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Darien Gold Live In-studio Pilates Workshop at the Up Studio, Florida, May2023 Coordination T-Pull – DARIEN GOLD – PILATES EXPERT
Darien Gold teaching Coordination and T-Pull at the Up Studio Pilates, Florida, May 2023


References/ Feedback

Feedback on Pilates Workshops

 

(on Live In-person workshop ”Arm Chair 1“, Feb 2024)

We are so blessed to have you as one of our local leaders. Darien’s Arm Chair 1 workshop was a total blast, with so many of the Bay area’s finest Pilates Instructors all in one room. Looking forward to Arm Chair 2! ” Cassandra Palo, San Francisco


(on workshop ”Darien's Wall Repertoire“, June 2023:)
That was the best wall workout I have seen or experienced. I've taken many paid online Pilates platform online wall classes. No one does it like you girl. That was amaaaazing! Thank you 😊 💓Paige Dent – Suffolk, England

 

Darien‘s workshop on the Cadillac was both insightful and enjoyable. Even though I had done these exercises many times before, her attention to detail and authenticity of the method is like no other! I always learn something new every time I have a lesson with Darien. The smallest of change made the exercise feel completely different and it was like delving into a deeper layer that I hadn’t experienced before. Her manner is always encouraging and supportive. And even when there are certain movements I still can’t do, Darien‘s approach always leaves me with hope and belief that I will eventually achieve and overcome my difficulties! I thoroughly enjoyable experience! Rachael Taylor – London, UK

 

I wanted to thank you so much for coming to the studio and sharing your valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise. I also learned new ways of teaching exercises. And at the private session on the Cadillac I have learned more things about my body and what I need to work on. Thank you so much for your valuable time. Cannot wait to see and learn from you at the next workshop. TJ – Apprentice at the Pilates School of SF

 

I appreciated your elegant and beautiful style of teaching and sharing such an extensive experience and wisdom. I keep thinking of some quotes of yours, like “let your student/client be your best teacher”… it is so true! And many many others actually. Nonna Altmann – Switzerland

 

It was brilliant. My body felt it the next two days, too. I loved your idea that, if possible, people work together. It was really useful for us and there was sooo much information. We did a lot of great variations. I just want to retain it all. Paige Dent – Suffolk, England

 

Apparently you taught two of my nurses recently in a weekend workshop – they say you were the best – EVER! – Dr. Nic B., Oncologist, USA

Pilates  Reformer Rowing Pilates Teacher in South Korea Seoul – DARIEN GOLD – PILATES EXPERT

Teachers' Feedback

 

On the day we first met Darien and worked out together, we were all truly amazed. And we (teachers in a studio in Seoul) all talked about it. While Pilates is good, Darien's approach feels incredibly unique and unattainable in its skill. Darien's method feels like its own thing, unlike any other method, and the most important thing is that thanks to her teaching, our own bodies are changing and we have gained the ability to better understand our clients' bodies and teach the Pilates method much better. Eunbi Lee – Seoul, South Korea

 

Thank you for a wonderful session, it was exactly what I was looking for. I have learned that variation you showed me of Short Spine, but on Long Spine. Thank you for being so picky with me and I look forward to working with you in the future. Carol LeMaitre, San Francisco, CA

 

Before Darien's online apparatus class on Sunday, I felt off and achey and wondering to myself, should I even be taking this class.?  This morning I decided to show up and just be with what was.  We started with the push through bar, no spring.  I was already feeling a sense of  relief not to have the spring to work against. As soon as I placed my feet against the poles and reached the spring free bar up in the air, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I felt a newer and more refined skill within me.  How to work with my body when it feels out of balance and tense and tired.  This is why I love to train with Darien.  She holds a space allowing us to dig deeper with an intelligence, sensitivity and kindness in her approach.  Then those unexpected feelings of goodness and soul strength  come to life just by showing up. Joan Blum – Los Angeles, CA

 

Darien is a masterful teacher, whether in person or virtually.  Her eye doesn’t miss a thing.  I find that her live, virtual classes are just as effective as seeing her in person.  I am thrilled to be able to participate in her classes right in the convenience of my own home! Gwen Miller – Santa Rosa, CA

 

Sonoma County is incredibly lucky to have a gifted Pilates Master named Darien Gold. Darien is my “go-to” Pilates instructor whenever I’m in Sonoma County. Her extensive knowledge of Pilates coupled with her attention to detail, make her Pilates sessions safe, yet extremely challenging. She meets you where you are, and works you from there. After a session with Darien my body feels strengthened, stretched and exhausted in a fabulous way! I would happily refer anyone who is interested in Pilates to try Darien Gold. Karen Hemberger – Maryland

 

In my personal life I have more balance and more inner power since I’ve have come to understand this work. I feel more human than before Pilates come into my life. I have more control over not just my body but my mind and it’s made me a better mother and person. The Pilates method helps me in ways that no other activities have been able to achieve. I find myself relying on my practice to help all of my movements outside of the studio more enjoyable. When I walk back in to my studio, I appreciate the work even more. My goal for my students is to have their Pilates classes help them in their lives…I feel cleaner when working with Darien, thank you for all of your help! KyungHye Sinclair – South Korea

 

Pilates is definitely one form of body conditioning that if you haven’t got it in your own body, you cannot give it, and Darien has it. With the depth of experience in her own body, she works with other bodies in the same manner. She has so much potency to offer anybody who wants to receive this method. I love her classes. She knows how to challenge everybody whether you’re an athlete, dancer of someone who doesn’t come from a movement background. She is excellent with cueing. She is precise. She demands perfection. And with that, you really feel you’re accomplishing something special. Darien is masterful. Paige Dent – Suffolk, England

 

I’m teaching pilates in Korea for 10 years. I watched Darien’s exercising on Youtube 5 years ago. I thought “It’s cool and that’s what I should do” and admired her for constantly hard workouts and teaching.  After about a year of contact with Darien, I started on online training. It’s attractive to be able to exercise beyond the limits of the time and the distance. I’ve had a lot of personal trainings and workshops so I can find how wonderful her lesson is. Her class was concise, precise, and focused on me rather than any other class enough not to think it is the online class. She led me to feel what I haven’t had before to a maximum. I’ve come to strengthen the weakest parts and relax the tensed parts, which is the standard pilates. Through this online class, I was able to think more broadly and have come to know my infinite potential power. I’m grateful to have Darien’s online program for constant exercising and soon I’m going to visit her in person and get personal training. I highly recommend Darien’s wonderful online program. Thank you again for the great lessons, Darien. Haesun Ma – Seoul, South Korea

Pilates Class Zoom June 2022 – DARIEN GOLD – PILATES EXPERT

Clients' Testimonials on my Pilates Online Training

 

I have been practicing pilates for over 20 years after ‘abusing’ my body with ballet, and when I met Darien in LA 15 years ago I had to start from scratch. It was a tough lesson but I am glad I trusted her. Darien led me to a better understanding of the technique and knowledge of my body, it’s amazing how you can always learn more in life! When she moved to Northen California I thought I lost my best teacher, but Covid and zoom brought her back into my life. While missing working with the machines, I learned how to focus on my center and how to fight my weaknesses and make them become a strength. Darian is generous with advise and while she challenges you constantly she is motivating you. I especially appreciate her intuition that goes beyond knowledge, which is a rare gift, grazie Darien! Francesca Kaufmann – Italy/USA


I had tried various platforms and teachers, but from 2020 to now August 2022 I’ve had 160+ lessons and classes with Darien alone. So I think I can really state that her teaching is outstanding! I went to a Gratz Studio in Munich this year to check out more apparatus and the teacher was very impressed: ›Wow! Who has taught you?!‹ :-)
Darien's voice is clear and warm (she has done voice-overs and musicals.) Though online, she spots every muscle and movement. I hardly ever have to turn my head towards the screen because, thanks to her precise instructions, I can completely focus on my body and the exercises.
If somebody has a health issue at the beginning of the class, she changes the flow on the fly but always keeps it challenging and interesting. Her experience and knowledge are simply superb, and the 60 minutes lessons are 30% more packed than from others’. I’ve learned so much about the classical Pilates (and Darien’s Specials) and hope she will continue with online lessons for at least 20 more years!
Darien doesn’t want to imprint any ego on you but helps your body to learn and progress. She is too humble to put herself in the spotlight, so I helped to design a new logo and website to gain hopefully the attention she really deserves. The typeface is expressive, vigorous and elegant. I chose the golden plate as background because it’s not a polished surfacial retouched one but has stains and scratches and scars like real life. This makes it unique like a vintage Pilates apparatus: still in perfect shape and 100% trustworthy. Beate (Beatrice) de Nijs – Germany

 

Taking mat pilates courses over the past ten years, has given me a better understanding of not only what my body is capable of, but where my strength lies, and where my body is in relation to the world. I am conscious of my abdominal muscles and conscious of my posture during my work day.  I move with confidence in the strength of my core. Pilates mat classes aren’t easy, but they are fun and challenging.  When resuming mat classes virtually during the pandemic, it was amazing to me and Darien how much the body remembers. Her classes touch all muscles and works the body as a whole, rather than in parts. It makes me feel empowered in my body. Turning sixty this past year, pilates is the perfect exercise, as it is low impact and a total body workout. Mary Spragens – Petaluma, CA

 

Pilates has helped me massively post birth. I had been doing Pilates for 10 years prior, at an advanced level, and after giving birth it was like starting from scratch as a beginner. Doing Darien’s classes have helped me regain my strength and confidence in my body again and I would say in many ways I am even stronger and more connected to the practice than I was before. Thank you Darien for your expert guidance and inspirational classes.

Alison Newsome – Kent, England

 

How can it be that someone who has been teaching for years brings focus and enthusiasm to a class, as though she has just started teaching? Darien does this! The interest and attention she gives to her students is genuine. Many teachers of Zoom Pilates classes, compliment students by name during the class. When Darien calls your name to give a correction or a compliment, you KNOW she means it. Combine these traits with a woman who has a world of Pilates experience, boundless energy, patience and kindness. If classic Pilates Training is what you want, you are clearly in the right place in Darien Gold’s studio. Susan T. – Marin County, CA

 

Darien’s online mat classes are challenging and fun!  Darien mixes the routine every week so she keeps it fresh and interesting. You can go at your own pace while Darien personalizes her instructions for each student and I love being able to practice in my own home. I would highly recommend taking her classes if you want to improve your core strength! Barbara A. – San Mateo, CA

Pilates Baby Chair Spine Corrector Pilates Class Pilates Darien Reformer Mat Mermaid – DARIEN GOLD – PILATES EXPERT

Clients' voices on Private Pilates lessons / Duet


As a high level soccer player and multi-sport athlete, the development and maintenance of core strength and flexibility is imperative for me to achieve my fitness goals, especially as I age.
Pilates  is the best way to reach such goals and enable other training methods like weight lifting, cross training, and speed work. Of course, you need an excellent teacher for Pilates and Darien is the best of the best. In my 10 years of Pilates work, I could not be happier with the professional and engaging instruction that Darien provides. My flexibility, strength, and overall mood are improved via work with Darien, which serves as the cornerstone of all other physical activities. Through careful instruction, I have been able to train and recover from shoulder and back pain and continue to be fit. I highly recommend Darien to anyone who is looking to take their health and wellness to the next level. Nic Butowski – Mill Valley, California

 

The purpose of this feedback l is give full acknowledgement to Darien Gold and her expertise in the world of Pilates, to my full recovery from a near 30 year old sports injury. I can honestly say that a full recovery has been made… Pain free and my back is strong! How do I know that Darien is responsible for my full recovery? It’s simple…I tried everything over the course of the last 30 years. Here is a partial list of the many failures over the years:
Personal Physician –  The recommendation: “John, your left leg is ½ inch shorter than your right…. get a insert for your left shoe”
Sports Injury Doctors –  Not to mention anyone in particular, but they were able to do absolutely nothing for me for over the course of 3 years. The recommendation: “We want to cauterize the nerves in your lower back to remove the pain” Uh….sure, the next time I have an ingrown nail, I will come here so you can cut the tip of my finger off to relieve the pain...
Chiropractors – The routine: Crunch, crunch, pop, pop.. that will be 35 dollars (probably 60 now)…see you next week
Physical Therapy –  Nothing negative to say about this group….Just couldn’t get the results I was looking for
Yoga –  Peace, calmness, and no results

Hot Yoga –  It only took one person who hadn’t showered in many days to be a total distraction…and no results

Darien Gold Pilates Mat Class – Full recovery… I have full strength in my back and no pain. The secret: Pilates combines flexibility AND strengthening. And the other more important reason…. I think Darien is one of the best in the business… Aren’t we lucky to have her! John Vignola – Wisconsin

 

Recently, we have had the unexpected delight of meeting Darien Gold; an exquisitely wonderful and beautiful lady inside and out, whose teaching, knowledge and personality has inspired and helped us incredibly in just the 2 hour-long sessions that we have trained and talked with her so far! Darien’s in-depth knowledge, experience, teaching style and positive, inspirational and encouraging personality infuses enthusiasm, motivation and a desire to develop as thoroughly as possible in our own knowledge and practice. What a wonderful silver lining to the Coronavirus cloud in our lives! Thank you Darien! Jonathan Grubb, Carole Biglands – Isle of Man

 

My sessions with Darien in the off-season improved my windsurfing. I was just amazed to get back on the water this spring and find that I am sailing better in the start of the season than last year at the end of the season.  It’s remarkable, and very satisfying! Darien’s mat class online is the next-best thing.  The best of course, is working with her in person!  I’m only sorry that I did not start them sooner into the Shelter In Place.  She’s keeping me engaged, focused, and my practice is improving. It’s not just a great workout, it’s also learning the subtleties that make the practice of Pilates transformative. Diane R. – Marin County, CA

 

I’ve been training with Darien for a couple months now, and I must say it has Revamped my entire Physical and Spiritual Thought process with Pilates and the Art of Movement. I will be 50 in a few Months, God Willing, and My body feels like I’ve turned back the Clock quite a few years. I’m faster, Stronger and kinesthetically aware of how and when to engage my Muscles and Breath for a required movement. It has become second nature for me in such a short period of Time. Not only that, I’m able to drop weight and Body fat without consciously focusing on doing so. As a former Athlete (Basketball at the Collegiate level) and a fitness instructor, I’ve been in the fitness industry and have been athletically inclined since I was 12 years old. I am happy to see continued improvements and look forward to embarking on new Plateaus in her method of training that I wanna share with my family, friends and young Athletes who are now just starting to see changes in me but trying to keep up with my new found energy level as well.  I’m very Grateful that Darien has Dedicated time and made availability in her schedule during these times to give me more Knowledge of the importance of breath in Collaboration with motion. I’m looking forward to taking a trip to her studio in the near future. Thank you Darien for this journey! Darrell Morris – Brooklyn, NY


I discovered Darien Gold on line about 4 years ago while searching for “Pilates”. I happened on a youtube video of her going through basic Pilates sequences.  The first thing that struck me is she has the body of a Greek athlete – sleek, lean cut and well defined.  And her movements were precise, controlled and consciously directed.  I could tell right away that I had found “my teacher” as well as a true disciple in Pilates itself. I knew that she was the embodiment of Joseph Pilates technique with ZERO alterations. From the training and personal attention I have received from both watching and working out with her through her videos to privates, I was able to have her hone in on my body and gain an understanding of the deep nature of Pilates and a true appreciation for its unique and exacting movements. It made me know myself and my body on a deeper level. Thank you Darien, so glad I found you. Annie Brown – Los Angeles, CA

Listener's voices on ”All Things Pilates” Podcast

 

Hi Darien, I have been working my way through your podcast starting in 2019 and I just wanted to tell you how much I love it. Each guest is more interesting than the next and I find it fascinating. You are very talented. Barbara McKay – Pilates teacher

 

I am a Pilates teacher as well as a forever student learning new things about Pilates all the time. Missing your fortnightly Tuesday podcasts. Are you recording any for the upcoming year? Love to hear more as you delve deeper and also connecting with the authentic side and covering generation teachers. Great to hear the amazing history and stories of the Contrology method and also for the new acquired skills I can pass onto current clients. Your guests have been super amazing too with their stories covering past and present experiences. Hope to hear you again soon. (Name known to Darien)

 

Your podcast has helped me continue my research and seek further education for my Pilates journey since my training was a contemporary approach to the Pilates Method. You are so clever, light and informative and I always research more about your guest to learn more. You are incredible! Thank you for All Things Pilates and all that you do for our community! Carolina – Vermont

 

You do an amazing job. Tami Lysher told me that she was listening to the way you produce your podcast, and she has set you as the standard to achieve. Not exactly in those words, but she was looking at you as being a role model for getting her podcast sounding more professional. I know so many people who are trying to get podcast producers. You could probably make a full-time living just doing consulting classes on how to do a podcast everywhere from equipment to set up to organization to editing. Gwen Miller – Pilates teacher

 

Listening to your interview on All Things Pilates. You’re amazing and inspirational!! Clare Sitzer 


…They enjoyed learning about my journey and thought the questions were fantastic. Some were really inspired that I take a multifaceted approach to Pilates. My parents (especially my dad) thought you were so incredible and they loved your style. My dad was surprised that you are a Pilates Instructor and not in broadcasting for a living. Carrie Miller – Pilates educator

I just heard July 16 podcast with Kevin and Pat. Yeah, I am still cheering. They articulated Joe's gift to us so correctly and that I’ve felt and taught these past 65 years. Thank you so much. Anna Shaffer – Joe Pilates student, First Generation teacher