From Jennifer Aniston to David Beckham, celebrities and athletes talk about their devotion to practicing Pilates, a form of exercise that focuses on movement and breath to engage and strengthen the body. Developed by personal trainer Joe Pilates, the classic form of the practice was adopted by US dancers and performers after Pilates set up his first studio in NYC in 1926.
Pilates, whether on the mat or specifically developed machines like the box and cable apparatus known as a Reformer, has gained popularity as many of us envision ourselves as Pilates Princesses (at least aesthetically with the on-trend balletcore style apparel). However, the physical practice is more than a passing trend – just ask Risa Sheppard, the founder of the Sheppard Method. Sheppard is celebrating 50 years of Pilates on February 20, 2025, and recently did a Q&A with me looking back on Pilates over the past 50 years, including her longevity in the industry and the practice itself.
Tam: When did you first get introduced to Pilates? What has made you stick with it for so long?
Risa: I was first introduced to Pilates in late 1974 when I read an article about a new type of exercise called Body Contrology. A former dancer with Martha Graham named Ron Fletcher had studied with a man named Joe Pilates in New York after injuring himself in dance. He later moved west and established himself in Beverly Hills Ca where he decided to open his own studio called “Ron Fletcher School of Body Contrology.” Upon entering the studio on the corner of Rodeo Dr. and Wilshire Blvd., I was introduced to these strange equipment machines and, of course, Ron himself. Being a mere 22 years old, I looked up to Ron and his charismatic personality. Not to mention I fell in love with the work, especially Ron’s mat class. “I felt like a dancer without being a dancer.” This was different from the aerobics of the time. I loved finding a place that made me feel at home.
Tam: What inspired you to begin teaching Pilates 50 years ago?
Risa: I’d say it was about this time I realized I loved to teach. And my clients loved me to teach them. I immediately chose to end my so-called acting career and I concentrated on teaching for Ron. Ron semi-retired in 1980 and moved to Texas. Diane Serverino and Michel Podwell, two of Ron’s disciples decided to stay and work the studio. Pilates had not yet become a craze so keeping the studio open was hard. One day a client called and said, “I never have time to come to the studio. If only someone would come to my house: I jumped at the chance and said, “I will” I loved the idea that this might just be a new, fresh way to start a business. So I started training in people’s homes. I named my new business THE SHEPPARD METHOD. Not many people knew what Pilates was, they just enjoyed what if had to offer them.
Tam: What has changed in Pilates teaching philosophy over the past 50 years? What has remained the same?
Risa: Since the early days of the 1970’s, Pilates has changed in many ways. As more and more people are drawn to what is now called “Pilates” some studios have turned to a more athletic or so called “contemporary” type of Pilates. I have chosen to stay with and continue the traditional classic method: always trying to be true to what Joe Pilates wanted and taught his clients.
Tam: How is Pilates a sustainable practice as we age?
Risa: If I am any example of aging well with Pilates, I would say that at 71 years of age I am as supple and strong as I was in my youth. It’s a scientific fact that your bodies can change and adapt as we age. Exercise is important part of aging. Pilates keeps you supple, strong, and ready for anything that may come your way because you have a strong base. Pilates works the core giving the body strength. Having a strong body goes hand in hand with a strong mind. Pilates helps our body, mind and spirit. As our body becomes more fluid, so does our mind, we become more responsive to “the winds of change.”
Tam: Do you have to have started Pilates at a younger age to still be practicing it now?
Risa: No, people can and do start Pilates at any age. We have clients starting Pilates for the first time in their 80’s. They reap the benefits and achieve great results; Greater flexibility, more strength, better alignment, balance and grace.
Tam: Do you need a specific fitness level to start Pilates?
Risa: You do not need a specific fitness level to do Pilates. Some that come to my studio have never done any regular exercise. We were taught by Joe Pilates to work on the body that is in front of you. No two people are the same, so Pilates becomes individualized. One can come from an athletic or dance background, or with no physical exercise experience at all.
Tam: What is your philosophy on movement and aging?
Risa: Keep on moving, never stop. As Jane Fonda said, “Just put your foot on the accelerator and keep going forward.”
Tam: If you could only do one movement a day as the “biggest bang for the buck” when you’re short on motivation – what would it be?
Risa: The 100’s – They get your engine on fire, work the abdominals, and work the whole body. Not only do they strengthen the core, they ‘rev’ up the engine from the inside, better preparing your body for greater improvement.
How to do The 100’s: Laying on your back, lift your legs into tabletop position by straightening them toward the sky and then bending the knees to just above 45 degrees. Raise your arms to the sky. Inhale to prepare. Exhale to press arms down so they hover parallel to the legs without touching the mat. Pump arms by your sides for 5 percussive exhales. Repeat 10 times. This can be done with legs at 90 degrees towards the ceiling, or extended at 45 degrees with legs straight. No matter what option is taken, movement should come from the center.
Want to know more about Risa, the Sheppard Method and her work? Check out her latest book entitled “Mindful Movement: Heal Your Back with BAM (Body and Mind) Therapy,” the study of how our mental thoughts may affect our physical movement and wellbeing, and visit her website.
Have you tried Pilates? Let me know what is your favorite move? (Me? I love the Single Leg Stretch). ~Tam
Tam Turse is the Editor at FBG and Comms Mgr at Miles To Go Athletics. In addition to her Comms work, she is an RYT-500 and running coach. If she’s not on the mat, she’s running the miles currently training for the Boston Marathon.You can find and connect with her on IG @tamturse.
