Sunset Pilates encourages mindful pause
Published:Wednesday | June 25, 2025 | 12:10 AM
Fitness lovers and Pilates enthusiasts gathered at the Barbican Sports Turf last Saturday for Sunset Pilates, an open-air wellness session designed to recharge the body and mind. Led by certified Pilates instructor Racquel Snead and supported by sports beverage brand Powerade, the event encouraged participants to take a deliberate pause from their routines and reconnect with movement, breath, and balance.
Pilates has been steadily gaining popularity in Jamaica, with an increasing number of people turning to the low-impact practice for its physical and mental health benefits.
Explaining the benefits of the practice Snead told Lifestyle, “Pilates focuses on strengthening our centre – our powerhouse, which leads to improved posture, increased mobility and is also great for recovery.”
She continued, “It’s all about slowing down and becoming in tune with breath, alignment and intentional movement.”
With participants of all experience levels in attendance, Snead emphasised that the practice is for everyone.
“We just have to meet ourselves where we are in the moment”, she shared. Adding that she does her best to provide modifications and progressions based on the client or audience. “Consistency and discipline are key if you want to see progress. The hardest part is getting started”, she explained.
As dusk settled in, guests flowed through a full-body session under string lights, set to calming music. Each movement was intentionally designed to build strength, release tension, and support recovery. Attendees arrived dressed in athleisure wear and were each gifted with Powerade-branded tote bags. Throughout the session, participants were kept hydrated with the “Pause is Power” sports drink.
The initiative was supported by Wisynco Group Limited, through its Powerade brand, reinforcing its message of performance and recovery.
“At Powerade, we believe wellness includes knowing when to pause, rehydrate, and reset,” said Chantellee McDonald, senior brand manager, Coca-Cola Portfolio, Wisynco Group Limited. “Sunset Pilates was a perfect fit for us as it allowed fitness lovers, and even beginners, an opportunity to move with purpose, stay hydrated, and take care of their overall well-being.”
Snead hopes the event left attendees feeling refreshed and inspired to make wellness a regular part of their lives. “Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder to slow down and take care of ourselves. I think everyone left feeling more present and more empowered.”
As the local wellness scene continues to grow, events like Sunset Pilates show that fitness is not just about intensity – it is also about intention. For Pilates newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike, it was an evening of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful pause.