I recently started working with Dara to optimize my personal fitness and help lose weight. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazed I am by her work. The sessions are super effective but never intimidating, and I've already noticed a huge boost in my energy and strength. She is so encouraging and knowledgeable--it honestly makes working out something I look forward to! For example I never would have thought I could lift 15# weights or leg press over 100#. Dara gives me the confidence and support to work harder and push my limits in safe and effective ways that help me meet my goals. I finally understand what people mean when they talk about "gains at the gym." I've been raving about her to all my friends and family and would encourage anyone looking for a personal trainer to reach out to her. read more

I have been working on and off with dara for the past 5 years to help me reach my body composition goals. I basically refuse to work with anyone else because her methods and guidance work! I always stick with dara because she is not someone who gives you a calorie target and sends you on your way. She listens to you history and goals and comes up with a strategy that would best help you meet your goals I've learned a lot about myself and my habits since I've been working with dara and I believe this is the most important part of the puzzle. She helps you break through bad habits and create new healthier ones that make sense to your lifestyle and schedule. Everything is 100% tailored to you and your life. Since working with dara over the years, I've built self confidence and esteem that I did not possess prior. This has seeped into other aspects of my life in relationships, work, and family. I have so much self esteem and confidence now, I've broken through mental barriers that have held me back in my 20s! My relationship with food has changed for the better forever. I don't look at food the same as I used to and focus on how my choices make me feel physically. When dara and I first started together I was pushing 140 pounds. I was able to (over years of time) able to lose down to 112 pounds which is much healthier for my frame (I am 4'11). This specific time with dara went from may to November, and I was able to lose 10 solid pounds after putting myself through a long building phase where I purposely gained weight and muscle. We took the best approach for this season of my life and was completely able to enjoy my entire summer with hardly any restrictions, I truly got the best of both world working with dara! read more

Weight loss wizard indeed. I started my weight loss journey at the beginning of the year. I educated myself and was having success, and then my progress seemed to slow. I was still having success but I realized I didn't know enough to know what to adjust. I would switch my workouts frequently and adjust my calories and macros on a whim. A coworker of mine was working with Dara and I couldn't help but notice and admire her AMAZING results. Wow the girl was shrinking daily! And starting to look really ripped! I had to know more.... I had a consult call with Dara and I knew immediately that she knew her stuff. And she was going to help me be accountable. The plan takes a while to get used to. I was told to track all my meals in advance, which made zero sense to me originally. How would I know what I was going to eat a day in advance? Thanks to Dara this is now second nature to me, and it has made all the difference for my nutrition. Staying on track is easy! Her workouts are great! Challenging, effective and not too long. I have done three full body workouts a week with great results. Dara knows when to shake things up, when to add in cardio and is always available when I need to modify something. The best part about Dara is that she is a real person. She will challenge you and push you to explore why you think/feel/behave in certain ways but she also understands that weight loss is really HARD and that you are not going to be perfect every single day. If you are ready to really commit to something that will work and is sustainable, you've found your girl. read more

Dara Schafer Personal Training - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

I've been working with Dara for 14 weeks now (initially nutrition only + step and cardio goal, then added strength workouts 3x a week about a month in) and have nothing but great things to say. I have always been interested in weight loss and strength training/ muscle toning, but the idea of restrictive diets deterred me and my idea of "intuitive eating" combined with cardio and inconsistent strength workouts never led to the results I wanted. I knew I needed help and accountability, and I was adamant that the solution be something that was sustainable for me moving forward past the point of reaching my "goal weight." I just needed someone to give me the tools to learn how to do that. That's where Dara came in. A friend of mine worked with her and was successful so I was down to try it for myself. She broke down everything in a highly approachable way. I never felt overwhelmed and she was always available to answer the many questions I had. And I have had a lot of questions :) She is extremely patient, explains things in a way that is digestible and easy to understand, and will check in with you to make sure something makes sense. Beyond that, she really digs in to understand your relationship with food and why we make certain choices. I feel like she is also my part-time therapist :) She reminds us that we are in the driver's seat and that with her support, success is a direct correlation to the actions we take. Her favorite questions are "why" and "how would you approach that?" You can tell Dara is a true coach and teacher at heart which sets her apart from the rest. I'm so proud of where I've come (over 10 pounds down!) and I appreciate that Dara celebrates both your scale and non-scale victories, pointing out that progress and success come in many forms. I'm so glad I made this investment in myself and am looking forward to my continued progress. It's truly changed my life for the better. read more

I was a year postpartum with my first child and was in need of an exercise regimen with structure, accountability - but also grace and encouragement for my body in a new season of life. Dara is the first personal trainer I've ever worked with and I was a novice when it came to weight training. I was intimidated by some of the exercises, but Dara made it feel accessible. She came in with a plan I could stick to and over the course of several months I saw a huge improvement in my energy, weight loss, and mental health - and with only two sessions a week + tweaks to my nutrition. I wasn't in search of a full body transformation, but creating a routine where I could continue to show up for myself and grow stronger. Learning the ropes of weight training + accountability was transformative for me. Dara has since relocated but grateful we had the opportunity to work together. Her work has reignited my fitness journey! read more

"It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle." I HATED when people said this to me. I couldn't picture myself as someone who would ever prefer a salad over a burger and I'm definitely not someone who minds spending a whole day on the couch. And I had failed so many times before, what was the point of even trying? But with 70+ lbs to lose (a number that often paralyzed me) something had to change, so I decided to reach out for help, both to guide me and to keep me accountable. That's when I found Dara on Yelp. I started working with Dara about 4 months ago to work on weight loss (exercise and nutrition). Best decision I ever made. I knew she would be a good fit from the first consult call where she asked me not only about my weight loss history, but also about the emotions surrounding that history as well as my stress and wellness habits. It felt very holistic from the get go. Since then, I've lost ~25 lbs and counting. Unlike past experiences (and I tried everything - Weight Watchers, Beachbody, just personal training, just meal tracking), working with Dara has given me the tools to enjoy exercise, to enjoy the food I'm eating (both burgers AND salads!) but still be working towards my goals, and to avoid any sense of depriving myself or missing out. I've even started meditating! I love the macros approach to nutrition because I feel full, I can have lots of variety, I can enjoy the foods I love, and I feel like I know exactly what it will take to succeed. Dara has helped me find a balance and build habits that I feel like I can maintain. In the past, I would focus on either fitness or nutrition and I would have a good run but then go back to old habits. Working with Dara keeps me accountable and motivated because 1) she really cares, 2) I actually enjoy everything I'm eating, 3) the workouts are varied and 4) the results are there! She's accessible by text and will send me recipe ideas that she knows I will like, grocery shopping tips, how to have a balanced approach to dining out or to a weekend away with friends, and even tips on how to handle my stress in healthy ways. Everything you need to succeed long term. At the beginning of working together, one uptick on the scale felt devastating. She's also taught me to not put all my attention on that number. I've dropped a clothing size, I've noticed tone in my muscles, I feel stronger, and these are all wins that we celebrate. This is a huge change from anything I've done in the past and a healthier way of thinking. In a way, my mindset is the biggest thing Dara has helped me change--and the most powerful. During quarantine, we've continued our workout sessions virtually and frankly it's helped me keep my sense of routine and my sanity. I purchased just a few pieces of equipment and I still feel challenged even though I'm working out from home! If you're scared to start, if you've had bad past experiences with trainers who don't seem focused on your results, if you're OVER diets that force you to avoid foods you love or living your life, or if you just need some accountability from someone who truly cares about you and your goals, I highly recommend you work with Dara. Your body and your mind will thank you! read more

Dara Schafer Personal Training - Left photo (before, 2/3/2020) - Right photo (down 26 lbs, 5/29/2020) - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

I decided to work with Dara because I gained weight during work from home, and needed someone to get me in tip top shape for my wedding. I'd tried at-home workout plans, HIIT, intense running, as well as paleo and fasting diets. I was frustrated trying so hard and not seeing results, so I decided I needed help from a professional in nutrition AND personal training. Dara has taught me all about macros, and having a healthy approach to nutrition. She taught me that food is a big part of losing weight, and that there's a sustainable way to approach the food element. I was very scared of failing at dieting but this has been enjoyable. She regularly checks in and offers suggestions tailored to my food preferences. I've also learned my weekly HIIT workouts and intense running are not necessary to achieve the results I want! Low impact walking and strength training with Dara has worked wonders on my body. I've lost 9 pounds so far in 2 months. My body is slimmed and toned (no bulk here!). An added bonus is my terrible working at a desk all day posture has improved dramatically with Dara's weight training. In addition to looking my best, I also feel so much healthier and no longer have daily pain. Dara is a joy to work with. She's a lovely person who cares about tailoring your plan to you and your goals. I look forward to my workouts with her. In the past, I worked with Equinox trainers who did not offer a personalized experience, and I dreaded going to the gym. Not the case anymore! I will definitely be continuing with Dara after my wedding and credit her to looking and feeling my best after only a short time of working together. If you're serious about getting the results you want in a sustainable manner, Dara's the person for you! read more

First off, Dara Schafer is an amazing person, trainer and tip giver. I am so grateful I found her. Based off our 1st phone call I knew she would help me reach my goals. Before I came across Dara here on Yelp, I had spoke to many PT's which they had a very unsettling reaction/energy when I shared with them my story & how I've being struggling with weight loss and an effective workout routine. Dara made me feel very comfortable and confident that I will reach my goals and create a healthy lifestyle, which I have! Before Dara I literally tried every diet, meal service and almost every workout trend in LA but the weight kept coming back. Now, I have a wonderful food structure where I can have whatever I want and not feel guilty. I was terrified of carbs and sugar, now I don't have an ounce of guilt because the numbers on the scale are going down. I was terrified of lifting weights because I believed it would make women bulky, now I lifts weights 3x a week and I am getting stronger and much more lean. FYI.. Dara has awesome recipes for hacking your nutrition ;) read more

I've been working with Dara for the past 8 weeks and have had a great experience. This was my first time working with a coach so I did not know what to expect. I ended up picking Dara because she has a lot of great testimonials and my friend was working with her and had great results. I just knew I needed help and guidance to reach my goals because what I was doing on my own wasn't working. My main goal was losing 10lbs in addition to really understanding how to eat and structure a day in food. I've tried other approaches in the past on my own like keto but Dara's approach is different and more sustainable. She has a macros approach which means I can eat what I want as long as I meet calories, protein, carbs and fat. I've dropped 6lb in 8 weeks, I am not at my goal yet but know I will get there with Dara's help. She's always been approachable and helpful when I needed guidance. This is a process and takes time and patience but if you put in the work the results will come. I'm really happy I chose to work with Dara and would refer her to anyone looking to learn about nutrition and lose weight! read more

Dara is, firstly, a wonderful, caring person and a joy to work with. She's also a thoughtful and flexible trainer who adapts her methods to meet the needs of the client in front of her, even if that client (i.e. me!) is figuring out what they need as they go. I've diet cycled most of my adult life and found it was wearing on my mental health. I'm using a HAES approach now and focused on my body from the inside out - how does my body feel? What do I enjoy doing? I saw I couldn't "play" like I wanted (hike, surf, be energetic in general) because I was out of shape! So I shifted from trying to change how my body looks to focusing on how I feel in my body. I found Dara and figured out what works for me now - building muscle and working on gaining confidence and feeling comfortably athletic-enough in my body. She has done WONDERS for me in a few months going 2x a week. I can now play an impromptu game of volleyball without (totally) dying, keep up with my friends, try new activities with reasonable confidence, and more fully enjoy all SoCal/life has to offer. Without focusing on weight at all I've GREATLY improved my quality of life working with Dara. If you're focused on feeling confident and fit in your body, Dara can absolutely help! My balance, flexibility, and overall fitness have vastly improved. And just as an aside, all that glut work has my booty lookin' NOICE. Not the main goal, but not going to turn it away! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! read more

I found Dara through Yelp and I'm so happy that I did. I signed up for the 12-Week Online Program because it suited my lifestyle better. Within the first phone calls, I knew she'd be a great fit for me. From the beginning she mentioned what I had been doing wrong and showed me what I needed to do to better my health and fitness regimen. I was eating 1200 calories a day, with a low protein and high carb diet. She helped me calculate my macros, which was scary at first because I had never eaten so much protein, but it became a habit after. She also gave me an AMAZING workout routine to compliment the diet. It was awesome at first because I was super motivated, but then, something even more amazing happened to me about 5 weeks into the program. I was in the kitchen at work and there were boxes of donuts. Normally I eat 2 or so because the temptation is too intense. But for once, I just looked at them, walked away, and went about my day. Something I NEVER thought I'd be able to do. I even look forward to my macro-friendly meals! I normally ate properly during the week and then went crazy on the weekends, eating whatever I wanted. After Dara, I'm on track about 95% (I'm not perfect) but I'm also A LOT more disciplined than I was before a huge game changer for me. I struggled with my workouts a lot because of my hectic work schedule, but she helped me strategize so we could make it work. I got a little discouraged so I did a before and after photo and realized it was working! The biggest thing I have gained so far on my journey with Dara is my confidence. I hated my body when I met her, and now that we're about 7 weeks in, I love it again. I dress up more now because of it. I feel more comfortable in my own skin and it's all thanks to her. I truly can't wait to see where I am after week 12. I also think that after we complete our program, that I can keep this up on my own. Thank you so much Dara! You've changed someone who didn't think they'd ever get their life together. read more

Dara Schafer Personal Training - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

Working with Dara has been incredible. I've worked with her for both nutrition and training for over a year and it's easily the best experience I've had. She works with you and your fitness level/nutrition knowledge and builds plans that help you grow and work towards your goals. My favorite and most unique thing working with Dara has been her holistic approach to both my fitness and nutrition. She takes into account where you are in your life and has honestly helped me grow personally beyond just my health goals. I've tried different diets in the past and she showed me how to use macros in a way that fits my lifestyle and still helps me work towards my goals. I already had a strong foundation in regards to working out, but Dara was so helpful in helping me find a type of cardio that suits me and even took the time to refine my form for different exercises. I love how personal the relationship is and that she finds a balance between being your cheerleader while still holding you accountable. I started our coaching relationship with the intention to lose weight, but have found the most value in how much my mindset has changed and all the new tools I've learned from approaching fitness and the gym to self care to mindset shifts to mastering nutrition. I cannot recommend Dara enough! Thank you Dara!! read more

I have a million great things to say about working with Dara. Before starting with Dara, I considered myself an active, relatively healthy guy who needed help with structure and discipline. I went to the gym 2 times a week and ran each weekend however I felt stuck because I wasn't seeing results. I didn't know just how much I didn't know. Dara started me on a program where we train at the gym 2 times a week (just doing the basics!) and she has me on a nutrition plan. Within a couple of months, I reached my target weight and...more importantly, I feel awesome. I feel (and look!) strong for the first time in my life (and I'm 42 years old!). After working for 3 months with Dara, I extended for another 3 months because the results are so, so positive. Dara is available and invested. She wants me to do well and see results, but she knows (and reminds me!) it's on me to do the work. Also, Dara is fun to talk to, so it makes being in the gym together always interesting! If you want to see (and feel) results - Dara is the way to go. read more

I decided to work with Dara after seeing two good friends have amazing results with her. I gained about 11lbs during the last 2 Covid years and had completely fallen out of my workout routine and picked up some crappy eating habits. I've been working with Dara for about 13 weeks now and I have to say I feel great. I suffer with bad bouts of anxiety and panic attacks and Dara has encouraged me every step of the way whether It's having the courage to use a machine at the gym or confusion on food logging. Some thing specific that has made me so happy during this process is my energy has improved so much, and on top of that I've lost 7lbs and 9.5 inches throughout my body. My jeans feel/look better and the best part is the shift in my mood and confidence! I plan on working with Dara a few more months, I'm learning so much about what my body actually needs and I love being back into a routine (never been my strong suit haha). I would highly recommend working with Dara. She is professional, kind, knowledgeable and realistic. read more

See all

I have followed Dara on social media for sometime. After watching her stories and posts, I decided to reach out. We had our initial intake meeting. She shared that in the past she did have to let a client go. I would assume there is more than one. After receiving all payments, Dara's attitude changed. She was no longer trying to support me. She shared that I was not giving her enough feedback. She asked me to take my time in replying to her as to make sure my texts had more information so she could support me. When I did text after that, I opened up. Sharing my wheels have fallen off, I was frustrated. She said I was self-sabotaging and that's when I was cut off. Instead of seeing that's when I needed help the most. I was fired and offered no remedy. As a teacher myself, I know people are trying their best. I was not given the benefit of the doubt. I was trying my best and shot down and not given tools outside of MyFitnessPal to help. After she "fired" me, her continuous texts of bullying continued. I asked for a refund, since I still have 6 weeks left out of 12 weeks. This is a complete scam! Don't fall it! I gave her warning about a poor yelp review. I just want a refund. I lost zero weight. I am sure she is deleting negative reviews. Again-more blame on me. Instead of trying to correct to wrong. I asked for a reset-nope-refund-nope. Nada. read more

I was finally ready to take my nutrition seriously after years of up and down weight and failed attempts at dieting. I interviewed a couple coaches and felt that I clicked with Dara on a personal level and it was a no-brainer to start this journey with her. She's tough! But very loving. She takes the time to understand the "why" behind decisions you're making and doesn't push anything that will become unsustainable. It's work, but its fun and easy and you have a wonderful coach to guide you through. I probably talk to her on a daily basis - checking in, sharing silly stories, getting advice, reflecting on what's working and what's not. I just finished my first 12 weeks - lost 17 pounds and 16 inches! And I signed up for another 12 weeks without hesitation. At this point we are just focusing on nutrition. We even tried adding training for a bit, but it just wasn't manageable for me yet, and Dara was completely understanding and said we could hold off until I'm ready. The ability for me to be completely honest and vulnerable with Dara is why this works. I am not afraid to tell her when I fall off plan, or when I'm struggling. She is here to help, not to grade me! Will she push and encourage you to do hard things? Yes! But it's never a set-up for failure. She believes in you and knows what you're capable of, even when you don't always believe it. A truly wonderful person and coach to have in your corner. read more

Deciding to work with Dara was one of the best decisions I've made. I had always tried to lose weight by restricting my eating and doing silly diets but would always gain it all right back. After seeing Dara's instagram and many successful before and after photos, I decided I finally needed to try to get down to my goal weight in a healthy, sustainable way. Right off the bat I was nervous about making so many daily changes but Dara made it as easy as possible and was always there for any questions I had. I started with nutrition and then after 3 months decided to add in strength training. I have lost about 10 lbs, countless inches and feel healthier and stronger than I ever have. I am still working with Dara as I am not at my goal yet, but the changes now feel like a part of my life that I won't ever give up. Above all else, she has helped changed my relationship with food, which has been invaluable. It's also super helpful that she is sweet, understanding and does not hold anyone to unreasonably high standards of perfection. I would highly recommend anyone to work with Dara- my experience has been life changing. read more

Working with Dara has been such a breeze! We work online and even though we are in different time zones, she has made it easy to work around our time differences and my busy work schedule. I tried doing keto and felt lost in the gym before i reached out to her and wasn't feeling successful at all. Dara's approach has been so straight forward and approachable and she's always willing to tailor the program to your specific needs. Working with her has been more than just a physical transformation and improvement in my nutrition. My stress management has improved drastically and it was all thanks to her guidance and support. I am excited to continue working with her, she's truly the best! read more

I've been working with Dara in her three month program. I met Dara when I was traveling abroad and became inspired by her philosophy for personal training which, from my perspective, was to help people meet their fitness and wellness goals in a healthy and sustainable way.  We spent a lot of time in the beginning working together to understand my goals and what I wanted to get out of the program - this resulted in a perfectly customized meal and workout plan for me. During our weekly calls, we'd talk about what worked and didn't work, and she'd make adjustments right away. I lost the weight I needed to lose and became toned in the areas I wanted (abs, arms, butt, and legs). In addition to the workouts and meal/diet plans, Dara was a friend-- she shared her incredibly impactful morning routine and encouraged me to adopt the practice of mediation and journaling in the morning.  She also set me up on some daily vitamins, which seems small, but was impactful to me as I was overwhelmed at the choices available! Dara just sent me some links and I was on my way. :)  As someone looking for a major lifestyle change, Dara was the perfect trainer for me. In the past, I've only worked with personal trainers through my employer's gym, and it was such a small piece of a very large puzzle for me. I personally have benefited from the personalized support I received from Dara. read more

See all

Dara is truly incredible - I've been working with her for almost 3 months and have seen more change in my body than I have trying countless (unhealthy) '"diets" myself for 10 years. Since I've started w/ her, I've consistently lost fat while gaining muscle, and leaned out significantly. One of the best things about Dara's training is that she is focused on comprehensive and sustainable weight loss - I feel happy, healthy, and empowered to keep this lifestyle up. Dara is knowledgeable, motivational, and goes above and beyond in her training by checking in and keeping me accountable throughout the week. She CARES and is so invested in my progress... I can't wait to see what we continue to accomplish in the coming months together. If you're looking to invest in yourself and your health, don't hesitate. DARA IS WORTH EVERY PENNY AND MORE!! read more

Dara is always working hard to help! I love her workouts and has had a tremendous impact on me and my fitness and eating lifestyle! She is very knowledgeable and answers questions questions quickly! Thank you Dara for all your help! read more

I love training with Dara and I am so happy I'm taking the time to write down this review. Dara is professional, sweet, and so knowledgeable. I've done plenty of fitness programs in the past and I have to say hers is the first where a coach gave me not only the tools I needed to succeed but explained how and why I needed to use them. Her program is also so flexible! She doesn't punish her clients for enjoying the food they already love but encourages a way to still have them in a healthier lifestyle that is going help them achieve the goals they have set for themselves. If you have a goal to lose weight or in general just want to start a healthier lifestyle working with Dara is a must. read more

I decided to work with Dara because I saw what she did for a friend of mine. My friend lost 60 lbs in 10 months working with her. I've joined the gym 5 years ago and I wasn't getting the results I wanted. I tried to eat 3 meals a day and nothing was working, because I didn't understand nutrition. I've learned a lot about nutrition from Dara. She taught me about macros, how to count calories, track my carb, protein and fat intake. I also learned that I could continue eating the same foods as I did before. The difference is I now know how much to eat. The most helpful thing is that Dara is always available for any questions or concerns I may have. I've never met her in person. However, I feel like I have and it's a pleasure to have her as my coach. Although we live in different countries it's so easy to work with her. I've lost 17 lbs in less than 3 months and it's something I wasn't able to do for 5 years. I lost 2" on my chest, 4" on my waist, 3 " on my hips, 1" on my thighs and 1" on my biceps. I'm more active and much more aware of foods. I definitely have more energy than before. I've never tried anything like this before, because I'm a skeptic. As I mentioned earlier, I saw my friend's results. Therefore, hiring Dara as my nutrition coach was an easy decision to make and one that I'm so happy to have made. She transformed my body to one that I always dreamed off. She's amazing read more

Dara Schafer Personal Training - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

See all

As someone who was a chronic dieter my entire adult life, having experienced rapid results but no success maintaining (historically lost 40lbs on Keto and prior 40lbs on WW) I needed something new. This was a type of program I had never tried before. I decided to work with Dara on [remote[ Nutrition and Training. I have experience weighing and tracking my food, so the nutrition piece wasn't a huge learning curve for me. However, I was historically cardio-only, so moving into primarily strength training was a new world I had never attempted. Since starting with Dara on Jan 3, I have lost around 13lbs and over 21inches across my entire body...I am at a loss for words to explain how much happier I am and how much more comfortable I am in my body. I have about 7 more lbs to go and am confident I will get there with Dara's support! I will say, the first month was tough. As someone used to losing 10lbs in the first 4-5 weeks of a diet (Keto, WW, heavily restricting, etc) I was extremely discouraged when I only lost like 1lb and saw no progress in my photos at the end of the month. I was being militantly perfect and compliant - measuring to the gram and pushing in every workout. My body needed time to readjust and understand what was going on. It took me about 2 months to evolve my thinking - with Dara's support, I forced myself to be patient and submit to this new way of being healthy. It's okay if it takes 3 months, 6 months or even a year. Once I gave in to the fact I didn't need to be in a rush, I slowly noticed less emotional distress if the scale was volatile on any given day/week. Now, I will say I have never had such a healthy relationship with food or the scale. I feel no guilt or regret after I eat things I would normally consider cheat foods. I eat bagels WEEKLY, loaded with cream cheese and enjoy every bite knowing I won't gain as a result. Specifically speaking to the training, Dara has been SUPER accommodating and supportive. I am currently in the gym A LOT (admittedly more than I can say I will be able to sustain after I reach my goal). She has me doing two upper body, two lower body, two 35 min cardio and one 20 min cardio each week. I am someone who will commit to meet a goal - so as much is it's a lot of gym-time, I know it will speed up results and progress if I commit. I struggle with hip pain and she has adjusted any workouts that seem to trigger it or make it worse. I also had a foot brace for about 3 weeks that we were able to work around. I feel like a pro at the gym and I never thought I would [proudly] say that! It's very exciting to see my body change in a way it never has before. Losing weight is different than losing weight and building muscle, which I've never done in tandem. I don't think I will ever be a person who says "I love the gym and love working out" - but I'm about as close as I've ever been to enjoying it! We text all the time and she is always readily available for questions and recipe sharing :). She keeps tabs on my food logging and makes sure I'm balancing enough veggies and will call me out when I don't! The app she uses for training is fantastic and works very well for me. I never enjoyed or was motivated by in person personal training - I actually loathed it. This is right up my alley...I work out at my own pace and reach out to her with any questions or concerns to which she will have me send a video to see if my form is right. All-in-all, if you are exhausted by the inability to maintain, motivated and ready to be held accountable - Dara is it! read more

I decided to work with Dara becuase of the results that I saw her clients getting - I also know her from my past and she has the most lovely personality. I was in a place where I was not giving my physical self the attention that it deserved, and saw this as a way to not only loose weight but develop more healthy routines. I was completely new to the macro heavy approach which took quite the learning curve. Fast forward 15 weeks and im 16 pounds down and excited to keep it going. Literally all because of the patient and personal approach Dara took with me. She is not only willing to offer support but really pushes open and constant communication. She encourages and pushes to achieve my physical goals, and perhaps more importantly, the mental work that is needed to change a lifestyle in a healthy way. Really really thankful for the time that I have been working with her! read more

I had never worked with a coach before, and hesitated to jump in at a time in my life when I was traveling internationally and moving around quite a lot. Twelve weeks later, I'm glad I started 12 weeks ago! Dara worked with me to create a workout plan I could do from home and would fit into my lifestyle. When I started working with Dara, I didn't have much confidence in my ability to follow a workout plan or make time for this in my life. I was intimidated by workouts and weight training, as I was a complete newbie to all of that. Throughout our time working together (mostly over phone/text), I felt she listened to my challenges and difficulties and gave me actionable steps to be more successful in the coming week. For example, when I felt out of control with my meals and wasn't getting the right macro balance in my days, she advised me to put meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal prep in my calendar, which really helped! My goals were to build strength and make working out/eating well more of a routine. The apps Dara used and our weekly phone calls were helpful in keeping me accountable and on track with my goals. In the first 8 weeks, I did not miss one workout! I could see the results in more muscle definition and in my increased strength and endurance. An international trip I took around week 10 sidelined me a little bit, and I didn't finish as strong as I would have liked. However, Dara encouraged me to jump back in when I could, and continued to offer support instead of judgment. I ended my 12 weeks with a better understanding of what my body was capable of, better informed about macros and building muscle, and with more inner confidence about taking charge of my own fitness moving forward. If you're the kind of person who thrives when you have external accountability, working with Dara could be a great fit! Knowing that she would be checking in with me weekly, and would be keeping tabs on my workouts & adherence to the meal plan was a HUGE factor for me completely these personal goals. I also felt supported knowing that if I was struggling with something, Dara would have a suggestion or modifier to help make it work for me. I'd definitely recommend doing her 12 week program if you are looking to take your fitness to the next level. read more

I had a great experience working with Dara. I wasn't quite sure what I was looking for after years of strict diets and gaining and losing weight I finally decided to take the plunge and try something new. Dara was able to find a plan and macros that worked with my lifestyle and that I could stick to. She even got me to use a good scale for the first time and I don't regret it because I was able to lose over 15lbs, 3.8% of my body weight and 26 inches in just 11 weeks, but the insights I gained about my nutrition were even more valuable than the weight loss. read more

Dara is awesome! I began working with her because I gained a 30 pounds in grad school and after recovering from a surgery. I struggled to lose weight on my own and felt stuck. I reached out to Dara and I am so happy I did! I have lost 17 pounds so far and I can now see my muscles. I am doing nutrition plus working out twice a week. Dara is very smart, kind, and accessible. I had never worked with a trainer before and did not know what to expect; I am so happy I started with THE BEST! read more

As a former athlete, I was always reluctant to work with a personal trainer, since I felt like I should be able to regulate my exercise and diet on my own. But after 10 years of broken promises to myself, I decided it was time to ask someone for help. I found Dara through her stellar yelp reviews and she did not disappoint. My goals were simple -- build better, sustainable habits, to improve my overall energy and hopefully combat some stomach issues I'd been struggling with. Even though it hasn't been easy, I know with out a doubt there's no way I would have stuck to my healthy eating and exercise routine without her help. She's the perfect mix of cheerleader and tough love. There's no screaming or shaming (something I definitely did NOT want). Instead Dara initiates conversations to understand what I'm struggling with and how she can adjust the program to best fit my needs. She's helped me navigate my stressful work schedule (which happens to come with unlimited in-office snacks) by having me pre-plan what I'm going to eat during the day. Sounds simple enough, and yet I've never been able to do it before. I feel like I no longer use food as my crutch to get me through difficult or emotional situations, which is honestly a huge win. Our time in the gym has also been transformative -- both physically and mentally. I haven't worked out this regularly since college, and it's so satisfying to feel myself becoming stronger as the weeks go by. I'm lifting weights I never have before, and doing so with confidence. I can see the difference in the mirror and on the scale. Like all good things, the changes take time, but they feel more sustainable because they're not the result of some crash diet -- one slip-up doesn't undo all your progress. Simply put, I feel the healthiest I have in a long time -- my gut health has improved, I have more energy and I'm sleeping better. All goals I set for myself when we first started working together. My journey has been less about weigh loss and more about feeling better in my body. All I can say is -- I wish I had done this sooner. It's really amazing to work with such a knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly strong female trainer. I feel luck to have found her! read more

Before I started training with Dara I had fallen out of shape and was having a hard time getting back into a consistent exercise routine. Dara helped me build the strength and confidence to not only start working out on my own again, but to also enjoy my workouts! Dara works hard to curate the perfect workout routines combining a mix of exercises, some of which are so challenging they feel almost impossible, and others that were much more doable. This perfect balance allowed me to feel confident and push through the more difficult exercises. Dara and I began training together in the gym where Dara is a master on all equipment, but due to COVID we were forced to start doing at home workouts. Dara helped guide me to purchase some upper and lower body resistance bands that have helped me get just as good of a workout at home without any machines. I am truly sweating through them and now that I have the bands I know that I can bring them with me and workout anywhere I go! Dara is a true expert, and is also readily accessible for any questions or concerns. What I loved maybe most about training with Dara is how absolutely hilarious she is!! I laughed so much during our sessions (an extra ab bonus!) and I personally believe having fun during a workout is crucial to building consistency. Lastly, Dara is 100% real and authentic. She openly shares her experiences and struggles, which makes her even more relatable and approachable. If you're looking for a trainer I highly recommend giving Dara a try! read more

I waited 15 weeks to write this review but I can officially say that I found a coach and lifestyle that works for me. With all of the "information" out there about health and weight loss I felt lost, discouraged and that I would never get to my weight goal that I've had for the last 10 years. Counting macros seemed annoying, time consuming and too confusing. When I came across Dara, I was skeptical to work remotely with someone in another city. But signing up for her nutrition coaching has been the best thing I've done for myself- maybe ever. Dara holds me accountable, teaches me how to make better decisions, helps me navigate a busy social life, gives me tough love but never judges. She celebrates the wins- particularly off the scale- and helps me through the lows. With her strength training guidance I look leaner than I ever have and so many people notice that. Above all, she has taught me how to be consistent and disciplined whether or not I feel "motivated." And not to mention she is real and funny and never forgets the emotional side that is connected to so much of our decision making. She really can help change your life if you are ready for it! Thank you, Dara. read more

I have had many inflection points in my relationship with food, working out and my body. Dara was not the first nutritionist I've worked with, but she is the only nutritionist who was able to deliver results in a sustainable way. In the past, I'd stick to a program for a few weeks but then quickly feel a need to rebel against it. It felt restrictive and suffocating. With Dara, I feel no need to rebel against the plan because there's no need to. I've learned that I can eat things I enjoy (ie, pasta and pizza) as long as I plan to ahead of time. It's amazing what giving yourself permission to eat will do for you and your ability to stick to a plan! If I know I'm going to have pizza for dinner, Dara asks me to plan for it by tracking the nutrition and then working backwards from there to plan the rest of the day. That way you don't end up at the end of the day feeling upset about choices you've made. You've been proactive. I'm so grateful for this! In terms of exercise, before I worked with Dara I was doing spin classes at least 4 days per week and seeing basically no change in my body. Dara encouraged me to spin less and pick up weights more. Now I lift weights 4x/week, go on walks and take 1-2 spin classes per week and my body is considerably leaner and stronger. Over the past 12 weeks, I'm down 8 pounds and 9.5 inches. I've still got months to go before my wedding, and I know that I'll be able to not only meet my goals, but surpass them thanks to Dara! Working with Dara is not a one size fits all program, and that makes all the difference. She listens to you, learns your body and your habits, and supports you to be the best version of yourself. If you're on the fence, hop over! Dara is incredible and truly knows her stuff. I can't recommend her enough. read more

Dara has been great to work with for my training needs. She listens to what I my goals are and checks in with me constantly to make sure I am getting the most out of my training and see how the sessions are going. If it were not for her, my workouts would definitely be suffering. Having her write my programs helps to keep me accountable and push myself more than I would on my own. Highly recommend! read more

Dara is AMAZING! I've been working with her for a little over a year. In this time, I've lost over 20lbs and can now wear clothes from three years ago! But more important than those milestones, Dara has been so encouraging and helped me with my physical and mental health. I feel stronger, calmer, and overall much happier. I will say that what you get out is dependent on what you put in. It's important to know that while she's a magical person, results are entirely based on how much you put in and how consistent you are. The months that I was really focused and followed her plan exactly is when I saw the most concrete results on the scale and with measurements. She encourages you to look beyond the scale for progress, which has made the whole process much easier. I haven't done nutrition the whole time, but when I was, I learned so much from Dara. I loved her approach for working in foods to keep you sane and making sure that I was learning how to make healthy choices for myself. She encourages consistency, but also honesty. I always felt comfortable admitting when I had a hard time and she was able to help me adapt and continue. Working with Dara online or in person is a commitment, but one that I'm very happy to have made. She encouraged me to invest in myself and has helped me transform. I now actively look forward to exercising and have found ways to eat what I want, while still maintaining my progress. read more

I had been following Dara on IG for a few years and after having my second baby, I knew I wanted to work with a coach to get back to fitness in a safe and sustainable manner. For me, it was not about finding a quick fix but committing to new habits and getting my nutrition dialed in. I am also still breastfeeding and plan on doing it for a few more months. What I appreciate about Dara's approach is her flexibility in creating a plan that works for me and my parameters. Instead of jumping into a calorie deficit right away, Dara helped me learn how to track macros and get a better understanding of portions, protein rich foods and how to eat so that I feel satiated. Up until this point in life, I felt like I was hungry! Working with her allowed me to make adjustments so that I didn't feel hungry anymore. As we approach the end of our three months of working together, I have learned so many things about nutrition that have immensely helped improve my relationship with food. I have also lost 16 inches throughout my body and dropped 10 lbs, hitting my initial goal of my pre-pregnancy weight. The process is a commitment and it takes work and dedication. I will also be the first to admit that I have a really hard time sticking to the plan all the time. Having a coach like Dara has helped keep me accountable to myself in a way I could never do on my own. Having a weekly plan and constant check ins, with adjustments along the way, has allowed me to keep reaching my goals. I can feel my strength and confidence improving every day! I'm not finished yet though and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Dara! Excited about what the next few months will bring. read more

Before I started working with Dara I was trying to loose weight on my own by going on an HCG diet, or working with a personal trainer twice a week & eating very low carb. I would be successful with losing 10lbs but would shortly gain it all back if I wasn't consistently eating "clean". Dara has taught me that I can loose weight without having to sacrifice the things I love to eat. I have been successful at loosing weight while still having chicken fajitas, ice cream, or chocolate. I have learned how to pay attention to nutrition labels & what to look for. I have learned how to use MyFitnessPal everyday and the importance of logging in your food in advance. Preparation is key for success! I learned how to schedule my day to make time to get my steps in, and found a new love for cardio. One of the biggest things I've learned is to be PATIENT with the process. ( Still working on this, but getting better ) you can't put expectations on when exactly you loose weight and how your body responds. Before working together I would maybe make time to have one meal a day, wasn't prepared, eating habits weren't the best, and wasn't putting my health first. Now, I'm exercising everyday, meal prepping, getting plenty of sleep, and getting closer to my goal every day. I love having a routine! I hired Dara because I wasn't sure what diet I should try, & I wanted something that was sustainable. I didn't want to go on the roller coaster of loosing 10lbs in a month then gaining it all back. Dara is fantastic! She is so patient, kind, encouraging and I would highly recommended hiring her if you are overwhelmed with all of the diets that are out there, and if you are ready to make a lifestyle change. I wish I knew what I know now from working with Dara years ago! It would of saved me the pain of yo-yo dieting. read more

I'm updating this review because a lot has changed, I've been working with Dara for almost a year I lost 60lbs and hit my goal weight. I'm currently reverse dieting and it's the most magical experience in the world, get to eat more calories and maintain my weight. Seriously mind blowing. I also use Dara for online strength training because of major body recomposition goals that I have. I started in June 2021 and have been going strong ever since. I'm stronger, leaner and tighter then I've ever been. Her training is absolutely amazing especially if you really wanna level up, and she really takes the time to listen to my goals and implement the training based on my goals. I'm 40 years old and never been stronger and healthier in my life. I eat over 2000 calories a day and about 250 grams of carbs and have maintained my amazing physique of 129lbs. I had no idea who she was when I took the leap and just put my faith in her 100% because she impressed me in our consultation call, very intelligent. She never disappoints and always blows me away. She's become a friend and a mentor of mine and the funny thing is I've never met her in person. This was all done online. We actually live in different counties. I call my new physique body by Dara. read more

Before I started working with Dara, I went to the gym about 5 to 6 times per week and would lift as well as do endless amounts of cardio and I would eat pretty healthy but did not exactly know what I should be eating for my body type. No matter how hard I worked in the gym and what I ate I did not see much of a change and felt defeated. I hated looking at my body in the mirror. Now working with Dara she has helped me not only become stronger and pushed me with her tough workouts but also has helped me mentally. She has worked with me on thinking in positive ways. I feel mentally and physically stronger and I am now loving what I see when I look at myself in the mirror. I am one of her online clients and she is the first personal trainer I have used online. I love her style of personal training because she is organized, she regularly checks up on me on a weekly basis, I can send her a txts and she gets back to me quickly, and she helps set realistic goals. I feel my lifestyle has changed in a positive way while working with her and while I have my down days just like everyone else, I feel I have more determination and motivation than I did before. I would highly recommend her no matter what your fitness level or goals are! read more

Working out used to be something i dreaded and avoided almost every single time, until I begun training with Dara -no joke. She has not only made me love working out, but has also made me more aware of what being healthy truly means. Her workouts are always changing which makes them entertaining and challenging. This helped me realize that I was making progress past a number on the scale, just by noticing how much more I could do compared to what I was able to do when I started. I loved the routines she would put together, and am extremely grateful that she was there to push me to my limits every single time. Training was never easy, but that's what made it great at the end of the day. Dara goes beyond being a personal trainer, she truly became almost a health/life coach to me. She's extremely attentive and really commits to her clients way past just a few workout sessions. If you're looking for a complete change both physically but also mentally regarding how you view health in general, then Dara is the person you're looking for! Like she loves to say, you gotta "hustle for the muscle!" read more

I started working with Dara in an effort to lose weight. I could feel myself getting older, and decided I should start taking better care of myself. I've had a good amount of success, even if I still have a long way to go. I find the structure of the nutrition program helpful. It helps me figure out what to eat, without feeling restrictive. I have the freedom to eat whatever I want, as long as I'm getting in enough protein/fat/carbs, and as someone who's mostly plant-based, I appreciate that there's no pressure to eat specifically meat. I'm able to get protein sources elsewhere, as long as I can make them fit. I've lost a little over fifteen pounds in the four months or so I've been doing the program, and it feels sustainable. I've learned how to incorporate walking more into my daily routine, and even if I don't love working out, most weeks I still manage to get in the twice a week strength training. Dara is approachable and even when I have issues or feel like I can't do something, she'll take the time to talk me through it and find workarounds. This feels like a program that I'll be able to continue doing until I reach my goals, even if that takes awhile. read more