Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Fitness & Exercise

Pilates Directory

Pilates is a system of strengthening and stretching exercises designed to develop the body's core (abdominals, low back, hips, and gluteals) and ultimately lead to better posture and balance. Named for Joseph Pilates, who developed the system in Germany in the late 19th Century, calling it "contrology," the discipline works the entire body in a fluid series of motions to create a synergy of movement. It is used in rehabilitation settings, as well as exercise studios. Pilates apparatus can be elaborate or portable and includes weighted and exercise balls, resistance bands, and the Reformer and the Barrel. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage of Pilates, how the exercises work, what they accomplish, and much more.

Basic Information

More About Pilates

Yoga, Pilates, and other types of exercise may help people feel better about their bodies.

Read Full Article

Videos

Slideshows & Images

Pilates News Archive

Healthy Living Tools

Ditch Those Inches

Set goals, tally calorie intake, track workouts and more, all via WebMD’s free Food & Fitness Planner.

Get Started

Today on WebMD

Wet feet on shower floor tile
Slideshow
Flat Abs
Slideshow
 
Build a Better Butt Slideshow
Slideshow
woman using ice pack
Quiz
 

man exercising
Article
7 most effective exercises
Interactive
 
Man looking at watch before workout
Slideshow
Overweight man sitting on park bench
Video
 
6-Week Challenges
Want to know more?
Eat Better Challenge - No diets here. One new healthy habit, one step at a time.
Get Up and Go Challenge - Get inspired and stay motivated.
Mood Boost Challenge - Fight the blahs, lower stress, and be happy.
I have read and agreed to WebMD's Privacy Policy.
Enter cell phone number
- -
Entering your cell phone number and pressing submit indicates you agree to receive text messages from WebMD related to this challenge. WebMD is utilizing a 3rd party vendor, CellTrust, to provide the messages. You can opt out at any time.
Standard text rates apply

pilates instructor
Slideshow
jogger running among flowering plants
Video
 
Teen girl jogging
Article
Taylor Lautner
Article