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

And here’s today’s e-newspaper Spring into movement At first glance, Pilates looks easy. —Alyssa Bereznak, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025

Guests—both hirsute and human—got to explore the whimsical outdoor dreamscape, and across the week, took part in pet portraits, training sessions, and pet Pilates. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025

The site’s activewear label, FP Movement, has some seriously cute pieces that are also practical for activities like Pilates, running, HIIT classes, and more. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025

Watching reels about bubble baths and Pilates doesn’t seem to be enough to ease work stress, ladies. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Apr. 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