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

Bala Bangles wrist and ankle weights ($55) add resistance to walks, Pilates and yoga. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026

Leah Jay Ramsey, an Australian living in Texas, shared the heartbreaking update on Instagram with her husband, Michael Ramsey, Strong Pilates co-founder, on Friday, June 12. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

Back on the mainland, Wynwood hosts Fogo de Chão’s 12-day Brazilian soccer pop-up, where daily watch parties share real estate with Pilates classes, a Ronaldo Nazário lookalike contest and a virtual reality pitch. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026

The same member who is at Tramp late at night is in a Pilates class at Tramp Health the following morning. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 13 June 2026

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
• specialise
• stabilise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice

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