This week brings those, who are trying Dry January, halfway through the challenge of refraining from alcohol for the entire first month of the year. Thankfully for them, Heineken has tapped into the popular reset, and aims to help consumers reach their health and fitness goals. Not only does the beer brand offer fans a great tasting and refreshing alcohol-free alternative to their popular green beverages, but Heineken 0.0 offers various free fitness events throughout the month of January.
Last Friday, January 13, the first free event took place at Mimosa Sky lounge in Maho, where over 30 yogis gladly took the opportunity to breathe, sweat, and stretch under the stars. Yoga teacher Stephanie Gibbons led participants into a beautiful Moonlight flow utilizing Heineken 0.0’s as props and after-class refreshments. After a successful first event, the Heineken team at Divico Distributors is excited to announce their next free fitness occasions.
Next Saturday, January 21, the 0.0 Excuses Bootcamp will take place from 6:30am on Mullet Bay Beach. Come work out with (and be drilled by) the fittest athletes on the island. Members of the Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of St. Maarten are looking forward to challenge participants at different exercise stations on the beach, including a pullups bar, dips bars, tire flips station, monkey bar, trampoline, and agility ladders for a full-body workout in the sand.
All levels are welcome, as the bodybuilders will make it challenging for any level with fun challenges and prizes. And, of course, there will be plenty complimentary Heineken 0.0’s and health bites to recharge from a sweaty workout.
On the last Saturday of the month, health enthusiasts can sample five classes at the luxurious Joga studio in Cole Bay. If you want to try a new style of movement, this is your chance to try a 30-minute sample, meet the Joga teachers and other likeminded individuals, and enjoy vegan snacks and treats by Raul and free Heineken 0.0. Anyone can join, no matter your level, just bring a mat if you can and prepare for a fun-filled day that will be sure to make you sweat, feel centred, stretched, strong, and rejuvenated!
From 10:30 to 11:00am, Hélène Kerhervé will lead a Gentle flow, which is a gentle and mindful practice with a focus on strengthening and stretching to promote flexibility and relaxation.
From 11:10 to 11:40am, Niki Wozniak’s popular pilates class will take place. Her pilates matt class is a contemporary style of this classic form of body sculpting exercises. Pilates combines strength-building and core work and uses the breath to facilitate a mind-body connection. It is known for creating long, lean, and strong muscles – so this class will make you sweat, toned, feel refreshed and have fun!
From 11:50am to 12:30pm, it’s time for Yin yoga with Stephanie Gibbons. While Yang is related to heat and movement, Yin is the challenge of finding stillness and release. It is a quiet and meditative class of mostly seated or reclined long stretches each held for 3-5 minutes or more, to go even deeper than muscles and gently target the connective tissues such as joints, tendons, ligaments and fascia, mostly in the lower portion of the body such as hips, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Guided meditation accompanies this practice for focus and calming of the mind – a beautiful compliment to active lifestyles and yoga practices.
From 12:40 to 1:10pm, Marija Kocic will teach her beginner belly dance class. Belly dance originated in Egypt and is identified by swaying hips, undulating torso, and articulated isolations employed in a range of dynamic and emotional expressions. Characteristic movements in the dance include curving patterns, undulations, thrusts, lifts, locks, and drops, and shaking or quaking body movements.
From 1:20 to 1:50pm, the last class of the day will take place. Suzy Scholz’s Vinyasa Flow is a dynamic class, which requires the mind to stay focused in the present to be able to keep up. Vinyasa means “movement linked with breath”. Postures are strung together in a short or longer flow – and focusing keeps you from drifting off and helps you to be present in your body rather than stuck in your head.
To help further support consumers during their Dry January and with their fitness goals, supermarket- and bar-promotions are taking place, as well as free fitness events throughout the month of January. Additionally, as an initiative to create more awareness on the Dry January challenge and being health-conscious, Divico is working with local fitness influencers. Check out our @divico.shop Instagram stories and your favourite local radio station to learn more about this initiative and be inspired to stick to your 2023 health and fitness goals.
