What crosses your mind when you hear the household name Zespri? Yes, some of us may know Zespri for their fresh and quality kiwifruits. But it could now be known for fun and fitness too. Last weekend, Zespri held the first-ever Zespri Sungold Kiwifest, a fitness fiesta overflowing with positivity and fun, and got everyone all psyched up with yoga and Pilates.
At the Zespri Sungold Kiwifest, many participants arrive early at Empress Lawn, anticipating the start of the first-ever fitness festival in Singapore.
I had a revitalizing vinyasa yoga session led by MC Swltkr followed by a heart-thumping and intense POP Pilates session with the popular fitness Youtuber Cassey Ho. There were some awesome grooves from Take Two, a local indie band that has been rising up the ranks in the music scene.
Mass yoga session against the backdrop of Victoria Theatre and The Fullerton Hotel.
Flowing into the next yoga pose is much easier, when you are in the midst of yoga enthusiasts, eager to kick-start the morning with a reinvigorating yoga session. There was indeed strength in numbers. When I saw my neighbour doing the best she could during the workout, I pushed myself to see it through too. Having people exercising with you does make for a really nurturing and motivating environment, which leaves you no excuse to bail on it halfway.
Look how adorable the Zespri mascot is, as he stretches along with the attendees during the vinyasa yoga session.
After all the calorie-burning activities, I hopped over over to the booths for some froyo or granola breakfast courtesy of Sogurt and Park Deli Bench respectively. Popaganda, as the name suggests, offers refreshing kiwifruit popsicles to beat the sweltering heat.
I was thrilled to meet Cassey Ho, a sensational Youtuber, who has shot to fame with her fitness channel with her incredibly positive workout videos. She is always so energised and filled with positive energy, which makes me wonder if she ever gets tired of the countless reps she does in her videos.
True to her demeanour in her videos, Youtuber Casey Ho (right) is zealous and positive. I was thrilled to meet her!
As a self-professed fan of hers, I’ve been following her videos religiously for about four years now. Imagine the excitement and star-struck moment when I got a chance to have a photograph with her (cue my squeak in utter excitement). Indeed, it was a dream come true and I am so glad Zespri brought such a sensational and inspirational figure to this iconic festival for us, especially the females.
Enthusiastic attendees have a good time as they get into quads-toning squats with cheery fitness personality Cassey Ho. Photo Courtesy of Zespri Sungold Kiwifest.
Her energy was highly contagious and it got us all fired up with her rhythmic moves as upbeat chart-toppers played in the background. No matter how sore my muscles were, I pushed on with the reps as Casey was just that encouraging. Each time she introduced a tougher exercise, she would egg us on with her radiating positivity and endless energy, which motivated me to do better.
Many attendees rover around to try other activities Zespri has in store for them, with the likes of carnival games and workshops by The Body Shop to freshen up.
Rarely do we come by such a strong and fiercely optimistic lady figure, it is little wonder why she is looked up upon by many girls and women alike. I believe what she said after her POP Pilates session chimed in with many of us ladies, who sometimes feel the pressure to conform to a certain body type in our society.
Her advice was to find joy in exercising beyond doing it for vanity. Until we embrace how we look, we will never be comfortable in our skin, which I could not agree more. It is also vital to lead a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a well-balanced diet to be happy.
Given the inspiration-filled atmosphere and complimentary food amid much fun and games, can we ask for more? The first-ever Kiwifest to arrive on our shores was no doubt a success. One can surely count on me to keep my calendar crossed for the next one.
