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

She said she regrets not exercising and now does Pilates once a week.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

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

Although the craze is high right now, Reformer was invented by Joseph Pilates during World War I, when he adapted hospital beds with springs to help rehabilitate patients.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

The only places I seem to go these days are to the shops, my Pilates classes and the therapist.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins