Which muscle group is likely to be affected if a client is supinating their foot during Pilates exercises?

Supination of the foot refers to the outward rolling of the foot during movement, which can place stress on certain muscle groups. In this case, the calves and the muscles around the ankles are likely to be significantly affected. The calf muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus, play a critical role in stabilizing the foot and ankle joint during activities such as Pilates exercises. When a client supinates their foot, these muscles may become overactive as they attempt to control the foot's movement, leading to potential imbalances or discomfort.

Understanding the biomechanical implications of supination is important for Pilates instructors as it can inform modifications to exercises to ensure proper alignment and reduce the risk of injury. In contrast, the quadriceps, hip abductors, and upper back are not directly involved in the actions associated with foot supination. Therefore, the calves and ankles are indeed the muscle group most directly impacted in this scenario.