Today we’d like to introduce you to Risa Sheppard.
Hi Risa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles Calf. I attended Hollywood High and UCLA with a degree in theatre Arts.
I had a wonderful movement coach and he introduced me to using my body as an vehicle for artistry .
Upon graduating, I was looking for work as an actress. But I never lost my love of movement and did not enjoy the
“aerobics” which was the trend in fitness at that time,
It was then that I read about the Ron Fletcher School of Body Contrology opening up in Beverly Hills. He had been a Martha Graham dancer. When he was injured he was sent to Joe Pilates in New York, After studing his method, he was given permission to move to L,A. and teach the method, then know as Body Contrology.
I read about him and decided to investigate. My first session was magical. I fell in love with the work. I “felt like a dancer without being a dancer”
, Within a short time, Ron somehow recognized my potential and hired me as a teacher.
For 5 years I worked for Ron until his semi retirement in 1980. It was at that time I was asked to travel to clients homes to continue their work, Noone had heard ofl Pilates, I continued to teach the mat work, and Ron Fletcher floor work to my clients.
In 2003 I finally got the nerve to open my own studio. But I am so glad I did as for over 20 years now my studio has had the honor of training new student to be trainers, along with a wide ranger of clientele finally hearing the the healing effect of Pilates.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the beginning no one had heard of Pilates, or Body Contrology. They would put it down because it wasn’t “aerobics”
and all the caraed about the “losing the fat” Noone understood what Pilates was trying to convey. Joe was so ahead of his time.
However I remained true to the method I had been taught by Elder Ron Fletcher, I never succumbed to the trend of the the day,.
Although it was hard convincing people that wild and crazy movements would only weaken , and of course, injure the body
Deciding to open my own studio was very challenging for me. Not only was my overhead much higher, but the anxiety of g learning all the business requirments, and simply how to run a studio was quite a feat. Luckily I had many people helping me throught the nuts and bolts and I am extremely grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My studio, THE SHEPPARD METHOD PILATES is a classic Pilates studio taught the way I learned 50 years ago.
If I were to state a speciality I’d say that every client that waks thru the door is special and unique , and therefore requires the professionalism and integrity any client deserves. Everyone has problems, everyone has a certain area they want to improve. We aim to guide those students toward their “personal best.” We learn to listen to the clients, understand his or her individual needs, and also what may block them from achieving their uptimate potential
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to continue what I am doing and most proud of. I thoroughly love teaching new teachers. Their wide eyed enthusiasm to learn the work is a reward among itself.
I willl continue to provide workshops and seminars. I have recently written a book called “Mindful Movement” which incorporates the effect of our personal emotions and traumas and how to heal both from the inside to the outside;
I would like to enjoy the fruits of my labors, but I never stop doing Pilates. I has become my religion, and the help I have given throughout the years leaves me with a sense of accomplishment nothing else can.
Pricing:
- Introductory Offer – First Group Class is $20
- Introductory Offer – 3 Private Sessions for $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sheppardmethodpilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheppardmethodpilatesla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheppard.pilates/
