ONWARD & UPWARD

Turning 65 aside, Rael Isacowitz is ever the Pilates force to be reckoned with. Here, he shares his plans for the future (which, yes, include slowing down...just a bit), what keeps him going and how he’s coping with the effects of COVID-19. Plus, a select few of his favorite exercises for the aging body.

- Rael Isacowitz

PILATES STYLE In 2019, you entered into your fourth decade as the founder of BASI Pilates and opened a brand-new headquarters in Newport Beach, among many other accomplishments. What inspires you to keep improving?

RAEL I have always had an innate drive to make everything I do the very best it can possibly be. Some would call me a perfectionist. My mom and dad had incredible drive in their own very unique ways. From an early age I recognized this drive in them, both in their personal and professional lives. Yet, their drive never negated the human qualities of compassion, respect and humility. They were such inspiring role models for me. I owe them a great debt of gratitude.

With BASI, it always comes down to the incredible people that make up the global BASI family. They inspire me constantly.

PS You turned 65 in April. Do you see your birthday as a turning point in any way?

RAEL I see every birthday as a time to evaluate what I have been engaged in and where I am headed. Sometimes it is a turning point, but usually it is just a correction in direction. For me, 65 seems like a particularly important milestone. On a practical level, society starts treating you a little differently. It’s time to receive my Medicare card! I’m also taking stock of my business. At 65, whether I like it or not, my career is entering its sunset years. I must ensure there’s a strategy for BASI to continue to thrive for years to come. It’s incumbent upon me to create a succession plan. Also, a plan for myself, for how I can start to recalibrate my life and find a better balance between my personal life and work.