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

We were given pro tips about the classes; for example, Pilates was a hot commodity and there were limited spaces available, so get there early. —Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 22 May 2024

Youth and experience attend the same cocktail hour, and both leave early — one, to not miss the last bus to the Eastside; the other, to be well rested for 7 a.m. hot Pilates. —Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

In contrast, Angela Bassett and Kerry Washington’s routines are effective but more chill, like Pilates, cardio, and lifting weights. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 May 2024

Since walking is so helpful to the brain, imagine the potential benefits of more complex activities like dancing, Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, etc. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 16 May 2024

Kick Off The Day With Yoga or Pilates If your mom is the ultimate yogi or pilates girlie, start the Mother’s Day celebration off with an early morning class. —Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024

According to one of her posts, she was inspired to delve into fitness after her mom introduced her to Pilates, and it's been a passion since. —Emma Kershaw, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024

That final piece is a key, defining component of Pilates. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 9 Apr. 2024

Along the way, industrialists learned that the poor posture epidemic was good for business, leading to new, lucrative markets in ergonomic chairs, back braces, shoes, and fitness regimes, such as yoga and Pilates. —Beth Linker, TIME, 8 Apr. 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