Lifestyles Article - Marcelo Mico
By Heather Wilson


Provoking profound therapeutic change, this serene, soft-spoken 33-year-old is loosening people up so they have a lot more fun – including those with severe physical problems.

Believing movement to be the key to happiness, Marcelo introduced the Pilates method to Mexico in 1994 and to Vallarta three years later. A physical education degree and expertise in more than 20 forms of movement, including the powerful expression of native dance, enable him to develop personalized rehabilitation programs.

“Movement lets us communicate freely, from the heart. Born into a joyful Argentine family, I learned early that fluidity connects us to life’s essence. You can stay stuck your whole life, thinking and not doing, but dance around the room and thoughts begin to flow.

“When someone comes to me complaining about a physical problem, I listen to what they say, but pay attention to what’s happening to their spirit. I look for what’s not injured, and healing expands from there.

“People are afraid to let go. They may seem fine on the surface, but like a river, underneath there’s muck. It’s movement that shakes things up, churning the water so they can see what they hadn’t wanted to face. Until this happens they repress themselves, breathing at about 10% of their capacity and being depressed. Breathe just enough to surivive and you’ll live the same way.

“Imitating an aerobics instructor feels safe and non-threatening. Yet the reality is that no two human beings can move the same. Everyone has their own rhythm and center of movement, including breathing, posture and personal history.

“In accord with universal law, I give the best I can. Hold back and the universe does too. Open up and good things happen. Like onions, some of us have more layers of protection than others, but we all have the center. Movement is what throws off the layers.”

Living in the United States and Brazil before drawn to Mexico’s color and light, “Vallarta opened its arms to me and lets me be who I am. And the climate makes me happy. Cold places constrict feelings, making people reclusive. In warm climates, regardless of how much money we have, we enjoy life more. Even the music’s more lively. So where better to dance?”