Personal Training Testimonials
I write with great humility about Diane Curriden, who entered my life just three months ago, and has been able to do what thirty years of both traditional and non traditional therapy could not. Three decades ago, a sports injury laid havoc to both my lower back and my cervical spine. The pain never incapacitated me, but nor did it ever leave me. The nation’s top orthopedic surgeon suggested an extensive procedure that at my age I would not accept. Then a whole galaxy of non-remedies ensued. From traditional physical therapy to an aquatic version of Shiatsu called -- couldn’t you guess, Waatsu – all provided, at best, temporary relief. I won’t even mention medication, the greatest false hope of all if one wants to be active rather than just numb. Then just three months ago, by happenstance, at the YMCA I met a lady whose badge gave name and the very understated title of “personal trainer”. In 90 days that lady has changed my life. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t flatter easily. In fact, my analysis of Diane involves the often used comment that her skill comes from “90% perspiration and 10% inspiration.” Diane’s unique background, I believe, has guided her true vocation. She is by training an electronic engineer. So her first task was to study the anatomy in enormous detail, such that she is able to isolate areas of pain with a jeweler’s precision. Then she studies and teaches yoga and pilate’s. Then she branched into learning a whole host of those therapies that I cannot pronounce. But she has done so not as someone sampling exotic food, but someone whose job it is to taste, and to learn about each one of the offerings as though it were her job to determine what would nourish and what would not. So her methods are eclectic, but hardly random. She moves gracefully among isometrics, yoga, pilates, weight training, and those exotic unpronouncables. And she authenticates it all –at least for this former jock - by occasionally scrunching up her nose and saying “Better see a doc for this one.” She is a pint sized powerhouse. She will help you. I promise.
Reverand Jim B.
"Diane is an extraordinary teacher/trainer. With humor and lightheartedness, she tunes in to each student and client, deeply and compassionately listening, with focus and caring. She is more than competent and qualified to diagnose and solve physical problems; she can demonstrate everything she recommends, she has multiple suggestions should a first or second alternative not be appropriate, and her experience working with al kinds of people shows in her approach to each new person. But most amazing is the soul that shines through her wiry, fit and beautiful physical self: perfect technical ability and radiant person-to-person connection. Her care has made an important difference in my sense of my body and my presence in my body as I age. Because of her I am stronger, more flexible and younger (more fit) than I was ten years ago. She is a blessing to her clients and a pleasure to work with." Pamela B.
"Diane offers such a range of valuable services in such a skilled and facilitative way that it is hard to know where to begin. She is a knowledgeable and experienced fitness instructor/personal trainer who challenges and supports clients to increase their physical capacity while honoring where they need to be to exercise safely in any given moment. Her experience and deep knowledge base combine to offer her clients a variety of options to reach their fitness goals. I always feel she is looking out for my well-being and modeling how I can reach for more. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and intuitive, and has a delightful sense of humor that makes it all even more fun! I highly recommend Diane Curriden as a personal trainer and alternative healing professional." Laura D.
"When I first met Diane I was out of shape, desperately needed to lose 30 pounds and was in need of someone to help motivate me to better my life. If had to sum up Diane in one word that word would be phenomenal! Her energy, motivational techniques and passion for life are unequaled. Through her help I lost those 30 pounds, but more importantly I gained self esteem, desire to keep on improving myself and I found a new friend. I highly recommend Diane to anyone looking to better their physical and mental states!" Lonnie M.
Diane is much more than a personal trainer. I worked with her during a turbulent time in my life and no matter what was going on during my week, by the time Diane left, not only had I gotten just the kind of workout my body needed, she also gave me the encouragement, motivation, and caring my spirit needed. We did everything from sprinting and sweating, to yoga, visualization, and relaxation. Diane allowed the workout to fit me rather than requiring me to fit the workout. I would encourage anyone looking for a personal trainer, coach, healer, or all around great person to get in touch with Diane. You will be glad you did. I know I am! Faith D., MFT
"I have been training with Diane for several years now. The results have been phenomenal. My strength, endurance and energy have at least doubled over these last few years. She pushes me just enough and yet not so much where I want to quit working out. She keeps the workouts fresh and challenging and her wonderful sense of humor is a spark that keeps the energy up and moving." Cissy S.
"I’ve come a long way in 6 months, thanks to Diane. My balance is much better, I’m walking in a whole different and better way, and I am more flexible. My knees are much better and my shoulder problem has almost disappeared. I’m still having fun too!" Kathy E.
I’ve had a nagging hamstring injury for about a year that has really hampered my running. I did stretching but decided that it did not help and sometimes would aggravate it. I took Diane’s PiYo class and went for a run after. It was the best I felt since the injury. I took the class several more times and the hamstring injury was not a problem anymore! I realized that stretching properly in a relaxed state and also stretching the muscles at several different angles was the key to getting better. I now have a stretching routine that I do every night that I learned from Diane and it’s keeping me injury free! J.R.C.
"Diane is THE BEST!!! She is fun, professional, and just a truly caring human being. Always there for her clients." D. D. E.
"Diane’s wonderful energy and commitment to exercise is contagious and so inspiring." M.E.
"Diane is supportive, encouraging and humorous!"
"Diane is an excellent instructor. She is knowledgeable, compassionate and fun."
"Diane truly focuses on your individual needs." B.C.
"Diane embodies strength, vitality, awareness of the body and good humor. She teaches playfully and carefully." Pamela Z.B.
"Diane is always thinking of the best possible approach at every personal training session and incorporates variety, fun, challenge and hard work. I would highly recommend Diane for the ultimate in personal training!" Deb D.
I have never been exposed to "restorative" yoga but having an unusual condition in my hips often causes an underlying chronic pain in my hips that I guess I've just learned to live with. I do get massage and acupuncture for the pain on occasion but nothing has helped the way Diane has. In my experience I have never felt my body "release" the way it did the other day.. Several times I actually felt my body give way and release a pressure I wasn't even aware of. I was gripping for dear life in my hips!! Honestly, when I left there I felt as light as a feather and felt as though I could move in a new way!!! I can't thank Diane enough, her hands are so incredibly healing. I've learned this is one hour a week I need just for me. Diana B.
I am feeling much better because of my workouts with Diane. I can feel my muscles toning up, I have more strength and flexibility, and I sleep better. I also no longer have any neck pain. My overall health and well being have improved in many ways in just three short months. I thank Diane for that. Maureen H.
