Ron Fletcher began his studies with Joseph and Clara Pilates in 1948 and opened his Los Angeles studio for Body Contrology in 1971. One of the master teachers first asked to take over the original New York Pilates Studio, Mr Fletcher declined, opting instead to develop the work on the West Coast. While staying true to the method’s origin, through the years he has introduced innovative Fletcher Towelwork®, Floorwork® and percussive breath techniques, creating an even more comprehensive movement experience.

The current “Pilates revolution” owes much of its momentum to Ron Fletcher. A 20-year student and protégé of Joseph and Clara Pilates, Ron Fletcher’s movement-based innovations to the original Pilates work inspired a whole new generation of “Body Contrology” practitioners.

Fletcher Pilates®

Developed by Ron Fletcher over a 50-year period of studying with such visionaries as Martha Graham, Joe and Clara Pilates, Yeichi Nimura, Alma Hawkins and Agnes De Mille, Fletcher Pilates® is a comprehensive movement experience, creative and constantly evolving. Maintaining the philosophy and concepts of Joe and Clara Pilates, Fletcher Pilates® is comprehensive in teaching the full syllabus of material on the traditional Pilates Equipment, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel, Ped-a-pul, and the Magic Circle.

In addition to covering the complete Pilates syllabus - including all levels of mat and work on the Pilates apparatus - Fletcher Pilates® has evolved several innovative techniques to support understanding of the original Pilates program. Among these include Fletcher Percussive Breathing™, Fletcher Standing and Centering™, Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork®, and unique pieces of movement on the full range of Pilates equipment.

As the Fletcher Work™ continues to grow in popularity, so too grows the demand - in studios around the globe - for teachers qualified to teach it. The Ron Fletcher Program of Study was developed to satisfy this demand and to ensure the consistency and continuity of the Fletcher Pilates®.

Fletcher Percussive Breathing™

Fletcher Percussive Breathing™ is a specific technique that stems from over fifty years of careful teaching and observation. Ron defines Percussive Breathing as “breath with sound and rhythm.” His emphasis and insistence on breathing as a part of movement was in response to working with Joseph and Clara Pilates as well as with Martha Graham. While Joseph Pilates emphasized the importance of breathing, he did not fully develop a structured technique that could be taught, nor one in which changes in the breath patterns could be observed. All Fletcher Work® employs Percussive Breathing to activate the muscles of inspiration and expiration within the movement pattern. There is no Fletcher Work® on floor or on equipment without Fletcher Percussive Breathing™. It is taught and appreciated by Fletcher students and teachers as an integral part of an intelligent movement program.

Fletcher Pilates® has been received and praised enthusiastically within the osteopathic and medical communities in part due to the emphasis of Percussive Breathing as a technique unique to this body of work.

Benefits of Fletcher Percussive Breathing™…

• Enhances the efficiency of gaseous exchange in respiration;
• Assists in the restoration of proper posture by restoring normal lung function;
• Restores the mechanics of the thoracic spine through increased motion of the muscles and bones of the “breathing apparatus”;
• Strengthens trunk muscles.

Incorporation of Fletcher Percussive Breathing™ into a movement class is an art. It is viewed by professionals as supportive and necessary to the implementation of core posture. With care and close attention, the breathing patterns support the organic flow of the movement. A skilled teacher of the Ron Fletcher Work is able to use the breath to add richer quality, greater dimension and varied dynamics to the movement.

Fletcher Standing and Centering™

All Fletcher Pilates® classes and sessions begin with Fletcher Standing and Centering™. Traditional Pilates mat work does not place emphasis on vertical posture. In a clinical or coaching situation, assessment for postural problems is usually diagnosed with a patient or a student in a standing position. Beginning class in standing posture reminds the student that vertical posture is an important part of good health and proper maintenance of the “inner architecture” of the body. It also reminds the student that the goal of movement begins in the body and not on equipment. This vertical posture also teaches the student to place emphasis on core posture in daily activity. Ron Fletcher uses specific, visual cues to help the student understand the basic concepts of correct posture through sensory imagery. The Fletcher Standing and Centering™ cues become a foundation for reference throughout the program as the work proceeds to floor and equipment.

The following are important reasons for including Standing and Centering work:

• Teaches foot placement and foot articulation;
• Develops bilateral symmetry in stasis and movement;
• Develops dynamic pelvic stabilization;
• Teaches spatial awareness through directional change, level change, and focus;

Fletcher Pilates® is accessible to the beginning or remedial student. It is simple and precise. The eloquence of the work becomes apparent with the introduction of barre work and movement across the floor. Barre work creates an environment for the development of balance and control. Simple skills of classical dance training are used to teach proper technique of leg and footwork in standing. Movement across the floor uses these skills in simple or complex patterns to complete a total movement program.