Pilates
Pilates Classes Pilates Workouts

Pilates is a low-impact exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The Pilates method centers on stretching, strengthening, breath work, and properly aligning the body through slow and controlled movements.

Benefits of Pilates include improved flexibility, better core strength, and increased muscle tone—which explains why Pilates is effective for people of all ages. Pilates classes may include special equipment (called a Pilates apparatus) such as a Pilates Reformer or chairs. Others may use body weight exercises and resistance bands for an effective at-home Pilates workout.

If you want to improve core strength while making your body feel longer and stronger, Pilates is it.

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From Pilates to Breathwork, This Wellness CEO Is Helping Women Break Up With Body-Checking Culture
September 22, 2023
From Pilates to Breathwork, This Wellness CEO Is Helping Women Break Up With Body-Checking Culture
For years, Robin Long, founder and CEO of Lindywell, equated wellness with weight loss. She…
By Well+Good Editors
I Worked Out With Hailey Bieber's Trainer, Who Teaches the Most Exclusive Fitness Class in Hollywood—This Is What It Was Like
August 23, 2023
I Worked Out With Hailey Bieber's Trainer, Who Teaches the Most Exclusive Fitness Class in Hollywood—This Is What It Was Like
Sometimes the bars, restaurants, and social clubs that require you to jump through hoops to…
By Alyssa Sparacino
Les Mills Brings the Reformer Burn to the Comfort of Your Home in a New Pilates, Barre, and Power Yoga Workout
August 08, 2023
Les Mills Brings the Reformer Burn to the Comfort of Your Home in a New Pilates, Barre, and Power Yoga Workout
During my final years living in New York City, Lagree—a high-intensity, low-impact megaformer workout akin…
By Rebecca Norris
This 15-Minute Pilates Routine Can Support Your Walking Practice
June 19, 2023
This 15-Minute Pilates Routine Can Support Your Walking Practice
Before there was HIIT, kickboxing, or yoga, there was the original full-body workout: Walking. Our…
By Rachel Kraus
Put Your Glutes and Abs to the Test With This 15-Minute Pilates Workout
June 15, 2023
Put Your Glutes and Abs to the Test With This 15-Minute Pilates Workout
Looking for a solid workout for your glutes and abs? In this episode of Good…
By Han Schneider
Take 20 Minutes To Combat Knee Pain With This Knee-Friendly Pilates Workout
June 12, 2023
Take 20 Minutes To Combat Knee Pain With This Knee-Friendly Pilates Workout
Squatting, running, walking, sitting—daily life put our knees through a lot of wear and tear.…
By Kayla Hui
If You Sit at a Desk All Day, Spending Just 3 Minutes on These Mobility Moves Will Help Improve Your Posture
May 22, 2023
If You Sit at a Desk All Day, Spending Just 3 Minutes on These Mobility Moves Will Help Improve Your Posture
Many of us spend our days curving our body into a question mark over our…
By Jessica Giles
I Started Breathing Correctly While Lifting Weights, and It Changed My Workouts in 3 Major Ways
May 18, 2023
I Started Breathing Correctly While Lifting Weights, and It Changed My Workouts in 3 Major Ways
As a health and fitness writer, I often learn new info firsthand that ends up…
By Han Schneider
A Fitness Trainer Explains the Difference Between the Terms 'Low Intensity' and 'Low Impact'
May 02, 2023
A Fitness Trainer Explains the Difference Between the Terms 'Low Intensity' and 'Low Impact'
From the hiking trail to the Megaformer, many people these days are making like a…
By Rachel Kraus
I Tried the LIT Strength Machine, and It Helped Me Get Out of My Fitness Rut
April 22, 2023
I Tried the LIT Strength Machine, and It Helped Me Get Out of My Fitness Rut
Like many people, I ended up in a fitness rut in 2020, and after missing…
By Dominique Michelle Astorino
I Spent a Week Working Out Like a Professional Ballerina—Here’s What Happened
April 21, 2023
I Spent a Week Working Out Like a Professional Ballerina—Here’s What Happened
Since childhood, I’ve been obsessed with ballet. Four-year-old me had dreams of hitting the big…
By Katie Baxter
How To Do Fire Hydrants, the Simple Floor Move That Will Scorch Your Glutes, Thighs, and Core
April 17, 2023
How To Do Fire Hydrants, the Simple Floor Move That Will Scorch Your Glutes, Thighs, and Core
From downward dog to zoomies, dogs can be pretty good inspiration for fitness moves. Even…
By Rachel Kraus
If You Work With Your Hands, You'll Want To Try This 15-Minute Pilates Routine for Wrist Pain
April 14, 2023
If You Work With Your Hands, You'll Want To Try This 15-Minute Pilates Routine for Wrist Pain
If you work with your hands in some capacity, you’ve probably had sore wrists at…
By Han Schneider
Barre Versus Pilates: Which Gives You a Better Workout?
April 11, 2023
Barre Versus Pilates: Which Gives You a Better Workout?
There are endless exercise options out there, but only so many hours in a day.…
By Haley Hilton
The 2 Form Tips You Need To Make the Most of Side-Lying Pilates Work
March 31, 2023
The 2 Form Tips You Need To Make the Most of Side-Lying Pilates Work
Whenever the lie-down-on-your-side portion of a Pilates mat class comes around, I always breathe a…
By Rachel Kraus
This Is the *Only* Push-Up That Lets You Stick Your Butt in the Air
March 30, 2023
This Is the *Only* Push-Up That Lets You Stick Your Butt in the Air
Of all of the things to remember when doing a proper push-up, the requirement to keep…
By Rachel Kraus
Trainers Say the Viral '3-2-8' Workout Trend Is One They Can Wholeheartedly Get Behind
March 27, 2023
Trainers Say the Viral '3-2-8' Workout Trend Is One They Can Wholeheartedly Get Behind
There was 12-3-30 on the treadmill, then 25-7-10 on a StairMaster, and now, the latest…
By Dominique Michelle Astorino
Skip That Afternoon Coffee, and Get Some Pilates Instead With This 14-Minute Mid-Day Workout
March 17, 2023
Skip That Afternoon Coffee, and Get Some Pilates Instead With This 14-Minute Mid-Day Workout
It’s 3 p.m., and your eyes are drooping. You’re slumping further and further down in…
By Rachel Kraus
Want To Up Your Pickleball Game? Try These Functional Pilates Moves
March 14, 2023
Want To Up Your Pickleball Game? Try These Functional Pilates Moves
Part of the reason why pickleball's been exploding in popularity is that it feels, well,…
By Amber Sayer
This Strength and Pilates Workout Proves ‘Low and Slow’ Is Good Advice for the Mat, Not Just the Kitchen
March 13, 2023
This Strength and Pilates Workout Proves ‘Low and Slow’ Is Good Advice for the Mat, Not Just the Kitchen
Some say the perfect scrambled eggs come from cooking those huevos low and slow, meaning…
By Rachel Kraus
Here's How To Build Up to the Most Challenging Exercises—Without Even Realizing It
March 03, 2023
Here's How To Build Up to the Most Challenging Exercises—Without Even Realizing It
What in the world is a "reverse burpee"? If just the sound of a move…
By Rachel Kraus
No, Pilates Isn’t Just for Thin Women, and 3 Other Pilates Myths To Stop Believing
February 12, 2023
No, Pilates Isn’t Just for Thin Women, and 3 Other Pilates Myths To Stop Believing
The first time I stepped inside a Pilates studio, I saw a bunch of women…
By Jennifer Heimlich
A Pilates Workout You Can Do at Home Using Nothing but a Wall
February 08, 2023
A Pilates Workout You Can Do at Home Using Nothing but a Wall
When you’re working out at home, you often have to be a little… creative. Don’t…
By Haley Hilton & Rachel Kraus
I’m a Pilates Instructor, and This Smart Resistance Band System Is Like Having an At-Home Reformer That Fits in a Shoebox
February 07, 2023
I’m a Pilates Instructor, and This Smart Resistance Band System Is Like Having an At-Home Reformer That Fits in a Shoebox
Like lots of people, over the past few years, I’ve thought about bringing more workout…
By Jordan Galloway
This Multitasking Morning Pilates Workout Will Supercharge Your Brain All Day
December 26, 2022
This Multitasking Morning Pilates Workout Will Supercharge Your Brain All Day
Good morning, sunshine! Okay, wow, sorry to be a LOT first thing. But if you…
By Rachel Kraus
Feeling a Little Hectic or Chaotic? De-Stress With This 12-Minute Stretching Routine
December 20, 2022
Feeling a Little Hectic or Chaotic? De-Stress With This 12-Minute Stretching Routine
There’s a reason you might call someone a “ball of stress” or a “stress ball.”…
By Rachel Kraus
4 Moves, 11 Minutes—Your Full-Body Workout Is Done
December 19, 2022
4 Moves, 11 Minutes—Your Full-Body Workout Is Done
Leg day, arm day, core day. Push, pull, squat, press. All of the ways we…
By Rachel Kraus
3 ‘Anti-Desk Exercises’ You Can Do To Improve Your Posture and Relieve Upper Back Pain
December 14, 2022
3 ‘Anti-Desk Exercises’ You Can Do To Improve Your Posture and Relieve Upper Back Pain
After two years of working at home, your neck and your upper back are killing…
By Jordan Kurtzman
There’s a New Tool in the Fight Against Long COVID: Pilates
November 16, 2022
There’s a New Tool in the Fight Against Long COVID: Pilates
If you’ve been struggling with long COVID, a new study shows there might be a…
By Lily Canter
What a Pilates Instructor Wants You To Know Before Going to Your First Pilates Reformer Class—Because That Thing Can Be Intimidating
November 14, 2022
What a Pilates Instructor Wants You To Know Before Going to Your First Pilates Reformer Class—Because That Thing Can Be Intimidating
Starting a new form of exercise is always nerve-wracking—especially when it involves seemingly complex equipment…
By Haley Hilton
Pilates Helped Me Make Space for Grief—and Believe in My Strength Again—as a Young Widow
November 07, 2022
Pilates Helped Me Make Space for Grief—and Believe in My Strength Again—as a Young Widow
Rising Cairn is a popular image in the grief community. The 4,000-pound stone sculpture created…
By Elaine Roth
Feeling Too Blah To Work Out? Try These 6 ‘Lazy Girl’ Pilates Moves Without Getting Off the Floor
October 12, 2022
Feeling Too Blah To Work Out? Try These 6 ‘Lazy Girl’ Pilates Moves Without Getting Off the Floor
Even when you’re sapped of energy, it can sometimes still feel good to move your…
By Dominique Michelle Astorino
This 8-Minute Pilates Arm Workout Will Strengthen and Sculpt, No Weights Required
September 24, 2022
This 8-Minute Pilates Arm Workout Will Strengthen and Sculpt, No Weights Required
It's arm day, but your schedule is brimming with to-dos, and you're wondering how you…
By Jessica Estrada
How To Make Table Top Legs the Sturdy Base Your Pilates Practice Needs To Thrive
September 20, 2022
How To Make Table Top Legs the Sturdy Base Your Pilates Practice Needs To Thrive
Activating your core is the key to so many Pilates moves, but actually finding and…
By Rachel Kraus
‘I’m a Pilates Instructor, and These Are 7 Things I Never Do in a Workout’
September 14, 2022
‘I’m a Pilates Instructor, and These Are 7 Things I Never Do in a Workout’
Sarita Allen started teaching Pilates over three decades ago. But even veteran teachers have more…
By Lauren Wingenroth
I Admit It—I Didn't Think I Needed Pilates Until I Tried This Unique Mind-Body Approach
August 25, 2022
I Admit It—I Didn't Think I Needed Pilates Until I Tried This Unique Mind-Body Approach
When it comes to working out, I’ve traditionally operated by the ole "no pain, no…
By Helen Sidebotham
This Pilates ‘Core Ladder’ Works the Teeny, Tiniest Muscles in Your Midsection
August 12, 2022
This Pilates ‘Core Ladder’ Works the Teeny, Tiniest Muscles in Your Midsection
If you've taken a Pilates class, you know that small, controlled movements can make your…
By Kells McPhillips
Do These Pre-Pilates Stretches To Increase Mobility and Flexibility Before Your Workout
July 13, 2022
Do These Pre-Pilates Stretches To Increase Mobility and Flexibility Before Your Workout
Pilates is a movement practice that utilizes slow, fluid movements that engage your muscles (primarily…
By Han Schneider
Reduce Upper-Back Pain and Improve Your Posture With This 10-Minute, Chest-Opening Stretch Routine
June 28, 2022
Reduce Upper-Back Pain and Improve Your Posture With This 10-Minute, Chest-Opening Stretch Routine
Tension in your upper and middle back can be a pain to live with. Lots…
By Han Schneider
Why 'Time Under Tension' Is the Latest in Efficient Fitness Trends
June 21, 2022
Why 'Time Under Tension' Is the Latest in Efficient Fitness Trends
Have you been working your butt off in the gym but not achieving the results…
By Dominique Michelle Astorino
Jennifer Aniston’s Best Days Always Include This Mind-Body Wellness Duo
June 15, 2022
Jennifer Aniston’s Best Days Always Include This Mind-Body Wellness Duo
Jennifer Aniston has long been a fan of practicing various fitness modalities—it's what she calls…
By Erica Sloan
‘I’m a Pilates Instructor, and This Is the Number One Core Workout Rule I Want You To Forget About’
May 16, 2022
‘I’m a Pilates Instructor, and This Is the Number One Core Workout Rule I Want You To Forget About’
If you’re used to flattening your back into the mat while doing core exercises during…
By Jordan Galloway
Treat Your Mom to the First Smart, AI-Connected Pilates Reformer—And Snag it For $500 Off
May 12, 2022
Treat Your Mom to the First Smart, AI-Connected Pilates Reformer—And Snag it For $500 Off
Mother's Day is just two days away, which begs the question: "Have you gotten a…
By Sophie Bress
These 5 Exercises Will Help You Majorly Strengthen Your Low Abs Without Breaking a Sweat
May 09, 2022
These 5 Exercises Will Help You Majorly Strengthen Your Low Abs Without Breaking a Sweat
Layers are great in all sorts of places—they can help your garden grow better, keep…
By Jordan Galloway
If You’ve Got Tight Hips and Shoulders From Sitting at a Desk All Day, This 10-Minute Pilates Workout Is All You Need for Relief
April 25, 2022
If You’ve Got Tight Hips and Shoulders From Sitting at a Desk All Day, This 10-Minute Pilates Workout Is All You Need for Relief
The only thing worse for you posture than sitting at a desk all day is…
By Allie Flinn
Amp Up the Strength-Building Benefits of Your Pilates Workout by Adding This Unexpected Piece of Equipment
April 18, 2022
Amp Up the Strength-Building Benefits of Your Pilates Workout by Adding This Unexpected Piece of Equipment
You wouldn't be surprised to encounter a 20-pound kettlebell in a bootcamp or HIIT workout—but…
By Allie Flinn
This 'Quick and Spicy' Pilates Workout Spikes Your Heart Rate by Amping Up Exercises You Already Know
April 11, 2022
This 'Quick and Spicy' Pilates Workout Spikes Your Heart Rate by Amping Up Exercises You Already Know
When you're short on time (or motivation), sometimes a 10-minute workout is all you can…
By Allie Flinn
If Your Hip Flexors Hurt During Pilates Ab Moves, Try This Physical Therapist-Approved Fix
April 04, 2022
If Your Hip Flexors Hurt During Pilates Ab Moves, Try This Physical Therapist-Approved Fix
It's fun to try new-to-you things, like breathwork or pickleball, but sometimes you just want…
By Allie Flinn
'I'm a Celebrity Pilates Instructor, and This Budget-Friendly Tool Is by Far the Most Effective for Sculpting the Glutes'
April 02, 2022
'I'm a Celebrity Pilates Instructor, and This Budget-Friendly Tool Is by Far the Most Effective for Sculpting the Glutes'
Have you ever loved a fitness tool so much that you carry it around with…
By Jennifer Heimlich
This 30-minute Pilates Workout Will Test Your Endurance (and Your Core)
April 01, 2022
This 30-minute Pilates Workout Will Test Your Endurance (and Your Core)
Working out can be really fun, really challenging (or both). And, if you're a fan…
By Han Schneider
This Pilates Move Is a Plank for Your Back Body—And It's Really Freaking Hard
March 30, 2022
This Pilates Move Is a Plank for Your Back Body—And It's Really Freaking Hard
Just when you think you're getting friendly with plank pose, you meet its spicy sister:…
By Kells McPhillips
The Pilates Scooter Combines 3 of the Most Important Movements for Longevity
March 25, 2022
The Pilates Scooter Combines 3 of the Most Important Movements for Longevity
The way we move is one of the most important factors that contribute to longevity…
By Zoe Weiner
This Exercise Is a Trainer's 'Absolute Favorite Way To Activate the Lower Body'
March 21, 2022
This Exercise Is a Trainer's 'Absolute Favorite Way To Activate the Lower Body'
If you need some inspo for your next leg day workout, look no further. Bridget O'Carroll,…
By Allie Flinn
Ease Back Into Your Movement Routine With This 20-Minute Sculpt Class
March 04, 2022
Ease Back Into Your Movement Routine With This 20-Minute Sculpt Class
Every once in a while, you may feel the need to press the pause button…
By Kells McPhillips
5 Simple Strengthening Exercises To Help Combat Knee Pain, Straight From Physical Therapists
January 25, 2022
5 Simple Strengthening Exercises To Help Combat Knee Pain, Straight From Physical Therapists
Sometimes, your knees just hurt. You're not injured, you don't have any issue like rheumatoid…
By Kara Jillian Brown
This 'Kneeling Backstroke' Move Unwinds Back and Shoulder Tension
January 01, 2022
This 'Kneeling Backstroke' Move Unwinds Back and Shoulder Tension
Okay, let’s talk back pain. Whether it’s from sitting at a computer screen day after…
By Kate Hull
This 22-Minute Pilates Foam Roller Workout Is the Easiest Way to Mimic a Reformer Sweat Session at Home
December 28, 2021
This 22-Minute Pilates Foam Roller Workout Is the Easiest Way to Mimic a Reformer Sweat Session at Home
Here's my dirty little secret, Pilates reformer and Megaformer machines intimidate me more than just…
By Saanya Ali
This Classic Pilates Move Stabilizes Your Hips and Combats Back and Knee Pain
December 22, 2021
This Classic Pilates Move Stabilizes Your Hips and Combats Back and Knee Pain
The clamshell is the ultimate multitasking move. A classic in most Pilates practices, the exercise…
By Saanya Ali
Doing the 'Thread the Needle' Stretch Every Morning Will Mobilize Your Mid-Back and Release Shoulder Tension
December 18, 2021
Doing the 'Thread the Needle' Stretch Every Morning Will Mobilize Your Mid-Back and Release Shoulder Tension
In the category of things that could make you feel like you’ve woken up on…
By Allie Flinn
This 12-Minute Pilates Core Workout Proves Just How Challenging the Basics Can Be
December 14, 2021
This 12-Minute Pilates Core Workout Proves Just How Challenging the Basics Can Be
It comes as no surprise that, while December may be "the most wonderful time of…
By Saanya Ali
This Simple, Core-Strengthening Pilates Move Doubles as a Back Massage
December 08, 2021
This Simple, Core-Strengthening Pilates Move Doubles as a Back Massage
The 'roll like a ball' is a classic Pilates transition that takes you between different…
By Saanya Ali
This 15-Minute Upper Body Pilates Workout Will Save Your Posture
November 23, 2021
This 15-Minute Upper Body Pilates Workout Will Save Your Posture
With many people still working from home (read: hunched over the kitchen table or sprawled…
By Saanya Ali
This Advanced 35-Minute Pilates Workout Uses Small, Controlled Movements To Bring Big Benefits to Your Full Body
November 16, 2021
This Advanced 35-Minute Pilates Workout Uses Small, Controlled Movements To Bring Big Benefits to Your Full Body
When you hear any kind of workout called "advanced," it's easy to picture a rapid…
By Saanya Ali
5 Beginner-Friendly Moves To Work Your Glutes in Less Than 15 Minutes
November 15, 2021
5 Beginner-Friendly Moves To Work Your Glutes in Less Than 15 Minutes
Working your glutes doesn't need to be complicated. In the latest episode of Trainer of…
By Kara Jillian Brown
This 15-Minute Lower Body Sliders Workout Targets Small and Big Muscles Alike
October 26, 2021
This 15-Minute Lower Body Sliders Workout Targets Small and Big Muscles Alike
Slider workouts can be intimidating. The balance, control, slipping and sliding, and subsequent shaking can…
By Saanya Ali
A Physical Therapist Says This Move Gives You 'A Lot of Bang for Your Buck' in Stabilizing Your Hips
October 25, 2021
A Physical Therapist Says This Move Gives You 'A Lot of Bang for Your Buck' in Stabilizing Your Hips
In the three most recent episodes of Trainer of the Month Club, Pilates and barre…
By Allie Flinn
The 10-Minute Pilates Core Workout That Left Our Instructor 'Shaking'
October 15, 2021
The 10-Minute Pilates Core Workout That Left Our Instructor 'Shaking'
When life gets really busy—you know: work, side hustle, home, family, endless emotional labor, unwatched…
By Erin Bunch
A Physical Therapist Says Strengthening This Muscle Group Will Help Prevent Running-Related Knee Pain
October 11, 2021
A Physical Therapist Says Strengthening This Muscle Group Will Help Prevent Running-Related Knee Pain
Strength training is key for stability, and stability is key for, well, pretty much every…
By Allie Flinn
Want to Challenge Your Arms in Pilates Workouts? Add Weights
October 08, 2021
Want to Challenge Your Arms in Pilates Workouts? Add Weights
Pilates is well-known for its benefits to the spine and the core—it strengthens your abs,…
By Erin Bunch
3 Pilates Moves a 58-Year-Old, 6-Time Ironman Triathlete Says Everyone Should Do
October 07, 2021
3 Pilates Moves a 58-Year-Old, 6-Time Ironman Triathlete Says Everyone Should Do
When Jackie Timmerman first started competing in Ironman Triathlons in her mid-30s, she wasn't anticipating…
By Kara Jillian Brown
Hate Side Planks? Try These Pilates-Inspired Obliques Moves Instead
October 01, 2021
Hate Side Planks? Try These Pilates-Inspired Obliques Moves Instead
Obliques have a reputation for being difficult to target. To fire them up, they usually…
By Allie Flinn
This Common Pilates Move Strengthens Your Abs and Mobilizes Your Spine at the Same Time
September 27, 2021
This Common Pilates Move Strengthens Your Abs and Mobilizes Your Spine at the Same Time
Nearly every Pilates move out there requires you to engage your core, which explains the…
By Zoe Weiner
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