Pilates

[ pi-lah-teez ]

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.

Pilates

/ pɪˈlɑːtiːz /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pilates¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pilates¹

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

Example Sentences

Keep your eyes peeled because you could easily find yourself downward dogging next to Sandra Oh in a Pilates class or bump into Aaron Paul at Albertsons.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m trying to make Pilates a weekly tradition.

From Los Angeles Times

"She wasn’t lifting weights or doing Pilates. She was eating cheese, bread and drinking wine, and not making a big deal of it. So of course, her body would be soft," Winslet said.

From BBC

Because all the women streaming in and out of the nearby Pilates studio had the kind of bodies I dreamed of having.

From Los Angeles Times

In a Sydney warehouse-turned-community centre, breakers warm up with ab exercises that would make a Pilates teacher cry, before taking to the floor with acrobatic moves so intricate you can barely make them out.

From BBC