Why Control Matters in Rock Climbing

How Practicing Control Through Pilates Improves Your Strength

What is Pilates?

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates during World War I to help rehabilitate injured soldiers after overcoming his own health struggles. He used a series of repetitive exercises that improved strength and mobility, while exercising on a mat or using spring tension for resistance on a machine called a reformer. Then, with movement inspired from gymnastics, yoga, and ballet, the Pilates method was brought to New York City in the 1920s and was, at that time, called Contrology. 

Pilates exercises focus on core strength, mobility, posture, and a mind-body connection, and contains six principles: breath, flow, precision, concentration, centering, and control. By using control in Pilates, every movement is deliberate and the mind should be directing every muscle, preventing momentum.

Control in Rock Climbing

Pilates and rock climbing can go hand-in-hand with the core strength, breath, mobility, and balance needed and achieved in both. When practicing the principle of control in a Pilates class, the body is getting the most out of the exercise by being intentional with the movements. That practice of control can also be used in rock climbing when executing each movement and hold, rather than relying on brute strength alone, and using the mind-body connection when strategizing a new route. 

Do Pilates, Do Life

At Club Pilates, we say "Do Pilates, Do Life." Pilates builds the strength and staying power to keep doing what you love for years to come, including rock climbing!

Practice control in a Pilates class by getting started with a complimentary Intro Class at Club Pilates Post Falls, and bring your practice to the rock wall at Coeur Climbing Company.

Curious how else to build the mobility and body awareness that helps on the wall? Learn more about moving better with Coeur Climbing’s yoga and mobility classes →