynamics, and the respiratory engine
In this course of the ‘Functional Anatomy’ series, we explore the body’s centre of movement. By applying the principles of the anatomy of movement, we dispel the myth that the trunk is simply a container for the vital organs, and instead discover its power as a dynamic junction and originator of motion.
What will we cover?
The Spine and Core Muscles: Learn how the mobility of the spine and the core muscles function together not simply to support the centre of the body but to produce dynamic movement.
The Diaphragm: Explore the relationship between respiration and core strength. Discover the diaphragm as a movement muscle.
The Pelvis: Engage with the pelvic bowl as a unit of both stability and mobility within the body. Uncover the vital component of pelvic power in movement.
Centred Movement: Explore the almost endless capacity of the body’s centre for articulated precise movement. Discover the core complex as a vital source of power and dynamism in movements involving the arms and legs.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify the architecture and movement capacity of the spine
Describe the core muscles of the abdomen, back, pelvis and upper body
Explain the biodynamic relationship between the muscles of respiration and the core muscles.
Demonstrate how the pelvic bowl connects with the body’s centre of movement.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students should be keen to develop their understanding of the theory of movement and to engage with movement as method of experiential learning. Lessons will examine how the musculoskeletal system facilitates movement and actively engage with kinetic chains and the biomechanics which support movement through movement itself.
This course is suitable for teachers of movement studies, body workers, dancers, sports and exercise enthusiasts, anybody interested in improving their quality of movement or their longevity of movement.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Practical Descriptions
Guided movement practices exploring practical principles of anatomy of motion
Visual Materials
Mini Lectures
Peer-to-peer observation
Self-palpation exercises
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Loose comfortable clothing suitable for performing movement.
Notepad and pen.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course forms part of the Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens programme designed to map the movement of the entire body in three eight week courses. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another.
The other courses in this series are:
Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body – Power, propulsion, and support through the hips, knees, and feet. Click to learn more link
Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body – Freedom of reach, neck alignment, and the mechanics of the shoulder girdle. Click to learn more link
Caroline's career in movement began with her own powerfully transformative healing journey. By overcoming clinically diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome through daily Yoga practice, she discovered the profound impact of mindful movement on healing and well-being. This experience ignited a passion for sharing the power of Yoga and movement with others. As a fully qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher and experienced Q3 Pilates instructor, Caroline brings a unique understanding of the body's capacity to heal and thrive. She empowers individuals to cultivate strong, fluid, and aligned movement patterns, revitalising their bodies and enhancing their long-term health. Her expertise spans Yoga, Pilates, and health-related fitness, with a consistent focus on spinal health, joint alignment, breathwork, and whole-body integration.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/functional-anatomy-how-movement-happens3022909Functional Anatomy: How Movement Happenshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Massage_level_3_introduction_FTQ65-1024_1.jpg219219GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Massage and complementary therapies/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Massage and complementary therapies/Anatomy and physiology22851249126012621228512491260<p>Are you body-confident for movement? Many of us long for agility, grace, accuracy, or poise, yet these qualities often elude us. When we try to fit our bodies into a demonstration shape or to follow set instructions, movement can feel mechanical — as if imposed from the outside. This is where the insight of ‘Functional Anatomy’ becomes transformational.</p><p>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens</p><p>This comprehensive Three Course Programme is designed to map the movement of the entire body. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another.</p><ul><li><strong>Part 1: The Spine and Core Muscles</strong></li><li><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> </p></li><li><p><strong><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong></strong></p></li></ul>003022903Functional Anatomy: How Movement Happens219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Massage_level_3_introduction_FTQ65-1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-05-01T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Health & wellbeingFGD26219219Functional Anatomy: How Movement Happens175153219Caroline Ings-Chambersfunctional-anatomy-how-movement-happens/fgd26-2526<p>Are you body-confident for movement? Many of us long for agility, grace, accuracy, or poise, yet these qualities often elude us. When we try to fit our bodies into a demonstration shape or to follow set instructions, movement can feel mechanical — as if imposed from the outside. This is where the insight of ‘Functional Anatomy’ becomes transformational.</p><p>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens</p><p>This comprehensive Three Course Programme is designed to map the movement of the entire body. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another.</p><ul><li><strong>Part 1: The Spine and Core Muscles</strong></li><li><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> </p></li><li><p><strong><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong></strong></p></li></ul>0000-Available|2026-05-01 00:00:00<p><strong>Part 1: The Centre of Movement</strong> – The architecture of the spine, core dynamics, and the respiratory engine</p><p>In this course of the ‘Functional Anatomy’ series, we explore the body’s centre of movement. By applying the principles of the anatomy of movement, we dispel the myth that the trunk is simply a container for the vital organs, and instead discover its power as a dynamic junction and originator of motion. </p><p>Are you body-confident for movement? Many of us long for agility, grace, accuracy, or poise, yet these qualities often elude us. When we try to fit our bodies into a demonstration shape or to follow set instructions, movement can feel mechanical — as if imposed from the outside. This is where the insight of ‘Functional Anatomy’ becomes transformational.</p><p>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens</p><p>This comprehensive Three Course Programme is designed to map the movement of the entire body. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another.</p><ul><li><strong>Part 1: The Spine and Core Muscles</strong></li><li><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> </p></li><li><p><strong><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong></strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><strong>The Spine and Core Muscles:</strong> Learn how the mobility of the spine and the core muscles function together not simply to support the centre of the body but to produce dynamic movement. </li><li><strong>The Diaphragm:</strong> Explore the relationship between respiration and core strength. Discover the diaphragm as a movement muscle.</li><li><strong>The Pelvis: </strong>Engage with the pelvic bowl as a unit of both stability and mobility within the body. Uncover the vital component of pelvic power in movement. </li><li><strong>Centred Movement:</strong> Explore the almost endless capacity of the body’s centre for articulated precise movement. Discover the core complex as a vital source of power and dynamism in movements involving the arms and legs. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Identify the architecture and movement capacity of the spine</li><li>Describe the core muscles of the abdomen, back, pelvis and upper body</li><li>Explain the biodynamic relationship between the muscles of respiration and the core muscles.</li><li>Demonstrate how the pelvic bowl connects with the body’s centre of movement.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Students should be keen to develop their understanding of the theory of movement and to engage with movement as method of experiential learning. Lessons will examine how the musculoskeletal system facilitates movement and actively engage with kinetic chains and the biomechanics which support movement through movement itself.</p><p>This course is suitable for teachers of movement studies, body workers, dancers, sports and exercise enthusiasts, anybody interested in improving their quality of movement or their longevity of movement.</p><p>Practical Descriptions</p><p>Guided movement practices exploring practical principles of anatomy of motion</p><p>Visual Materials</p><p>Mini Lectures</p><p>Peer-to-peer observation</p><p>Self-palpation exercises</p><p>Loose comfortable clothing suitable for performing movement. </p><p>Notepad and pen.</p><p>This course forms part of the <strong>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens programme </strong>designed to map the movement of the entire body in three eight week courses. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another. </p><p>The other courses in this series are:</p><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> – Power, propulsion, and support through the hips, knees, and feet. <em>Click to learn more link</em></p><p><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong> – Freedom of reach, neck alignment, and the mechanics of the shoulder girdle. <em>Click to learn more link</em></p><p> </p><p> </p>Massage and complementary therapiesAnatomy and physiologyvirtual3031678Functional Anatomy: How Movement Happens229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Massage_level_3_introduction_FTQ65-1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Health & wellbeingFGF07229229Functional Anatomy: How Movement Happens183160229Caroline Ings-Chambersfunctional-anatomy-how-movement-happens/fgf07-2627<p>Are you frustrated by a lack of understanding of how movement is truly produced? This course takes a deep look at the structure, mechanics, and kinetic chains that produce every motion.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-23 00:00:00<p>Go beyond simple demonstrations of movements, to truly understand how your body moves. This course is designed to give you the keys to improve body coordination and develop movement literacy. We'll break down movements into their component parts, exploring the anatomy, biomechanics and kinetic chains that make them happen.</p><p> </p><p>By gaining a deeper understanding of motion, you'll not only improve your own physical performance but also be able to effectively explain and teach movement techniques to others. This course is perfect for movement teachers, bodyworkers, dancers, and anyone eager to improve their quality of movement.</p><p>Are you frustrated by a lack of understanding of how movement is truly produced? This course takes a deep look at the structure, mechanics, and kinetic chains that produce every motion.</p><p>Overview of Biodynamics</p><p>Role of respiration and core strength in movement</p><p>Role of spine as axis of movement</p><p>Biomechanics of the five movements of the spine</p><p>Biomechanics and function of the pelvis</p><p>Biomechanics of the Foot, Ankle, and Lower Limb</p><p>Biomechanics of the shoulder girdle, thoracic body, head and neck</p><p>Biomechanics of the arms and hands</p><p>Global Body Movement</p><p>State the components of biodynamics</p><p>Describe the role of respiration and core muscles in motion</p><p>Name and analyse the five movement of the spine</p><p>Describe the biomechanics and function of the pelvis</p><p>Identify the biomechanics of the Foot, Ankle, and Lower Limb</p><p>Describe the biomechanics of the shoulder girdle, thoracic body, head and neck</p><p>Identify the biomechanics of the arms and hands</p><p>Explain Global Body Movement</p><p>This course welcomes students who are interested to learn in detail about the anatomy of the body and the movement apparatus of the body. Students should be keen to develop their understanding of how the musculoskeletal system facilitates movement and be ready to actively analyse kinetic chains and the biomechanics which support movement.</p><p>This course is suitable for teachers of movement studies, body workers, dancers, sports and exercise enthusiasts, and anybody interested in improving their quality of movement. Students should expect to engage with movement during learning activities.</p><p>Visual Materials</p><p>Mini Lectures</p><p>Practical Descriptions</p><p>Guided movement practices exploring practical principles of anatomy of motion</p><p>Loose comfortable clothing suitable for performing movement. </p><p>Notepad and pen or pencil.</p><p>Any dance, movement or body work course.</p>Massage and complementary therapiesAnatomy and physiologyvirtual175,183219,229153,160FGD26,FGF07NONEFri01/05/26 - 19/06/2614:30 - 16:3014:3016:308 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley Street,Kean Street Wellbeing CentreCaroline Ings-ChambersBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-01T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00May 2026,Oct 2026Health & wellbeing219219,229Functional Anatomy: How Movement Happensfunctional-anatomy-how-movement-happens/fgd26-2526,functional-anatomy-how-movement-happens/fgf07-2627<p>Are you body-confident for movement? Many of us long for agility, grace, accuracy, or poise, yet these qualities often elude us. When we try to fit our bodies into a demonstration shape or to follow set instructions, movement can feel mechanical — as if imposed from the outside. This is where the insight of ‘Functional Anatomy’ becomes transformational.</p><p>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens</p><p>This comprehensive Three Course Programme is designed to map the movement of the entire body. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another.</p><ul><li><strong>Part 1: The Spine and Core Muscles</strong></li><li><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> </p></li><li><p><strong><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong></strong></p></li></ul>,<p>Are you frustrated by a lack of understanding of how movement is truly produced? This course takes a deep look at the structure, mechanics, and kinetic chains that produce every motion.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-01 00:00:00<p><strong>Part 1: The Centre of Movement</strong> – The architecture of the spine, core dynamics, and the respiratory engine</p><p>In this course of the ‘Functional Anatomy’ series, we explore the body’s centre of movement. By applying the principles of the anatomy of movement, we dispel the myth that the trunk is simply a container for the vital organs, and instead discover its power as a dynamic junction and originator of motion. </p>,<p>Go beyond simple demonstrations of movements, to truly understand how your body moves. This course is designed to give you the keys to improve body coordination and develop movement literacy. We'll break down movements into their component parts, exploring the anatomy, biomechanics and kinetic chains that make them happen.</p><p> </p><p>By gaining a deeper understanding of motion, you'll not only improve your own physical performance but also be able to effectively explain and teach movement techniques to others. This course is perfect for movement teachers, bodyworkers, dancers, and anyone eager to improve their quality of movement.</p><p>Are you body-confident for movement? Many of us long for agility, grace, accuracy, or poise, yet these qualities often elude us. When we try to fit our bodies into a demonstration shape or to follow set instructions, movement can feel mechanical — as if imposed from the outside. This is where the insight of ‘Functional Anatomy’ becomes transformational.</p><p>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens</p><p>This comprehensive Three Course Programme is designed to map the movement of the entire body. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another.</p><ul><li><strong>Part 1: The Spine and Core Muscles</strong></li><li><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> </p></li><li><p><strong><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong></strong></p></li></ul>,<p>Are you frustrated by a lack of understanding of how movement is truly produced? This course takes a deep look at the structure, mechanics, and kinetic chains that produce every motion.</p><ul><li><strong>The Spine and Core Muscles:</strong> Learn how the mobility of the spine and the core muscles function together not simply to support the centre of the body but to produce dynamic movement. </li><li><strong>The Diaphragm:</strong> Explore the relationship between respiration and core strength. Discover the diaphragm as a movement muscle.</li><li><strong>The Pelvis: </strong>Engage with the pelvic bowl as a unit of both stability and mobility within the body. Uncover the vital component of pelvic power in movement. </li><li><strong>Centred Movement:</strong> Explore the almost endless capacity of the body’s centre for articulated precise movement. Discover the core complex as a vital source of power and dynamism in movements involving the arms and legs. </li></ul><p> </p>,<p>Overview of Biodynamics</p><p>Role of respiration and core strength in movement</p><p>Role of spine as axis of movement</p><p>Biomechanics of the five movements of the spine</p><p>Biomechanics and function of the pelvis</p><p>Biomechanics of the Foot, Ankle, and Lower Limb</p><p>Biomechanics of the shoulder girdle, thoracic body, head and neck</p><p>Biomechanics of the arms and hands</p><p>Global Body Movement</p><ul><li>Identify the architecture and movement capacity of the spine</li><li>Describe the core muscles of the abdomen, back, pelvis and upper body</li><li>Explain the biodynamic relationship between the muscles of respiration and the core muscles.</li><li>Demonstrate how the pelvic bowl connects with the body’s centre of movement.</li></ul><p> </p>,<p>State the components of biodynamics</p><p>Describe the role of respiration and core muscles in motion</p><p>Name and analyse the five movement of the spine</p><p>Describe the biomechanics and function of the pelvis</p><p>Identify the biomechanics of the Foot, Ankle, and Lower Limb</p><p>Describe the biomechanics of the shoulder girdle, thoracic body, head and neck</p><p>Identify the biomechanics of the arms and hands</p><p>Explain Global Body Movement</p><p>Students should be keen to develop their understanding of the theory of movement and to engage with movement as method of experiential learning. Lessons will examine how the musculoskeletal system facilitates movement and actively engage with kinetic chains and the biomechanics which support movement through movement itself.</p><p>This course is suitable for teachers of movement studies, body workers, dancers, sports and exercise enthusiasts, anybody interested in improving their quality of movement or their longevity of movement.</p>,<p>This course welcomes students who are interested to learn in detail about the anatomy of the body and the movement apparatus of the body. Students should be keen to develop their understanding of how the musculoskeletal system facilitates movement and be ready to actively analyse kinetic chains and the biomechanics which support movement.</p><p>This course is suitable for teachers of movement studies, body workers, dancers, sports and exercise enthusiasts, and anybody interested in improving their quality of movement. Students should expect to engage with movement during learning activities.</p><p>Practical Descriptions</p><p>Guided movement practices exploring practical principles of anatomy of motion</p><p>Visual Materials</p><p>Mini Lectures</p><p>Peer-to-peer observation</p><p>Self-palpation exercises</p>,<p>Visual Materials</p><p>Mini Lectures</p><p>Practical Descriptions</p><p>Guided movement practices exploring practical principles of anatomy of motion</p><p>Loose comfortable clothing suitable for performing movement. </p><p>Notepad and pen.</p>,<p>Loose comfortable clothing suitable for performing movement. </p><p>Notepad and pen or pencil.</p><p>This course forms part of the <strong>Functional Anatomy: A Three-Part Series about How Movement Happens programme </strong>designed to map the movement of the entire body in three eight week courses. While each module is constructed to be complete on its own, modules are designed to build upon one another. </p><p>The other courses in this series are:</p><p><strong>Part 2: The Dynamic Lower Body</strong> – Power, propulsion, and support through the hips, knees, and feet. <em>Click to learn more link</em></p><p><strong>Part 3: The Fluid Upper Body</strong> – Freedom of reach, neck alignment, and the mechanics of the shoulder girdle. <em>Click to learn more link</em></p><p> </p><p> </p>,<p>Any dance, movement or body work course.</p>Massage and complementary therapiesAnatomy and physiologyconfigurable
12621260Anatomy and physiologyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/health-wellbeing/massage/anatomy-and-physiology1/2/285/1249/1260/12621/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Massage and complementary therapies/Anatomy and physiology
Anatomy and physiology: an introductionFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £167.00
