All my devices in one place!

I Heart Technology

This summer my travel went from zero to sixty. I think I never go anywhere, and now I have been out of town for at least a week every month since June. Whew!

Although I am perfectly capable maintaining my Pilates workout all by my lonesome, it can be much more festive to get a little help from my friends, both the real and the virtual (I shall discuss my imaginary friends in a later post).

In Vancouver, BC I worked out with Michael Johnson, Kathi Ross-Nash and Jay Grimes via Pilatesology.com. Not too shabby.

Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia

In San Francisco I actually did the Jay Grimes workout again…how he manages to say “new things” despite the fact that I have watched this same particular video numerous times just makes me smile…

Patience, grasshopper…when the student is ready the teacher will appear…

San Francisco, California

In New Jersey I got to workout with real Pilates friends, new and old, at Kathi’s Pillow, a Workshop/Pilates Party/Retreat hosted by the oh-so-firm-of-buttocks Kathi Ross Nash. Just when you think you really like your own butt…:)

Bikini Mat Class at Kathi’s Pillow @ American Body Tech in Allendale, NJ

My family Beach vacation in Emerald Isle, NC – uh-huh, the OTHER coast – gave me an excuse to use a gorgeous new iPhone/iPad app from my colleague in Los Angeles, Darien Gold.

Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina

Darien does beautiful, fantastic Pilates and is a fierce instructor. The app is an Advanced Mat workout and is beautifully designed with regard to its focus and simplicity. I really love the aerial shots showing off some pretty spectacular alignment, particularly in twisting exercises (My Nemesis!). Take a look!

To be honest, this is the workout I chose two days into the vacation. It is efficient, briskly paced and Darien pretty much dusted me in my now well wined and dined state. However she always managed to slip in a fun advanced variation just at the right moment to make me smile and have a good time. Thanks Darien – you helped me stay in tip top shape and still enjoy a good happy hour on vacation.

Just to be clear, the Pilates for me, must always precede The Cocktail Hour.

Jus’ sayin’.

Mighty Fine Swan Dive…
A little more about Darien…

Inside the Pilates Studio: Darien Gold

1. What is your favorite Pilates exercise and why?

Darien Gold: Push through series. This combination of exercises completely prepares the body for everything Pilates.

2. What exercise is your least favorite? Pick only one.

DG: Horseback on the Reformer. What is it about this exercise that makes my inner thighs, bottom and low belly not communicate with each other? Just when I think I’m really strong, this exercise reminds me that I can always get stronger!

3. What turns you on creatively, mentally or physically about the Pilates method?

DG: Pilates for me has always been like directing a living autopsy – peeling back the layers, and witnessing a body changing and growing before my eyes. I’m reminded time after time how brilliant this method is, the deeper we get inside each and every exercise.

4. What is your idea of earthly happiness?

DG: Happiness for me is attaining Peace in body, mind and spirit through a disciplined approach to inside-outside health.

5. What to your mind would be the greatest misfortune?

DG: The greatest misfortune is if someone doesn’t discover and utilize the mind’s power and is unable to recognize that the mind is the body’s most valuable and versatile tool!

6. What is your favorite Pilates word?

DG: Resist!

7. What is your least favorite Pilates word?

DG: Powerhouse (Sorry, Mr. Pilates ) Sometimes this is too elusive a word for clients who do not understand how to use their center to generate their power. While Mr. Pilates’ coined word defines his entire method, it seems to get lost in translation. Instead, to help clients visualize exactly where they need to engage in the Powerhouse, I utilize my anatomy apps.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

DG: Jazz Musician – Besides technique, it’s all about listening and communicating. Just like life!

9. If Heaven exists, and by some chance when you arrive at the pearly gates Joseph Pilates is also there, what would you like to hear him say to you?

DG: I’d like to hear Mr. Pilates say to me, “Darien, you’ve asked me many questions over the decades, I’m glad that you heard me say to trust your intuition and use all the training you’ve learned along the way. I’m proud of your diligence and hard work in using the gift I left the world, in a positive and healthy manner.”

10. What did you learn today?

DG: Romana would tell me how musical my Pilates was, and I hope that if she were with me and asked what I had learned that day (and everyday, quite frankly) I’d say, “I learn each time I work with a client, I have the opportunity to teach how to move from a strong center and develop the musicality in every movement that Pilates inspires!”

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