Matt Bernstein reminds me a lot of Clark Kent in reverse.

Kent was the mild-mannered reporter who used to change into Superman whenever he needed to fight bad guys. Bernstein is a ferocious immigration lawyer, but when he strips off his suit and tie, he turns into a mild-mannered Pilates instructor and Thai massage therapist.

Last month, Bernstein moved his Pilates business, Vital Spark, from my neck of the woods to a cozy studio at 770 N. LaSalle St. (which happens to be in the same building as his law firm, Atom Law Group).

“It’s a nice quiet spot … there’s no judgment here, nobody is watching you,” said Bernstein, who is certified in Pilates and has extensive training in Thai massage. “It’s a different kind of experience than going to a gym.”

It doesn’t matter if you’re flabby or fit, 29 or 92, Bernstein says he can help whip you into shape.

“It’s a customized workout experience for all ages and abilities,” said Bernstein, who’s exceptionally flexible with scheduling considering he practices law and wellness in the same building. “It’s for anybody looking to get into shape or out of pain, and improve their posture and relieve stress.”

Bernstein has extensive experience working with a wide variety of clients, including seasoned athletes, people with little experience in exercise, and those suffering from back pain and other chronic conditions. In fact, he was one of those in-pain people a half a dozen years ago, when he suffered a severe back injury resulting in two herniated disks. It was then that a physical therapist suggested he take up Pilates.

“I just fell in love with it,” he said.

These days, Bernstein teaches a Pilates mat class to his fellow law firm co-workers every Friday afternoon.

“When I first started doing this, I thought it would be a good escape from the law,” he told me. “The truth is, I enjoy my legal work more now that I have this.”

For those who “want to get a good feel” for Bernstein’s work, he’s offering special introductory rates and incentives for new and former clients. Check out more info online at www.vitalsparkpilates.com.

Independence day … About 70 Access Living staffers, consumers, and volunteers headed to Springfield on March 15 to rally with other disability groups, meet with legislators and attend committee meetings.

Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Ave., is one of 23 Centers for Independent Living statewide, and each faces significant budget cuts under Gov. Quinn’s proposed 2012 budget. The center provides services that empower people with disabilities to live in their own homes and ’hoods.

“We received a lot of verbal support for our issues,” said its public relations coordinator Gary Arnold, who made the trip. “But the real test will be when the budget actually is approved — will it or will it not include huge cuts to disability services?”

So sweet … that March 28 through April 1, Sprinkles at 50 E. Walton St. will donate proceeds from Red Velvet cupcake sales to Chicago Cubs Charities, shift supervisor Ashley Triestram reports. Then from 4 to 6 p.m. April 2, Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro will pick up the money and serve up some cupcakes and good will.

Justice for David … I clearly remember when it happened how outraged I was, and that remains true today. My blood is boiling at the situation regarding David Koschman, the 21-year-old who died in 2004 after being punched on Rush Street, allegedly by someone in a group that included Mayor Daley’s nephew, R.J. Vanecko.

State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez says there’s not enough evidence to prosecute. She just lost my vote.

Everyone in this city should demand that a special investigation be conducted, and the sooner, the better.