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

Cindi Hodgman, 56, of Royal Oak, is a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, took a long sigh before answering who was her presidential pick. —Detroit Free Press Staff, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Watch Party Newsletter Apple cider vinegar Is Pilates for you? —USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024

Leslie Reeves, who had a master's degree in engineering, chose instead to teach Pilates and to promote self-defense classes for women. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024

Other brands like Strong Pilates, CorePower, and Pure Barre emphasize structure and community, attracting members who value physical fitness and a sense of belonging. —Brin Snelling, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

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