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

The first installment of Sweat With SELF’s new Pilates series is all about upper-body mobility. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 20 June 2024

In addition to acute physical discomfort and lost time at work, treatment often requires education, physical therapy and exercises such as Pilates that may require fees or specialized equipment. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 19 June 2024

There’s even a standalone Pilates studio that overlooks the ocean. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 17 June 2024

There’s also a 20-meter spa-like pool, as well as classes that include reformer Pilates, triathlon swimming, rocket yoga, Brazilian jiu jitsu and swimming lessons for beginners. —Luis Campuzano, WWD, 15 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Joseph H. Pilates †1967 U.S. (German-born) fitness instructor

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

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