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Da Silva Parks Market Day Comes to Fourways in Support of Ra...
Looking for a feel-good family outing that also gives back to the community? Da Silva Parks is bringing its Market Day to Hammets Crossing Office Park in Fourways this September, bringing tenants, local businesses, families and the wider community together while raising funds for the Randburg SPCA and 4Paws Animal Shelter.Taking place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, from 10:00 to 15:00, the market brings together local shopping, delicious food, live entertainment and family fun, all while supporting two organisations dedicated to caring for animals in need.A Family-Friendly Day Out in FourwaysThere will be plenty to browse and enjoy throughout the day, with local vendors and businesses bringing their products and services to Hammets Crossing Office Park. Families can look forward to kiddies' entertainment, face painting and balloon artistry, while the market stalls will offer something for a range of interests.Food lovers can browse freshly prepared meals ranging from hearty grills and curries to sourdough and baked treats, with coffee available too. Other stalls will include arts and crafts, kids' toys and jewellery, fashion and lifestyle products, beauty, spa and wellness offerings, as well as pet food, treats and animal accessories.There will also be a dedicated SPCA and 4PAWS stand where visitors can find information and merchandise while learning more about the organisations benefiting from the day's fundraising efforts.And if you have a four-legged family member at home, they can join in too. Dogs are welcome at the market, provided they are kept on a leash, making this an outing that the whole family can enjoy.Live Entertainment and Local StallsThe Da Silva Parks Market Day will also feature live entertainment, with local entertainer Gideon Hunter headlining the day's festivities. His performance will add music and atmosphere as visitors explore the stalls, enjoy something to eat and spend time with family and friends.The event is also an opportunity to support local businesses and tenants, with a variety of stalls showcasing products and services from the surrounding community. Whether you are looking for something for the kids, browsing lifestyle and fashion products, shopping for your pets or simply looking for something good to eat, there will be plenty to discover.Supporting Two Johannesburg Animal SheltersAt the heart of the Da Silva Parks Market Day is its fundraising purpose. All stall fees, entrance fees and donations collected on the day will go directly towards Randburg SPCA and 4Paws Animal Shelter, supporting their ongoing work caring for animals in need.The funds will assist with important work including veterinary care, feeding programmes, shelter upkeep and adoption drives.Entry costs R10 per person, or visitors can make a donation instead. If you would like to contribute something practical, suggested donations include dog or cat food, blankets and toys.It is a simple way to turn a Saturday outing into something that gives back, whether you come along for the food and market stalls, bring the kids for some entertainment, shop from local businesses or want to support the animal welfare organisations benefiting from the event.A Family Day With a DifferenceWhether you come along to browse the stalls, enjoy lunch with the family, listen to the live entertainment or make a donation to one of the shelters, the Da Silva Parks Market Day is an easy way to spend a Saturday while supporting a worthwhile cause. Bring the family, bring your four-legged friends and come ready to shop, eat and make a difference in the community.
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Why NOVA Pilates Is Becoming a Joburg Favourite
Pilates can be many things. It can be a quiet morning ritual, a focused strength workout, a way to improve how you move, or 45 minutes dedicated to your body and wellbeing. At NOVA Pilates in Weltevreden Park, you can find all of those versions under one roof.The studio has been part of Johannesburg's wellness scene since 2013, when founder Sunny Trifonova opened NOVA Pilates with a belief that health and strength should feel personal, empowering and accessible. More than a decade later, that philosophy is still central to the studio, which welcomes beginners and experienced practitioners, as well as men and women of all ages.The studio is light, spacious and filled with natural light, with a fully equipped Pilates setup and a more intimate feel than a typical commercial gym. Classes are kept small, giving instructors the opportunity to pay attention to form, alignment and how each person is moving. That means there is time to make adjustments, answer questions and help clients understand the movements properly.That makes it an especially approachable option if you are new to Pilates. You do not need to arrive already knowing what a Reformer, Tower or Wunda Chair does, and you certainly don't need to be particularly flexible to start. NOVA welcomes beginners alongside more experienced practitioners, with instructors guiding clients through the movements and increasing the challenge as they become more comfortable.What Makes NOVA Pilates Different?NOVA has created an environment where Pilates feels approachable without losing the focus and precision that make the practice so effective. The smaller classes give instructors the opportunity to pay attention to alignment, technique and individual movement, while clients can progress at a pace that feels appropriate for them.The space itself adds to that experience. It is bright and spacious, with premium equipment and secure parking, while the smaller classes create a more personal atmosphere. There is room to ask questions, learn the movements properly and work at a level that makes sense for your body.A Range of Ways to MoveReformer Pilates is one of NOVA's signature offerings, using a spring loaded resistance system and moving carriage to work on strength, balance, control and core engagement. But the studio's approach to Pilates extends beyond one format, giving clients the freedom to find the type of movement that suits their body, goals and experience level.The studio has Reformers, Wunda Chairs, Towers and TRX suspension equipment, as well as Mat and Barre classes. Reformer sessions focus on strength, control, balance, alignment and core engagement, while the Wunda Chair and Tower introduce different challenges involving stability, coordination and flexibility.Mat Pilates offers another route into the practice, with classes incorporating props such as resistance bands, fitness rings, stability balls, light weights and foam rollers. There is also Pilates Suspension Method using TRX, which brings bodyweight training and suspended straps into the mix, and Barre classes for those who enjoy ballet inspired movement.If you prefer something more personal, One on One and Duo sessions are available too. Most classes are 45 minutes, so it is easy enough to fit a session into a busy weekday without having to sacrifice half your day.There are also specialised options for different stages and needs. NOVA offers Perinatal Pilates for pregnancy and the post birth period, using a combination of mat work, props and supportive apparatus. The studio also has rehabilitation focused options, including access to biokinetics, making it possible to work towards movement and strength goals with more individual support when needed.For anyone completely new to Pilates, the studio's Introduction to Pilates package is a particularly useful starting point. It begins with individual apparatus sessions before moving into group classes, giving beginners a chance to become familiar with the equipment and movements first. There is also an Entry Beginner Offer, while the studio recommends its Foundations Bootcamp for people who want a more structured introduction.A Studio Built Around Its CommunityNOVA's approach is as much about making people feel comfortable as it is about the equipment. The studio has been part of the Weltevreden Park community for more than a decade, and that sense of familiarity comes through in the feedback from its clients.Reviews praise the professional instructors, clean and welcoming environment, clear explanations and the way exercises can be adapted to different levels. Several clients also mention the supportive atmosphere and the confidence they have gained through their sessions.The instructors bring different backgrounds to the studio, including Pilates, fitness, dance and biokinetics. Founder Sunny Trifonova has more than 18 years of experience in the fitness and Pilates industry, while Shenaaz Msusa is a biokineticist and Pilates instructor with a rehabilitation focused approach. The wider team includes instructors specialising in mat, equipment, Barre and TRX.Whether you are coming in for a Reformer class, trying Barre for the first time, working through a rehabilitation programme, attending a private session or looking for a regular way to move, there is plenty of scope to make the studio part of your routine.Whether you are looking to build strength, improve mobility, return to exercise after a break or develop a more consistent movement routine, NOVA Pilates offers plenty of ways to make Pilates part of your week. If you're looking for more ways to move, unwind and prioritise your wellbeing around the city, our gentle wellness in Joburg guide is a good place to continue exploring.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is NOVA Pilates located in Johannesburg?NOVA Pilates is located at Unit 2, Argyle Business Park, Tamarisk Street, Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg, 1709. There is secure parking available at the studio.What Pilates classes does NOVA Pilates offer?NOVA offers Reformer, Mat, Wunda Chair, Tower, Pilates Suspension Method using TRX, Barre, Perinatal Pilates, One on One and Duo sessions. Rehabilitation focused options are also available.Is NOVA Pilates suitable for beginners?Yes. Beginners do not need previous Pilates experience. The studio offers beginner friendly options including its Introduction to Pilates package, Entry Beginner Offer and Foundations Bootcamp.How long are NOVA Pilates classes?Most sessions are 45 minutes, unless otherwise stated.Does NOVA Pilates offer Reformer Pilates?Yes. Reformer Pilates is one of the studio's main apparatus classes and is suitable for different experience levels, including beginners.Does NOVA Pilates offer Pilates during pregnancy?Yes. NOVA offers Perinatal Pilates for pregnancy and the post birth period, with adaptations designed around pregnancy and postpartum movement.Does NOVA Pilates offer rehabilitation Pilates?Yes. The studio offers rehabilitation focused Pilates and has a biokineticist on its team.Are men welcome at NOVA Pilates?Yes. NOVA Pilates welcomes men and women of all ages and fitness levels.Does NOVA Pilates offer private sessions?Yes. One on One and Duo sessions are available alongside the small group classes.What do people say about NOVA Pilates?Reviews highlight the quality of the instructors, welcoming atmosphere, clear explanations and the way exercises can be adapted to different levels. Clients also mention the clean studio and supportive environment.
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Friends & Allies: Johannesburg’s Indoor Climbing Hangout for...
Somewhere in Strydompark, there's a place where you can climb walls, work remotely, practise yoga, grab a drink and meet a whole community of people who love the outdoors. Welcome to Friends & Allies.This community based bouldering gym brings together climbing, training, movement, work and socialising under one roof. It's a place where you can challenge yourself on the walls, catch up with friends afterwards, get some work done or simply spend time in a space built around a shared love of climbing and the outdoors.The idea is simple: cultivate your climbing indoors so you can grow and go outdoors. But even if you're not yet dreaming of scaling a mountain, Friends & Allies is an interesting place to discover.What Is Friends & Allies?Friends & Allies is an indoor bouldering gym in Johannesburg built around climbing and community. Bouldering is a form of climbing that takes place on shorter walls without ropes or harnesses. Instead, padded flooring sits below the walls while climbers work their way through different routes using a combination of strength, balance, technique and problem solving.Friends & Allies caters to people at different stages of their climbing journey, from experienced climbers to those who are just starting out. The emphasis isn't simply on getting to the top of a wall; it's about learning, improving, moving and finding your people along the way. Get Your Climb OnThe climbing walls are at the heart of the Friends & Allies experience. The gym has a large bouldering area with a variety of angles, from slabby sections to more overhung walls, as well as an iconic spray wall and a dedicated MoonBoard training wall. These different setups give climbers plenty of opportunities to practise different styles, movements and techniques.The main bouldering wall is inspired by IFSC competition walls, bringing a competition style setup to Johannesburg. If you're new to climbing, don't be put off by the impressive walls or the people casually hanging upside down. Bouldering isn't just about having superhuman arm strength; footwork, balance, body positioning and figuring out the best way through a route are all part of the challenge.More Than Just a Climbing GymHere's where Friends & Allies gets particularly interesting. You could arrive expecting a climbing session and discover that you've found somewhere you actually want to spend a few hours.Lounge & BarFriends & Allies has a lounge and bar area designed as a social “third space”, somewhere between home and work where people can relax, connect and hang out. Once you've finished climbing, you can grab a drink, catch up with your climbing crew and enjoy the space away from the walls.Training ZoneFor those who want to take their climbing to the next level, the dedicated training zone is equipped with weights and hangboards for strength, conditioning and climbing specific training. It gives climbers a place to work on the areas that complement their time on the wall and support their individual climbing goals.Loft WorkspaceFriends & Allies has even made room for work. The loft workspace is Wi Fi enabled and designed with remote workers and digital nomads in mind, allowing you to combine a climbing session with getting a few emails or hours of work done.For people who work remotely and enjoy being active, it's a pretty appealing alternative to spending the entire day behind a desk.Yoga StudioThe facility is also home to Omsight Yoga Studio, bringing yoga, movement and flow into the Friends & Allies experience. With dedicated classes and a space designed for mindful movement, it's a natural complement to the active atmosphere of the gym, whether you're looking to improve mobility, build body awareness or simply enjoy a different kind of movement session.It's All About the CommunityFriends & Allies isn't trying to be just another fitness facility. Its concept revolves around creating a community for people who enjoy climbing, movement and the outdoors, and the gym hosts a range of indoor and outdoor events throughout the year. These include climbing competitions, community events and outdoor climbing activities.The venue also has The Beta Spray, its own climbing focused blog covering topics such as training, gear and reviews, personalities and happenings within the climbing community. It's another reflection of the gym's broader aim to contribute to and grow the climbing scene in South Africa.A Space to Train, Work and Hang OutOne of the biggest selling points of Friends & Allies is that you don't necessarily have to spend your entire visit climbing. You might come in for a morning session, work from the loft for a few hours, squeeze in some training, grab a drink and head home later.Or you could simply spend an hour trying to solve a particularly stubborn bouldering problem and wonder where the afternoon went. The space has been designed to accommodate different kinds of people, from dedicated climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to remote workers and those who are simply curious about trying something new.Where Is Friends & Allies?You'll find Friends & Allies at 304 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Randburg, Johannesburg. And because this is Joburg, parking matters: the venue has 100+ secure parking bays, so you can focus on your climbing session without worrying about where you've left the car.A New Way to Experience JoburgFriends & Allies has created something that feels a little different from the usual Johannesburg fitness or leisure spot. It's a place where climbing sits alongside training, yoga, remote working and socialising, all within a community that shares an appreciation for movement and the outdoors.Whether you're already passionate about climbing or simply curious about trying bouldering for the first time, the space offers plenty to explore. You can work on your technique, build strength in the training zone, take a yoga class, settle in with your laptop or finish a session by relaxing in the lounge and bar area. It's less about ticking off a workout and more about creating a space where climbing and community can become part of your lifestyle.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Friends & Allies in Johannesburg?Friends & Allies is a community based indoor bouldering gym in Strydompark, Johannesburg. The facility includes climbing walls, a spray wall, a MoonBoard training wall, training zone, yoga studio, workspace, lounge and bar area.Where is Friends & Allies located?Friends & Allies is located at 304 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Randburg, Johannesburg, with more than 100 secure parking bays available at the venue.What is bouldering?Bouldering is a form of climbing on shorter walls without ropes or harnesses. Climbers use padded flooring beneath the walls while working through routes that test strength, balance, technique and problem solving skills.Is Friends & Allies suitable for beginners?Yes. Friends & Allies describes its community as being for people at different stages of their climbing journey, including those who are just starting out.Does Friends & Allies have a bar?Yes. The facility has a lounge and bar area designed as a social space for the Friends & Allies community. It forms part of the wider climbing facility rather than operating as a standalone bar.Can I work from Friends & Allies?Yes. There is a Wi Fi enabled loft workspace designed for remote workers and digital nomads.Does Friends & Allies have a yoga studio?Yes. Omsight Yoga Studio operates from the Friends & Allies facility, offering yoga, movement and flow classes.Does Friends & Allies host events?Yes. Friends & Allies has a calendar of indoor and outdoor events, including climbing competitions, community events and outdoor climbing activities.What are Friends & Allies' opening hours?Friends & Allies is open Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 22:00, Friday from 09:00 to 21:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Public holiday hours are currently listed as 09:00 to 18:00.
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