Meet Risa Sheppard of Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Risa Sheppard.

Risa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1975, I graduated from UCLA. I was working at the Neuropsychiatric Institute there, teaching creative movement to teenagers. I had read about a new exercise program in Beverly Hills, California, that was catering to some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. It was the Ron Fletcher School of Body Contrology.

Having studied Pilates in NYC under the late great Joseph Pilates, I was anxious to find out more about Ron Fletcher so I decided to give the Fletcher Method a try. I fell in love with the work instantly. I felt like a dancer without being a dancer and, in a short time, Ron Fletcher invited me to join his staff as an instructor.

I worked with Ron Fletcher for five years, until he left California. I then continued the work by doing private sessions at clients’ and celebrities’ homes. I taught the Fletcher Method and implemented my own touch and techniques based on my years of experience working with pain management and therapy.

Over the years, my teaching methods evolved and became my own. I continued to build on the principles of classical Pilates, as I honed my trade and Sheppard Method Pilates was born.

After 20 years of private training in clients’ homes, I opened my own studio, in Westwood, www.sheppardmethodpilates.com, where I am still located today; teaching private clients, celebrities, group classes and certifying trainers.

Part of my back story, for which I am really proud, is that I was tapped early on by Jack LaLanne to co-host his popular Jack LaLaLanne television show. To this day, I am still in touch with Jack’s family and his widow, Elaine LaLanne, who, at 93 years young, is still a powerhouse in the fitness industry.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey into Pilates came early on when few people had heard of Pilates. Aerobics was the craze, and everybody was interested in burning off fat. It was difficult to build a clientele with a limited marketing budget. So, most everything was word of mouth, and luckily, satisfied client referrals. It was an education process, as well as a teaching process until people realized the benefit of Pilates in their lives. Today, most of our business is still by referral, although the internet has made it easier to find us.

My biggest obstacle, though, came in 2006. I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor next to the brain and near the right ear. In having it removed, I developed complications that put me in the hospital for more than a month. I had to re-learn to walk and to talk. During this difficult time, in addition to the support of friends and family, I credit my recovery to my background in Pilates. Because of this experience, I have been able to help others to use Pilates to gain strength and get back on their feet, after strokes and other debilitating illnesses.

So, in a way, my challenges have been a blessing in disguise.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Sheppard Method Pilates, studio located in Westwood, CA, teaches classical Pilates with a personal touch. We tailor our programs to individual needs.

Having spent many years teaching Pilates privately in peoples’ homes gave me the insight and experience into the emotional and psychological well-being of the client. We always incorporate body, mind, and spirit, since everything is connected and goes hand in hand. It is our belief that the joy in working out should come from the soul dancing inside the body to help one become aligned, balanced and strong.

We welcome a varied and eclectic clientele; people of all ages and abilities.
Our classes are primarily private sessions by appointment. We find working one on one is so rewarding. People see benefits quickly and we can cater to individual needs and fitness levels. We can watch one’s moves and perfect the movement flow.

All or our instructors are trained in corrective exercise. The studio is always a safe haven for those who wish to rehab. Our gentle personal touch is extremely positive for those individuals who may have suffered an injury and are working their way back to full recovery.

In addition to private classes, we offer mat classes and reformer group classes for up to five people at a time. We like to keep our class sizes small so we can continue to provide individual attention.

We also offer comprehensive teacher training and certification in The Sheppard Method Pilates. I must admit that certifying other instructors brings me a sense of joy. I love seeing a new teacher help others live a healthier and happier life. Perhaps that’s my legacy.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
At THE SHEPPARD METHOD, we believe success comes in fractions or baby steps. We believe in the journey along the way. We want everyone to have a positive experience in order to live their best life.

Helping one to overcome limitations that one may have placed on themselves, either real or imaginary, and to achieve their personal best, is the backbone of The Sheppard Method.

Continuing to welcome clients of all ages and fitness levels, and to make people feel welcome, is what we have always done, and, we will continue to do moving forward. Training new teachers in The Sheppard Method and having them continue to inspire others is always in our plan as we continue to move forward.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2180 Westwood Blvd. Suite 2E
  Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Website: sheppardmethodpilates.com
• Phone: 310-470-2828
• Email: Risa@sheppardmethodpilates.com
• Instagram: @sheppardmethodpilatesla
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheppardmethodpilates/
• Twitter: @sheppardmethod

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