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A bit about empower
We wanted to create a space for people to see wellness and health as empowering, not a chore. Health and wellness are such broad terms that we think leave a little too much to the imagination. When you break it down, it's pretty simple. For example, as you sit here reading this right now, how healthy do you feel? Your gut instinct should give you a pretty good answer.
Creating a healthy relationship with your body, especially as a woman, is not a small feat. It takes some hard work, and some love. So we're here to make it just that little bit easier. Let's get moving
We offer a range of solutions to your health needs, all under one roof. Classes for training strength and mobility, private and personal training, massage therapy, nutrition and health coaching. Our experienced team can help you find the best plan for you, your body and your life.
Madelyn Skilton
Founder of Empower Wellness
Barre Instructor
Yoga Instructor
Personal Trainer
Massage Therapist
Nutrition & Health Coach
Email:
A bit about Madelyn
"Born and raised in Rotorua, I have always been surrounded and captivated by nature. Swimming and hiking are my favourite ways to appreciate being outdoors.
Inside, dancing is my sanctuary. I have danced since I was 6 years old and still love teaching and being in classes today.
Between swimming in the lakes and dancing in the studio, movement has been at the heart of what I love to do for as long as I can remember. So it seems natural that I would enjoy chasing a career in helping others keep their bodies moving. To be the person that enables healthier and easier motion is the goal for me.
I am a fully qualified personal trainer, barre instructor and yoga instructor. The most recent addition to my toolkit is a sports and therapeutic massage diploma, as well as a nutrition certification. I've always felt that traditional gyms, while they have there place, don't necessarily lend themselves to everyone's needs. My passion is working with people who feel like they don't fit the 'fit' mold. Tailored plans are needed because while we all have a body, every single one is different - therefore we have different needs and different goals for where we want to be. I look forward to sharing what I can with you to help your healing, growth and movement journey!"
- Madelyn
A bit about massage
Massage therapy is a physical therapy that can be done through the clothes or directly onto the skin using balms or oils, which is how we offer massage at empower. Studies show massage therapy is effective in releasing oxytocin, which is known as a the 'love hormone' and very beneficial in reducing feelings of fear or anxiety.
Slow, calming massage strokes with a medium pressure have been shown to lower activity in the sympathetic nervous systems, meaning it can put localized muscles or even the whole body into a deep state of calm and relaxation. In addition to massage we now offer Cupping Therapy, and Dry Needling, these add ons are free of charge within your 60 minute treatment and a great extra tool on the belt to getting you feeling good.
Studies and research aside, massage is a great way to take some time out just for you. Life get's busy. We've said it before but we'll say it again, we want to keep it simple. The bottom line is that nothing leaves you feeling quite as zen as an hour long massage after a busy week. We've got it covered.
We also have a clinic space located in Okere Falls, Rotorua with both of our therapists Maddy and Alex. As well as mobile massage on request for those special weekends away or when you just don't want to leave the house! Bookings for mobile and clinic massage can be made via email or sending us a message on 021 085 14229.
A bit about Personal Training
The normal picture in your head when someone says personal training tends to be a big guy in a gym lifting weights. That's exactly the picture we're trying to get rid of. Our personal training looks a little (or a lot) more like the image on the right, with one of our current PT clients.
A lot of people, especially women, tend to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the gym and everything within it. We wanted to create a style of training that's as personal and tailored as it gets. Our PT options aren't in a gym, either mobile training, one on one from the comfort of your own home, in a private studio space, or (weather permitting) in the glorious outdoors.
With a focus on custom programs that are client specific in every way, from pelvic floor rehabilitation, mobility work post knee or hip replacements, to just general fitness and weight loss - we have you covered every step of the way. For more information on personal training or private yoga sessions please email or give us a call to have a consult.
A bit about yoga
At empower, we currently offer a beginner Vinyasa class. This is a meditative movement connected to the breath and a great way to get moving and grooving while still slowing and calming the mind.
We also run Yin Yoga & Cacao night events. These are juicy, slow and restorative practices which allow you to really carve out time to rest adn recharge. These events are beginner (and pregnancy) friendly and an amazing way to reconnect with self, and give some self love to the body and mind. Keep an eye out on our home page and socials for the next event.
We also offer one on one yoga trainings for those wanting a more tailored practice from home or for specific rehabilitation or mobility.
A bit about Pilates
Pilates is a juicy, slow burn class that really works on activating the whole body. Not only is it a great full body work out, and ideal for working all those little stabilizer muscles, but it really benefits the core.
By working from the deep core out, this form of training is awesome for injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, and all round strength. It is highly recommended, especially by physios and other manual therapists for backpain as the root of this is often from a weak core and trunk. Maddy currently teaches Reformer Pilates through Reform Rotorua, and you can book in for private or one on one mat Pialtes sessions.
What is Barre?
What is Barre? If you've chatted to Maddy, she'll say it's "Pilates on crack". Barre incorporates a ballet barre (hence the name) and some VERY basic dance positions - it is not a dance based training. With this it has a basis of Pilates, incorporating mat and standing work, and some work at the barre used for balance. We use a range of props like light weights, resistance bands, resistance balls to challenge and work you that bit harder! Where barre really differs from Pilates is the music and intensity - we always have the tunes pumping and the tempo of class tends to be a little faster than Pilates to really get that heart rate working!
Barre is great for a medium to high intensity workout but without any impact, perfect for those re-entering their fitness journey, pregnant, managing an injury or just wanting a good workout! There's plenty of both modifications and advancements meaning it can be tailored to you and your needs! Our current Barre offering is a Hamurana community class held in the Kaharoa Hall, Thursday bights at 6pm. This community class isn't run through the website, so just flick Maddy a message to book in! 02108514229
