Control

Joseph Pilates was keen on the mind controlling the body. In fact, he named his program, Contrology, based on this concept. Control is a given in any Pilates routine and it is a big part of why grandmothers who do Pilates can do the splits and have stronger stomach muscles than a gym rat and it is how athletes who have injuries due to the repetitive motions of their sport avoid surgeries.

Control builds strength and endurance; it reshapes and defines muscles. The necessity for control in a session will keep your mind on why you scheduled an hour out of your day for Pilates–to improve your physical and mental health.