50 Years of Passion, Purpose, and Pilates
Wow, time sure flies when you’re having a good time! The year was 1974 and I had just graduated from UCLA with a degree in Theatre Arts. One evening, I was reading an article that had just come out about a dancer from New York named Ron Fletcher. He had moved to Beverly Hills and opened an exercise studio on Rodeo Drive and Wilshire right above the then famous Aida Grey makeup salon. It was called Ron Fletcher School of Body Contrology. Clara Pilates, wife of Pilates creator, Joseph Pilates, had given Ron her permission to take her late husband’s work to the west coast to carry on Plates training.
The method sounded interesting, not to mention all the celebs and hot shots of Hollywood were flocking to Ron Fletcher’s studio! I decided to give it a try. I made an appointment to take my first session (sessions were $10, a hefty fee back then!) I met with Ron and had my first session. I literally fell in love with the work. I felt like a dancer without being a dancer! I eagerly made my next appointment. Ron and his staff took turns working with students. Then, with a list of the exercises pasted on the ceiling above, the student simply followed the instructions.
“Every week, Ron would do his famous floor work routine, and again, I felt like I was floating. I imitated everything Ron did: How he taught, what he taught, and how he moved.”
I was an aspiring actress at the time. My gig on a soap opera had come to an end. Not being able to afford the $10 session fee, Ron asked me if I’d like to work for him. Wow! Would I?!?! So that offer began the start of a 50-year career. There were no certifications given at that time, not even anatomy. Ron taught the movement, the breathing, the mental concentration, along with coordination that enabled one to move freely in a body that is strong, lithe, and toned. My floor classes soon became super popular mainly because they paralleled the work of Ron.
I think my love of movement was obvious and it reflected in their acquisition. I taught for Ron for five years until 1980 when he semi-retired and moved to Texas. Aerobics was the trend then, and there were very few Pilates, or Body Contrology classes at the time.
One day, I’ll never forget, I answered the phone at the studio, and a client named Caroline Cushing, who was a big columnist for the newspapers, couldn’t find time to come in. “If only someone could come to my house” she said. I quickly responded with “I will” without giving it a second thought. I didn’t have a clue what to charge, but I decided on $20.00 for a home visit.
That was the beginning of traveling to homes for the next several years. No one had reformers, so I taught the floor/mat work I had learned, and loved, from Ron. Word spread, and soon I was traveling from Malibu to Glendale. I had dreamed of having my own studio, but money was always an obstacle. The thought of people coming to me vs me to them seemed an impossible dream. Years went by, and finally by the 90s, Body Contrology had turned into Pilates, and a new form of exercise was taking shape. Aside from my own clients, I was hired by physical therapists and chiropractors to train their teachers in Pilates.
THE ULTRA-FIT CIRCLE
I had spent years developing the Wheel of Fitness from the original Pilates Magic Circle, making it more useable by using fiber glass and a softer handle that works outside and inside the hoop. I appeared on shopping shows to sell the Wheel of Fitness, but I eventually sold my patent to Ken Endelman, the owner of of Balance Body. Ken repackaged and renamed the Wheel of Fitness the Pilates Ultra-Fit Circle. Balance Body is still selling the Ultra-Fit Circle today, and my name is still on the box as the creator of the product.
THE STUDIO
Then in 2003, a studio in Westwood became available. I decided to take the leap. The Sheppard Method Pilates Studio was born and I haven’t looked back since. In addition to personal and group training sessions, I continue to certify hundreds of trainers in the Sheppard Method.
After 50 years of teaching Pilates I wanted to give back to this practice that has given me so much. So I wrote the book, “Mindful Movement: Heal Your Back Pain with BAM (Body And Mind) Therapy.” The book is based on my years of not only teaching Pilates, but understanding the mind and body connection and how it influences our daily life. The mind, body and spirit dynamic travels throughout the practice of classical Pilates as taught by Joe himself. BAM therapy includes movements that help our bodies, and the mind (or mental components) meld with the exercises to help the healing process. Past and present trauma and thoughts, both mental and physical, stay in our subconscious and can manifest in our bodies in ways we don’t even realize. All of this can affect how we heal and grow as human beings.
For example: If you’re doing leg lifts to strengthen your hips, no amount of leg lifts will do anything if your mind is constantly saying “My hips are too big.” No amount of sit ups will help if your mind is telling you “I will never have a flat belly.”
“Mindful Movement” gives examples and emphasizes mantras and affirmations to improve the mind, body and spirit that connects one throughout daily life and helps with the exercise journey.
Some of these affirmations might include…
“My body is improving with every move.”
“I let go of anything that prevents me from achieving my full potential.”
“My body is supple and flexible.”
“It is the mind which controls the body.”
These are turbulent times. It’s easy to get caught up with fear and anxiety. But remember, we have control over our own thoughts. Our bodies will listen to us.
Risa Sheppard is a Master Pilates Trainer, creator, and certifier of The Sheppard Method Pilates. She owns a studio in Westwood, CA, and studied under Joseph Pilates' descendant, Ron Fletcher. With 50 years in Pilates, Risa teaches Mind, Body, and Spirit fitness through classical Pilates, helping people of all ages and fitness levels. Her clients include celebrities like Reba McEntire, Katherine Ross, and Ali McGraw. Risa co-hosted the Jack LaLanne Show and remains in touch with Elaine LaLanne. She is the creator of the Pilates Ultra-Fit Circle, and her books and DVDs have inspired many. Her latest book, Mindful Movement: Heal Your Back with BAM (Body & Mind) Therapy, is available on Amazon.
Master Pilates trainer, creator & certifier of The Sheppard Method Pilates. Studio owner in Westwood, CA; Studied under Joseph Pilates’ descendant Ron Fletcher. Risa is celebrating 50 years in Pilates, teaching Mind, Body, and Spirit fitness through classical Pilates. Risa’s cliental includes people of all ages and all fitness levels, including celebrities Reba McEntire, Katherine Ross, Ali McGraw, and more. Risa was a co-host of Jack LaLanne show and still in touch with Elaine LaLanne to this day. Risa’s DVDs and books have inspired many. Risa is the creator of the Pilates Ultra-Fit Circle. Her latest book, “Mindful Movement: Heal Your Back with BAM (Body & Mind) Therapy” is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
IG @sheppardmethodpilates