Reviews and testimonials for trainers and the studio at Belmont Hills Pilate

Katherine Q., Emerald Hills

"I started at Belmont Hills Pilates when my private instructor Lala began teaching there. The space is wonderful. Lala is truly one of a kind. She is excellent for people with injuries or those that are just looking to stay in shape. She makes Pilates fun and the studio space is a great place to do work out with her.

"I highly recommend that you check out this studio and if possible take a class with Lala! She will make you laugh and sweat!"

Fred F., Redwood City

'"I don't normally write reviews but I felt inspired. I've been working with Lala for the past year and a half, and she has really helped me to get on a path towards healing my injuries, having better alignment, and having a more attuned relationship with my body.

"In the past year, I decided to increase my exercise program from just walking the dog and hiking on weekends to adding significant cardio and strength training, based on my doctor's recommendation.

"After running regularly for about 4 months, I began to experience hip and knee pain. I know I have some imbalances, and I have an old shoulder injury that bothers me from time to time. So I wanted to consult a corrective exercise specialist to learn how to heal the injuries and increase activity safely in the future.

"I chose Belmont Hills Pilates because I was interested in the approach that Lala described on her website integrating corrective exercise with Pilates, yoga, and mindfulness. I have a lot of experience with meditation and yoga.

"In just the first couple of months, I noticed big changes: I experience hip and knee pain much less frequently, and improved my snow skiing, mountain biking and I am lifting heavier weights. Thus I am feeling younger and stronger. My adult son, who is pushing 40 is telling me that he is outclassed by my newly found pursuits!"

Greg B., Belmont

"I have worked with Lala Darrah for several years now. I have a number of physical issues that she always finds a way to work around and get the proper muscles exercise.

"Prior to seeing her I was getting injections for my knees from my Arthritis doctor. Due to her expertise I have not had these injections for two years now.

"At the risk of being immodest I have to say that compared to most people my age (59) I am in better shape. I highly recommend Lala to anyone that wants a strong, balanced body, but I especially recommend her to baby boomers that want a trainer that will find a way to make them successful without pain!"

Natasha B., San Carlos

"Lala is a sorceress who has improved my quality of life dramatically since I've been seeing her at Belmont Hills Pilates. I originally sought Lala's help for right shoulder pain from doing my art work.

"The true reason for my pain, however, was muscle weakness and imbalances, which I had ignored for decades. By July 2024, my shoulder was pain-free. As I continued to increase my activity, Lala was always spot on with helping me with whatever other issues emerged. I religiously followed the exercises that she suggested.

"Rather than a rigid routine, she taught me how to strategically select "a la carte" from my menu of mobility, strength, and core exercises.

"Today, my shoulder pain is long gone. My mobility is much better: I can raise my arms and stretch without any hitches or weakness. When I look in the mirror, my shoulders are even for the first time in 20 years. Most importantly, I feel empowered to know how to respond to small issues that may come up. It feels good to be so much stronger and to be able to be active again!"

Sheila L., Los Gatos

"I have taken over 25 Pilates sessions with Lala. She is very focused on proper form and alignment. If I show her my chiropractor's orders, she puts that into our workout. When I leave after the hour is up, I always feel accomplished and comfortably sore in the all the right places.

"She's is knowledgeable and fun to work out with, and I always look forward to our sessions. She varies the workouts and has new moves for me at every visit.

"I have more energy and joy in everything else that I do. I am also a Zumba teacher and understand the quality of movement and can appreciate the sequencial steps it takes to improve.

"The studio itself is clean, stylish and filled with light. I highly recommend taking pilates here."

Anne R., Menlo Park

"I was looking for a practitioner who would help me address my body issues/pain proactively. When I first came to Lala, my neck and shoulders were always stiff and I was restricted by chronic pain.

"Lala taught me moves to open my chest, strengthen my upper back, and help my spine and shoulders be more flexible. Now I move more naturally without being afraid something is going to hurt. She has also tackled my knee pain!"