AVEENO today hosted New Zealand’s first ever and largest outdoor pilates session in the tranquil surrounds of Western Springs Quarry, with a record 280 people taking part.
Feeling stressed?
The best way we’ve ever seen 280 people unwind at once was hitting the mats at New Zealand’s first ever and largest outdoor pilates session in Western Springs Quarry.
Skincare brand Aveeno hosted the "AVEENO Inspires Pilates Day" to celebrate the launch of its new Stress Relief range and Pilates was the perfect tie-in for the stress relieving products which include body washes, moisturizing cremes and face cleanser pads.
Attendees registered online or bought door sales and all donations went to their chosen charity, Habitat for Humanity.
Pictured left: Friends Kia Heinnen, Lisa Fedyszyn and Zoe Hawkins get ready to stretch.
The team from Peak Pilates was large enough so that instructors could walk around checking and correcting to minimise injury.
Two trainers and three attendees of You Pilates came prepared with their own mats to join in.
Christina Sayers Wickstead, Editor of Next magazine, welcomed everyone and shared she had just arrived from having a flat car battery in Coromandel and told the AA repairman ironically she was in a hurry ‘to give a talk on being stress-free!" He told her to "Let it go, darling" which got lots of laughs.
Next columnist Dr Libby Weaver gave a short talk outlining her tips on dealing with stress.
She asked us to think about what we love doing, and then think about how often we actually do it, and then make an appointment with ourself to do it as we deserve it. Also, recognise the things that drain you.
"It is what you do everyday that impacts your life, not what you do once in a while. We often exaggerate when we make mistakes but be kind to yourself. Even if you have a night of chocolate and takeaways it’s not the end of the world! Don’t stay in a negative head space. Again, be kind to yourself."
"We are governed by emotions. Success or failure, love or rejection. We make bad food choices when we let negative emotional stuff hurt us. If you start eating and can’t stop, ask yourself, why? What do you really want?
Peak Pilates’ Emma Hardisty and demonstrator, Chanel lead 40 minutes of exercises on stage which were also screened onto large TV monitors so everyone could follow their stretches, posture, and correct breathing tutorial.
The crowd of 279 women (and the 1 man we saw.)
Stacy and Carla from Ripe deli were on hand with nutritious salads and delicious slices. "Food is really important in dealing with stress; we should eat food that is in its natural state" advises Dr Libby Weaver.
Kristy Mayo and Justene Taua.
All money from ticket sales will be donated to Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, AVEENO’s® chosen charity, to help them with the inspiring work they do helping Kiwi families to live in a home of their own.
Habitat For Humanity Marketing Manager David Lawson and his daughter, volunteering for the day to help, Maryissa Lawson.
Rachel Faulkner, brand manager for AVEENO, hopes this will become an annual event held across New Zealand every year.
Guests all received an amazing goody bag for their $20 donation to Habitat For Humanity, as well as a Peak Pilates session which retails at $27.50 a session. The floral "BEAUTY" printed eco bag included Aveeno Stress Relief body wash, body creme, face pads, the latest Next magaine, Charlie’s Honest water bottle, a Sculpt bar and we all got to keep the Aveeno Pilates mat. Peak Pilates also offered half-price for guests to attend their next session. Bonus!
No stress, and no sweat, baby.
By Megan Robinson and Lucy Gay, 17 April 2010.
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