Once a week we run a 1 hour Pilates Equipment Class. This is limited to 4 people per class to provide heaps of one on one attention! The class has been running for the past 3 terms and is an alternative to the mat classes we already run. Participants need to have had some Pilates experience before going into the class preferably attending a level 1 or above mat class. Pilates equipment used for the class includes Pilates reformer, Trapeze Table and Exochair. The equipment uses springs to provide muscle resistance and develop core strength and flexibility. Exercises can be tailored for individual needs and work on specific areas that the participant would like to target.

So it was time to let our hair down and hit the town and get to know our new staff members a bit more.

We started the evening with a trip to 10 pin bowling. The evening started off well with a few gutter balls and the occasional strike, which may or may not have been a fluke. Coming up to the half way mark everyone was on a pretty even score with Lucy and Alana starting to inch ahead. As the fun continued, and a few more gutter balls were bowled, a unanimous decision was made to put the “bumper bars” out on both lanes to improve everyone’s scores a little. At the end of the game there was a good spread of scores with Lucy winning with a score of 97, Alana coming a close second with 88 and Jan scoring 81. Sequoia, Judy, Andrea, Lena and Lindsay followed up on the leader board.

We followed up the game with a lovely meal at the Lonestar, where we all proceeded to eat, drink and laugh the night away. We had the presentation for the bowling where Lindsay was awarded the “not so booby” prize of a nice bottle of Shiraz.

Overall a great night was had by all, and we are looking forward to the next shin-dig in August.

 

It was wedding fever in the practice over the month of March. Lucy was the first to experience the exciting high of becoming a “Mrs”. On Saturday the 1st of March the day dawned slightly windy and overcast, but luckily for Lucy and Nathan, it came out clear for their wedding at Anderson’s Park. Lucy pulled up in a vintage 1931 Nash 8 and then quickly drove away again, much to the hilarity of the guests. Nathan did not look phased though. Lucy walked down the aisle to Ellie Goulding’s ‘How long will I love you’ and wore a strapless gown with bright pink shoes. There were many laughs (and tears) during the ceremony. Being traction engine fanatics, Lucy and Nathan had some of their photos taken at Robin McDonald’s house with trucks and tractors. They also had photos at Anderson’s Park and Peg’s Cottage. Following this, they managed to have a fabulous dinner and dance at the Otatara Community Centre. Lucy and Nathan have planned a honeymoon to Australia later on during the year.

Alana married Matt the following week on the 8th of March at Mount Soho Winery in Queenstown. Their fun-filled day started with photos at Peter Alexander PJ shop, then Fergburger and luging down the Queenstown hill. Alana wore a single strap, backless gown while her bridesmaids wore mis-matched dusky pink dresses. The groom wore batman shoes, which matched ‘his’ side of the cake. Again there were a few laughs during the ceremony and some tears (namely her dad’s). Alana and Matt combined their OE last year as their honeymoon. Now they are looking forward to their next adventure of becoming parents.

Lena Bekhuis: Lena has 12 years’ experience as a physiotherapist. She has recently joined us from a practice in Dunedin. Lena is working part-time at Accelerate Physiotherapy, as well as being a clinical educator for 4th year physio students from Otago University, at the hospital. She is a credentialled McKenzie therapist, which means she has had extra training in back and neck care. Lena is a registered acupuncturist and has also completed training in the Bradcliff method which helps with breathing disorders and other respiratory issues. Outside of work, Lena is kept busy with her 2 children Isaac and Toby.

Sequoia Cooper: Sequoia is a recent graduate from Otago University. She is a born and bred Southlander, who grew up in rural Southland chasing sheep. Being a competitive cyclist who has represented New Zealand at an international level, she is able to draw on her sporting experience for treating elite athletes. She has also had a lot of sideline involvement in the local premier rugby competition and physio-ed for Southland representative rugby teams.For the keen cyclist out there, Sequoia is able to do bike fits and setups. She has recently gained her level 1 Pilates certificate and she enjoys working with local Southland people.