About
EMPOWERED NZ
Emily's story
As a mother of three young children, wife to my wonderful husband and both of us working full time, life was hectic. I had recently started a new early childhood teaching job and unfortunately over the year, lost all my confidence due to workplace bullying. I was taking a lot of my work stress home and it was beginning to affect our family. My oldest daughter (then only 7 years old) was reflecting how I was feeling and was struggling socially at school. My husband and I were drifting apart. Eventually my husband and I could see that something had to give and we were not prepared for it to be our family. We made the decision that I would resign from my job to focus on my own mental health as well as my family’s wellbeing. I still remember that day vividly and the feeling of relief and the weight of the world being lifted from my shoulders.
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We decided I would take 6 months off and focus on mine and the family’s recovery. Exercise kept my mind busy and helped me focus on small achievements, like finishing a workout. I stumbled across Cassey Ho’s YouTube site Blogilates and I was hooked! I learnt to stop comparing myself to other people – how strong, flexible or fast they were compared to me – and to focus on my own fitness journey.  By doing this I was able to face my insecurities and build not just physical strength but mental strength too. I found moving my body helped me process the pain and shame I felt from the bulling over the past year. Six months later I took the leap and decided to do my training to become a certified Pop Pilates instructor.
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I know there are many more people out there that are struggling to find their confidence, who perhaps too have been bullied or are fighting depression or feelings of anxiety. Moving my body helped me heal which then led to our family healing. I hope that my story will inspire others who might be feeling lost, overwhelmed or alone, that you are not and there is a place for everyone in the EMpowered Tribe. I want to help people move their bodies in safe and effective ways, fall in love with how it makes them feel and mostly fall in love with themselves again. My goal is to create a community of like-minded people, where they can turn to one another for support and inspiration: a community where they see how powerful, strong and brave they really are.
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Read more about Emily's story in The Natural Parent Magazine article:
https://thenaturalparentmagazine.com/empowering-mums-through-exercise/
Pop Pilates in more detail
What are the benefits of Pop Pilates
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Improved flexibility, posture and overall energy in the body
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Decreased back pain
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Creates toned muscles, stronger core, legs & glutes
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Cardiovascular conditioning
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Chance to breathe deeply & unwind
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Improved overall physical and mental health & well-being
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Be part of a community of like-minded people
Pop Pilates is an upbeat workout, where you can expect to move to the beat of top-rated popular music while completing Pilates-inspired moves. POP Pilates is a strength and flexibility workout and can be done in bare feet on nothing but a yoga mat. There’s absolutely no equipment needed (other than the mat), because all of the resistance work is done using your own bodyweight.
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Modifications are provided for nearly all of the moves. There is no jumping around, no confusing or fast-moving choreography, and there is plenty of stretching, which feels just plain good.
EMpowerEd Training gives you clear direction, offers options for making each move more or less challenging and gives coaching cues to make sure your form is correct and on point — and most importantly – makes sure you are getting the most you can out of the move.
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The session goes by super fast. People of all fitness levels can be challenged in a Pop Pilates class, without having to endure impact or high-intensity pushing. And don’t forget about all that stretching – it sure is nice.​
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I promote a FIRST CLASS FREE policy, so get in touch with me and try before you buy!
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Studio location
You can find us at 51 Bridge Street, New Brighton, Christchurch
Frequently asked questions
​What do I need to bring to a Pop Pilates session?
All you need to bring is your yoga mat and a water bottle.
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Do I need to be 'fit' to take a Pop Pilates class?
No, Pop Pilates is designed for people of all fitness levels, ages, shapes and sizes. We provide modifications to suit everyone's needs.
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Can I use my concession card at any of the times/locations ?
Yes, you can use your 10 sessions (Pop Pilates) at any of the times or locations that best suit you.​
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​How many people do I need for a Business Booking?
There is a set fee of $100 for up to 15 attendees. If the number of attendees is above 15 the package will increase. This can be negotiated.