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

Being a Pilates instructor who could barely stand wasn't ideal. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

Her growing passion for yoga and Pilates evolved from an in-home workout to opening a 2,700-square-foot fitness studio to share it with others. —Martie Bowser, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025

Matthew McConaughey's Mom Kay, 93, Shares Her Secrets to Good Health and Longevity: Do Pilates and 'Don't Stress' Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. —Sharareh Drury, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

This exercise ball is excellent for yoga and Pilates and features a puncture-resistant PVC body with a smooth matte surface and horizontal ribbed contours for superior grip. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 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