About Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood, California

What is The Sheppard Method?

• Risa Sheppard has been teaching "the Pilates Method" since 1975. She fell in love with the work and never looked back.
• The Sheppard Method is essentially customizing each person with the Pilates Method and a lot of TLC in a way that works for each individual regardless of ability.
• The Sheppard Method incorporates an understanding of the thoughts of the mind and how they affect our lives and bodies.
• The Sheppard Method is classical Pilates with a personal touch which includes: Teaching and Healing, Expression of your authentic self, allowing your body to move in a fluid, efficient, powerful, coordinated, and relaxed manner.
• The results allow you to move beyond your limitations, and you will feel comfortable in your own skin.
• The Sheppard Method is movement with grace, agility with beauty, and power with a gentleness that brings out your true inner spirit.
• The Method enables a balanced body and mind to work together in a harmonious movement that is centered, elongated and strong. No matter your occupation or daily routines, whether you’re an experienced mover or a layman.

Please browse the Sheppard Method Pilates website for more information about our private Pilates and group classes, the many benefits of Pilates, or learn about our Pilates certification program to become a Pilates instructor. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us today! We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our Pilates studio, the Sheppard Method or our class schedule.

Pilates Instructor & Creator of Sheppard Method Pilates

Risa Sheppard is one of the most sought after Pilates Instructors in the world by celebrities to individuals with life-changing injuries. Risa is the creator of the renowned Sheppard Method Pilates, which teaches the mind, body and spirit connection and personal empowerment. She’s dedicated her life’s work to helping others achieve personal perfection and maintain optimal health, no matter what age. Risa received a BA degree from UCLA while working at the Neuropsychiatric Institute teaching creative movement to autistic children. She went on to receive her formal Pilates training education working directly with Ron Fletcher, legendary Pilates elder, and founder of the Fletcher Pilates® which incorporates Graham-based elements of movement and dance into the equipment-centric structure of Joseph Pilates’ original creation. She is the founder of the Sheppard Method Pilates Studio based in Westwood, CA. and the Sheppard Method Teacher Training Program a PMA certified program with successful graduates teaching throughout the world.

Her classes can currently be seen on Pilates Anytime. Risa is the inventor of the Wheel of Fitness, now known as the Ring Flex, which is sold worldwide. Pilates Style Magazine named Risa Sheppard’s DVD, “A Gentle formula for a Strong Body” the best DVD for beginners. In addition to being a talented Pilates instructor, she is a also a prolific writer on fitness having authored Risa Sheppard’s Fitness Formula for a Firm and Flat Stomach and is on the advisory board of Pilates Style Magazine. Her work has appeared in Muscle and Fitness, City Sports, Total Health and Natural Body and Fitness. She has also been featured in Body Network, Vogue, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, Westwood Magazine, City Sports, The Hollywood Reporter, and American Fitness. Numerous television appearances include being the fitness expert on TNN American Magazine, Shoppers Television Network, KTLA Morning show, and co-host for The Jack La Lane Show. Risa has been profiled on Entertainment Tonight, KABC, KCBS, and KTTV News. Risa has been a Pilates instructor for many clients, which include Ashley Green, Katherine Ross, James Earl Jones, Jack LaLanne, Reba McEntire as well as studio executives, celebrities, professional dancers, and athletes. Her work continues to inspire and touch many thousands of lives by bringing out their very highest potential.