Pilates studio puts focus on breathing

By Lauren Glendenning
Boulder Daily Camera
January 2, 2006

After studying Pilates for more than 10 years, Patricia Guyton found a particular lineage of the exercise regimen in 1995, a lineage she said changed her entire body.

She came across Ron Fletcher, a master teacher who studied directly under Joseph Pilates and opened the first Pilates studio in Los Angeles, and immediately knew his work was right for her.

The "Fletcher Work" method of Pilates was built on the original Pilates program by adding techniques and tools to better advance the body, and Guyton lives by it.

"It's easy to study one lineage well and compare and contrast it with others," Guyton said. "Ron really teaches movement."

Upon entering Guyton's immaculate studio with panoramic views of the Flatirons, the sound of breath rings through the air. It's a distinct noise—one that someone not familiar with the work might find intimidating or distracting. The sound, however, is a unique characteristic of the Fletcher Work. It represents movement, and its purpose, according to the Fletcher Work, is to "wring the lungs out."

"You're missing a valuable tool without the sound of the breath," Guyton said. "The breath is what leads to the physical motion."

As Guyton demonstrated on her studio floor, the sound of her breath represented a different motion of her body. She described what she was doing as having a precise technique, and without the sound of the breath, the technique cannot be seen or understood.

"Without the loud breath, you have no idea what I'm doing," she said.

Guyton shares the studio with Jonathan Oldham, a physical therapist and Fletcher Work Pilates instructor. They both offer private instruction, as well as group classes. Oldham offeres physical therapy within the studio as well. This year, the studio is hosting the Ron Fletcher Program of Study, a two-level program covering the full movement curriculum on all of the Pilates equipment and the only program personally endorsed by Fletcher.

Guyton, creative director of the program, usually travels around the world teaching the work, so she is excited to be offering it in her hometown.

"It is quite a big deal that Pat has now set up a Boulder-based school for the Ron Fletcher Program of Study," said Stef Miller, a student of Guyton's. "Running a Boulder hub for the work is huge."

The only other level one course offered has begun in Tucson, Ariz. Guyton's level one course work begins at her Boulder studio in March, but students are required to complete a prerequisite course before they begin level one training. Guyton is offering the prerequisite 12-week course beginning the second week of January.

"The prerequisite course allows you to look at the entire Pilates syllabus," Guyton said.

Guyton said Pilates is for anyone. It helps people stretch, breathe, strengthen and balance the body.

"This is a great adjunct to any athletic activity," Guyton said.