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

At the Pilates studio, Jessi and Demi drop some shocking news. —Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 17 May 2025

These are for everywhere but my Sunday Pilates classes. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 May 2025

Collins looked in great shape at rookie camp last week and has been taking Pilates classes since the end of last season. —Vic Tafur, New York Times, 16 May 2025

There’s also a gym with Peloton bikes, rowing machines, free weights, as well as a separate yoga and Pilates studio with a reformer. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 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