Ron Fletcher, one of the great visionaries of the Pilates world, passed away December 6, 2011. He had a Hill Country connection in that he spent his final years at home in nearby Stonewall, TX, where he came to know and love Gail Sears, local fitness guru and founder of both The Center for Fitness and Center 2, a premier Yoga and Pilates Studio. Gail passed way last New Year’s Eve.
Born in 1921, in tiny Dogtown on the Missouri-Arkansas border, from the very beginning Ron’s sights were set on the far horizon. Late in his teens, with little formal education and nothing more than a few dollars, a beat-up suitcase and a heart full of dreams, he left the rural south for the lights – and the promise – of New York City.
At first, he found work writing ad copy and taking odd jobs. But a chance attendance at a Martha Graham dance concert changed his life’s trajectory and led him to the first of his major callings – dance. With zero formal dance training, but with equal parts certainty, confidence and determination, Ron was able to persuade the indomitable Martha Graham to accept him into her dance company. Working with her – and later with the great visionary choreographer, Yeichi Nimura – Ron found two of the major creative influences in his life. During this period, a nagging knee injury led him to the third – Joseph and Clara Pilates.
Through an illustrious 30-year professional career at the highest levels of the entertainment industry, which included choreography for major Broadway productions, Hollywood movies, the International Ice Capades and nightclubs and cabarets from Chicago to Paris to New Orleans, Ron’s work with Joseph and Clara Pilates was a constant to which he returned year after year. Through the travails and vicissitudes of the entertainment industry, as well as through the intense personal challenges of alcoholism, Ron Fletcher continued to work with and learn from the Pilateses. They were his teachers and mentors and he their disciple and protege. From 1968 to 1971 – following Joseph Pilates’ death – Ron studied with Clara Pilates as he began to forge the idea that would engage him for the rest of his life – the development, evolution and dissemination of the Pilates method.
In 1971, in a move largely credited with preserving Pilates for the world to experience, Ron opened the first Pilates studio on the west coast, in Beverly Hills, California. Once there, he was hailed by the local and national press as a fitness guru and the publicity he received upon opening his studio was nothing short of phenomenal. In 1978, he published his now-famous book, “Every Body is Beautiful” to rave reviews. And, as Clara Pilates had encouraged him to do, he continued to develop the Pilates method, incorporating into it revolutionary concepts and techniques such as Percussive Breathing, Fletcher Towelwork, Floorwork and Barrework.
In 2003, Ron authorized and endorsed The Ron Fletcher Program of Study, a comprehensive curriculum and school developed to disseminate his unique vision of the Pilates method. The Program of Study received formal state licensure in 2007 and is currently taught at 5 campuses in the United States, as well as in 8 countries around the world.
While Ron was opening his first studio in the early 1970’s, Gail Sears began teaching exercise classes to 12 friends at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kerrville, Texas. Later, she studied extensively at Cooper’s Institute for Aerobic Research in Dallas, Texas. She directed a preparation course for the first American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certification test attended by over 200 people in San Antonio.
“Gail’s Aerobic Lifestyle” moved to the Municipal Auditorium in the late 1970’s and was sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. The business grew and began offering morning and evening exercise classes. Gail began training more instructors. Water aerobic classes were soon being taught in the summers at the Riverhill and Municipal pools.
In 1993 “Gail’s Aerobic Lifestyle” moved to 623 Myrta Street in Kerrville. Exercise equipment was added and 22 classes a week were offered. Over three-fourths of the members had come for over five years— many for more than ten, which is very unusual in the fitness business. Gail became triple certified with the American Council on Exercise as a Group Leader, Personal Trainer, and Weight and Lifestyle Management Consultant and was recognized as a Continuing Education Provider for the American Council on Exercise.
On August 2,1999, The Center for Fitness opened its doors at 1407 Water St. in Kerrville. The 10,000 square foot facility offers a full line of aerobic and strengthening equipment, as well as an indoor lap pool and warm therapy pool. Over 50 group exercise classes a week are offered, both on land and in the water, taught by certified, tenured instructors. Dr. Kenneth Cooper was the guest speaker at the grand opening, which was well received and drew statewide attention.
In 2000, Gail became interested in Pilates and contacted Ron about his program. She soon began her journey with Pilates and it evolved into her passion. As a result of avid and extensive practice, she was recognized as an authorized educator with the Ron Fletcher Program of Study.
The Center 2 opened in November 2004, next door to The Center for Fitness. The 1750 square foot building is quiet and serene, with windows looking into a tranquil garden and toward the hills and Guadalupe River. Certified instructors have followed Gail’s lead and teach private sessions on the Pilates reformer, Pilates Trapeze Table and the Pegasus from Italy. The reformer and trapeze offer resistance exercise to lengthen and strengthen abs, back, arms and legs. The Center 2 is the first mind-body facility to offer the Pegasus in Texas, for stretching and strengthening. Gail’s daughter Kathy Sears Hall, has become a Licensed Provider in the Ron Fletcher Program for 6 movement patterns, including Pilates Mat and Reformer. Kathy and fellow Personal Trainer Cathy Ermis, Physical Therapist Jody Shanks Robeson, and Fletcher Licensed Provider Tiffany Haycraft are continuing to teach private sessions on the Pilates equipment. In addition, Jane Garbish and Maggie Meek, join Kathy and Tiffany in teaching group Pilates Mat classes.
Ron visited The Center for Fitness on several occasions, and presented Gail with her Teacher award in 2007. He also spoke about his background in Pilates, his relationship with Joseph and Clara, and admiration of Gail.
Ron Fletcher was a generous and spirited teacher, a hands-on mentor, a gifted soul with the heart of a lion, and a master teacher uniquely guided by the graces of his divine higher power. As he was loved by others, so too did he love deeply in return. His clear blue eyes never ceased to twinkle, his sharp mind never failed him and he was alert and articulate to the very end.
The true beneficiaries of Gail’s involvement at work and in the community are the many people who have been taught and caught by her zest for life. She has received numerous comments from people saying how their lives have been changed, that they have better self-esteem, feel more affirmed, that they suffer less from various ailments, depression, etc. because of her influence. Gail has done what all of us hope to leave as our lasting legacy: She made a difference! Her soul is in heaven but her spirit remains on earth and can be seen and felt in her family, friends, and all those she touched at “Gail’s Place”.
Ron and Gail came from two different worlds. Not only were their demeanors vastly different, but they each took a completely unique path in pursuing their dream. Pilates brought them together, where they formed a mutual admiration society that enriched each other’s lives. The Hill Country is better off due to the fruits of their relationship. Pilates, an international phenomenon has found a home in Kerrville, Texas.