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

Meanwhile, her fitness routine consists of lifting light weights and incorporating Pilates into her day. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025

Things like swimming, Pilates, and yoga are generally considered safe for folks with axSpa and can help keep your spine mobile. —Sarah Klein, SELF, 20 Feb. 2025

She’s established a self-care routine that includes meditation, Pilates, and hot yoga sessions with her Mystics teammates at CorePower. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 19 Feb. 2025

There’s also complimentary Pilates and yoga, a gym, a jogging track, a spa, an observation library, and a slew of bars and restaurants. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 18 Feb. 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