Instructor in Focus: Darren Vizer

March 22, 2024

Darren Vizer

Core Pilates, Spring Hill Brisbane, Qld

Instructor Name: Darren Vizer
Studio(s) you work at: Core Pilates
Location: Spring Hill Brisbane, Qld
Instructor training: Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Pilates Practice
PAA Level: Pilates Practitioner and Principal Trainer

What originally motivated you to try Pilates and then go on to train as an instructor?

I was looking for something to help find my dancer’s centre in the early 90s, and a dancer I was working with at Opera Australia said go to the late Megan Williams in Double Bay, Sydney; that is where all the dancers go, so I did; it was one of the best experiences I had, and my dance technique excelled from there.

What did you eat for breakfast?

I had a coffee, fasted until lunch, and then ate an apple; if I made my homemade beef jerky, I usually nibble on that.

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Enthralling

What’s the best thing about your job?

I enjoy working with bodies and seeing them get the “Body of Work” and the autonomy it gives me.

Your ‘go to’ website for all things Pilates (other than PAA)?

Currently “Complete Anatomy APP”

What’s your favourite Pilates podcast? Why do you recommend it?

Alison Brown from The Pilates Diaries Podcast.

Alison has such a rich tapestry of experience and knowledge. I love that she describes Pilates as intuition; everyone who comes for a class has a different body and needs to be treated that way; it is a shared experience in each lesson. We need to be one with the body in front of us and one with our own during the lesson experience. I mean, what words of wisdom, such gold. Plus, there is so much more she talks about.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

Everyone has something to offer

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Sharp Knives & Oysters

How long have you been a member of PAA and how did you hear about PAA?

I joined in 2006, over 18 years. I was at PAA’s second Mind Body Conference at Bondi Beach in 2004. When Helen and Sally were running it. I was a volunteer.

Do you have a motto?

You are your thoughts.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

When I demonstrate an exercise to a client, I say, “Now do as I did,” and then they say, “What did you do again?

So now I say before I demonstrate. “ACTIVE WATCHING PLEASE, I’M ONLY SHOWING YOU ONCE”

How do you use PAA?

I used the PAA educational benchmarks to inform all students, clients, and newbies that this is the minimum standard of training required in Pilates Instructor/Teacher/Practitioner.

Who is your Pilates idol or would love to meet, and why?

I have two.

That is easy:

Jennifer Newman-Preston from Pilates INT Melbourne is a super divine teacher. I call her my Guru, and she calls me UGURU2 in Melbourne.

Marda Wiley Bellarine from Victoria. She is a super power house of a teacher; I love what she taught me.

I have met them, and they both love me!

What do you appreciate most about your body?

It still works, and I am grateful to have full functionality; if only I could backflip again.

The book you’re currently reading?

Just finished listening to Brene Brown’s “Men, Women & Worthiness”

(The Experience of Shame and the Power of Being Enough)