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

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

“All the girls want to bring their boyfriends and husbands,” said Laura Wilson, founder of Natural Pilates, a studio in Los Angeles and New York.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

Like the men I spoke to, I’d never done Pilates before.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

She says Pilates like “Pee-lates,” the twang in her voice becoming more and more pronounced with the added anxiety.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

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