Pilates

noun

Pi·​la·​tes pə-ˈlä-tēz 

: an exercise regimen that is typically performed on a floor mat or with the use of specialized apparatus and aims to improve flexibility and stability by strengthening the muscles and especially the torso-stabilizing muscles of the abdomen and lower back

Long popular with dancers, Pilates recently has attracted a huge surge of athletes, models, actors and other body-conscious folks.

—Patricia Hagen

She does intensive Pilates, deep-muscle floor exercises and stretches.

—Cosmopolitan

Examples of Pilates in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Guests can also enjoy Muay Thai boxing lessons, yoga, Pilates and aqua fit classes. —Sherrie Nachman, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

There will also be a free Pilates class an hour before the event officially kicks off. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025

An upscale fitness center offering day care, pickleball courts, Pilates and a health clinic opened its doors on March 1 in downtown Evanston. —Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025

The location will also feature other exclusives including Pilates and yoga classes and a high-humidity, low-temperature sauna. —Emily Burns, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Joseph H. Pilates †1967 U.S. (German-born) fitness instructor

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Pilates

• altarpiece
• centerpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• masterpiece
• summarise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice
• cerise

Medical Definition

Pilates

noun

Pi·​la·​tes pə-ˈlä-tēz 

: an exercise regimen typically performed with the use of specialized apparatus and designed to improve the overall condition of the body