Pilates

[pi-lah-teez]

noun (used with a singular verb)

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

Origin of Pilates

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

Also called Pilates method.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for pilates

Contemporary Examples of pilates

For a while yoga and pilates classes were sought out at luxury gyms like Equinox.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze
Lizzie Crocker
January 9, 2015
The new fitness tracker aims to recognize any workout movement from pull-ups to Pilates, but it still needs a bit of work.
Amiigo Tracker Pairs Data With Deadlifts
Gregory Ferenstein
August 4, 2014
First, Herz argues, our ability to weigh risk is out of whack, because CrossFit is more like a sport than a Pilates class.
Inside the Cult of CrossFit
William O’Connor
May 30, 2014
This class uses a MegaFormer, easiest to describe as a Pilates reformer on steroids.
12 Priciest Fitness Classes (Actually Worth the Splurge)
DailyBurn
February 3, 2014
Tone is their MegaFormer-based class, drawing from Pilates with a strength and cardio twist.
12 Priciest Fitness Classes (Actually Worth the Splurge)
DailyBurn
February 3, 2014

Historical Examples of pilates

Now a soldier of Pilates loved Christ but dared not show it.
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail
Alfred Nutt
That the chief priests have failed as utterly as the Pilates.
Discipline
Charles Kingsley
Having been a knight of Pilates for seven years, he craves a boon of him, which is Christs body.
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail
Alfred Nutt
If thou let this man go thou art not Csars friend, it was to the fear of Tiberius in Pilates heart that they appealed.
Under Csars' Shadow
Henry Francis Colby
To allow such a society to gain influence in his province would be a gross oversight on Pilates part.
The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St John, Vol. II
Marcus Dods

British Dictionary definitions for pilates

Pilates

noun

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

Word Origin for Pilates

C20: named after Joseph Pilates (1880–1967), its German inventor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for pilates

Pilates

c.1980, physical fitness regimen developed c.1920 by German-born physical fitness teacher Joseph Pilates (1883-1967).