A Glossary of Pilates Terms

A definition of the term abdominals as used in pilates exercises.

A definition of the term abductor muscles.

A definition of the term adductor muscles.

Classical Pilates defined. What does classical Pilates mean?

What is contemporary Pilates training? Contemporary Pilates defined.

Contrology is an important term coined by Joseph Pilates. Find out what it means....

Core strength is one of the foundations of Pilates Exercise. read more...

Counter stretch defined.

When you take a deep breath in to your belly, it's your diaphragm muscle that lets you do it. Learn about diaphragmatic deep breathing.

An eccentric contraction is of three kinds of muscle contractions. Get eccentric contraction defined.

A definition of embodied along with synonyms and examples of use

Extension defined. read more...

Fitness balls are fun and challenging. Find out how they are used in Pilates...

Get the definition of flexibility as it relates to stretching and exercise.

Flexion defined. read more...

Fitness training that is designed, through exercise, to mimic and improve the kinds of movement activities that people perform in everyday life.

Lateral breathing, a Pilates breathing technique allows you to take a deep breath while keeping the abdominals contracted.

What is a magic circle? Find out...

Midline definition: an anatomical term describing an invisible line down the middle of the body.

Modification changes an exercise but keeps its original intent.

Neutral Pelvis is one of the most important concepts in Pilates. read more...

A basic, natural position of the back. Very important in Pilates exercise. read more...

Oppositional stretch defined.

What and/or Who is "Pilates"? Find out...

What is a Pilates machine? Get Pilates machine defined as well as other Pilates equipment terms.

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is a nonprofit organization that supports professionalism in Pilates.

A position of the legs used in many Pilates exercises. Get details...

We work from our powerhouse in Pilates. What do we mean...?

The Pilates reformer is an original and important piece of Pilates equipment.

Some people call the scapula the wingbones because of their position on the back and their flat, triangular, wing-like shape.

Scoop your abs is a phrase we use a lot in Pilates but it can leave a beginner wondering what that could possibly be. Here is a quick definition.

You sit on them, you feel them on a hard bench, what are they...?

The legs are in tabletop position when the knees are bent so that the thighs are perpendicular to the floor and the shins are parallel to the floor.

Winsor Pilates is a Pilates brand name, sometimes misspelled as Windsor Pilates. Find out more.

Is your instructor encouraging you to zip it up? Find out what it means.

An extensive compilation of Pilates terms, many drawn from the original work of Joseph Pilates. This is from the website of Pilates Instructor, Jillian Hessel, who has made some of her own helpful additions. Recommended

A glossary of words related to exercise from your About.com Exercise Guide.

This site offers a list technical terms covering the anatomy and physiology related to Pilates, as well as some of the Pilates Jargon.