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

They organize Pilates retreats in the Hamptons, Finnish Lapland and the south of France, where participants pay upward of $4,500 for a shared room.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2026

Dawn Fazackerley-King is a Pilates instructor who lives near Ipswich and has previously spoken to the BBC about her struggles with the cost of living.

From BBC ● Nov. 7, 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

Pilates or yoga class led by shefayoga Venice or Good Body Pilates studio instructors. 8-10 a.m.,

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2026

Half the Pilates girls will be here, head to toe in Sweaty Betty, competitively stretching, manicured hands wrapped around their Starbucks.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

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