Fletcher Floorwork®

Ron Fletcher’s early study with Yeichi Nimura, Martha Graham, and Agnes De Mille has given the Fletcher Floorwork® a distinctive artistic flare. The original Pilates mat work is a prescribed series of exercises characterized by flexibility, strength, centering, control, flowing motion and breathing. The Fletcher Floorwork® explores these exercises in thoughtful and creative expressions that depart from the classic structure. However, he does not depart from the intention of the movement. The basic mechanics of spinal motion are maintained in simple exercise patterns. These patterns are developed through exploration of breath, dimension of movement and quality of movement. Creativity within the presentation of material allows the teacher to meet the needs of individual students and keeps the material constantly challenging and original. Ron feels that a good movement program demands the stimulus of change to keep the mind and body “at the ready.” The presentation of movement with breath and spirit allows a simple exercise class to transcend into an artistic expression that uplifts the heart through joy of movement.

Many students and teachers familiar with other exercise programs feel that Fletcher Work® has greater adaptability. It can be simple for patient rehabilitation or demanding for the advanced student. Ron feels that, "instructors teach recipes and teachers teach movement". The Fletcher Work® allows the teacher to meet the needs of the student rather than the student meeting the needs of the program.

Participation in Fletcher Floorwork®:

• Enhances intersegmental motion in the spine;
• Strengthens the muscles of the trunk and extremities;
• Increases flexibility with control;
• Teaches awareness of the center;
• Employs movement patterns for cognitive stimulus;
• Increases spatial awareness through direction change and use of focus.