A lot has been written lately about the late, great, Pilates elder Ron Fletcher. I can’t add much else to the eulogies given him by those who knew him. He was an innovator, a charismatic man, a genius, and an inspiration to all. But those of us who were lucky to know and work with him in his heyday in Beverly Hills, have some fun stories to tell.

It was the early 1970′s: A time before AIDS, a time before cell phones, before computers, a time before 9/11. I was the “kid” on the block. Just out of UCLA, I discovered the “Ron Fletcher School of Body Contrology” through a magazine article and I fell in love with the work. I did not like aerobics, but I loved to move. Ron was a mover. I loved his classes, his technique, and his philosophy.

Although I was not a dancer, I felt like one without being one. Ron was a modern dancer. He incorporated that technique into his studio and classes. Floor classes were his domain, and it became mine as well. The reformer seemed too static, too rigid. Ron’s floor classes were more flowing, more intuitive. I loved it – and still do to this day.

We had every celebrity of the 70′s you could imagine: Katharine Ross, Ali MacGraw, Ann Margaret, Barbara Streisand, you name it. We had big producers and directors as well. Heck, we were charging $75 a private session back then! We were above Aida Grey on Rodeo and Wilshire, across the street from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Many of our clients stayed there. Many of our clients’ husbands had mistresses there (but of course we would never tell). I quickly discovered that being a movie
star did not mean living a life without problems or without having body issues. Diane, Carol, Mike and myself (all his staff) became close. We made sure the other’s clients were well taken care of. We loved Ron, we loved the work, but I was always a bit in awe of him.

When he left to move back to Texas, I thought we would never hear from him again. We all went our separate ways; I began teaching privately in homes, the others
opened a studio. But I always give Ron credit for starting me on my Pilates career journey. When I opened my West LA studio in 2003, Ron contacted me. He wanted
me to open a Ron Fletcher Studio, but I had been on my own for 25 years already and I couldn’t afford to shut down my studio and study with him in Tucson.

I am grateful I started with Ron 35 years ago. He will never know, but he gave a 22-year old young girl a great life and “eye popping” experiences. One day, however,
I will write a book entitled “I’ll never exercise this town again!” Wait for its juicy debut!

Risa Sheppard
The Sheppard Method Pilates Studios

A Thanksgiving Message from Risa Sheppard

Everybody talks about giving thanks around this time of year. Giving thanks is a big deal in spiritual work, for to “give thanks” is the single most loving and healing thing we can do as human beings. I really want to pause and give thanks, as I acknowledge every person in my life that has contributed to my life journey and inspired me to move beyond the limits of my abilities.

First, I thank all of my clients, several of whom have become my family, and for which I have spent most of my waking moments helping them help themselves. You have rewarded me with moments that can never be replicated. I thank each and every one of you, no matter how long we have been apart or where your life has sent you. You have inspired me, motivated me, and made me constantly strive to become a better person.  My work is not about me. It’s about you.

Second, I am thankful of my wonderful staff of teachers and assistants. You have truly helped me reach my clients through your compassion, loyalty, and dedication to the art of Pilates, as well as to helping others. I so appreciate your love and support.

I wish you a happy holiday season and a joyful Thanksgiving. Let us show our gratitude for all the good we have in our lives.