Pilates

American  

[pi-lah-teez] / pɪˈlɑ tiz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a system of physical conditioning involving low-impact exercises and stretches designed to strengthen muscles of the torso and often performed with specialized equipment.

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Pilates British  

/ pɪˈlɑːtiːz /

noun

1. a system of gentle exercise performed lying down that stretches and lengthens the muscles, designed to improve posture, flexibility, etc

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Etymology

Origin of Pilates

Named after Joseph Pilates (1883–1967), German fitness instructor

Example Sentences

Soon, the sounds of boards being kicked and mannequins being punched will echo from a former Pilates studio on Palisades Drive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Statistics show that the amount of Reformer Pilates businesses in the UK rose by nearly 1,000 per cent between 2024 and 2025.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Fresh from a Pilates class in the church hall, Lise Gothard, 54, says there is "a lot of talk" online about anti-social behaviour in the Hamptons.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Members of the Forth in Atlanta, meanwhile, can hang out by the rooftop pool and join in Pilates classes before enjoying a priority reservation at buzzy Il Premio.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Lily is still on the couch, which is weird, since she and Mom usually go to Pilates together.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish