Exercise

Eexercise

By BETH ANN KRIER Times Staff Writer

"People expect me to be a snob," says Beverly Hills exercise master Ron Fletcher, whose name is so often linked with such star students as Ali Mac- Graw and Candice Bergen that he acknowledges the association has become a problem as well as a blessing. "When I'm asked to do a talk show, they expect me to bring along one of the 'names. They think we're an entity."

The title of Fletcher's new book subtly reflects that dilemma and seems to be aimed directly at those who know of his clients but not his work. "Every Body Is Beautiful" (Lippincott: $14.95) includes the expected endorsements from MacGraw and Bergen (and Sandy Duncan and Ben Vereen and Katharine Ross and Holly Harp and Eva Gabor and Valerie Perrine and Jill Clayburgh and other celebrities).

But it also includes chapters on movement for the elderly, the pregnant and the handicapped. There is even a series of photos of one "Fletcherette" with somewhat flabby thighs, mid- riff bulge and a generous waistline.

As Fletcher explains in the first sentences of the book, "Every body is divinely inspired, superbly designed, awesome in the complex way it's put together and wonderful in the simple, economical way it works. Every body can be vital, strong and flexible, moving through life with grace and assurance, totally healthy not just some of the time but most of the time. Every body can be improved, in- side and outside, because the body potential is hardly ever realized."

The Los Angeles Times Feb 1979

Ron Fletcher, author and exerciser, helps a student stretch at his salon. Fletcher is known for his work with stars, not so well known, however, for working with the aging, with the handicapped and with pregnant women.