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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Pilates

Dawn, 42, works as a full-time self-employed Pilates instructor in Ipswich, while her husband works in an office and the couple have a household income of about £70,000 a year.

From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026

In St. Louis, an interior designer shared her love of Pilates, escape rooms and collecting angel figurines and animal bones.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

Fidel Enrique Garcia Rendon, a 59-year-old Pilates studio owner, fears the cost of playing the remodeled course will put it beyond his reach.

From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026

So we’re excited to share these five free yoga and Pilates events — all very different, but equally inclusive — coming up in August.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

She didn’t usually come over in the mornings either, but Dad had a big project coming up and Mom had moved her Pilates schedule, so they said that might happen more.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

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