About Hillside
Seasonal yoga and pilates studio in a beautiful location, nestled between the Ashdown Forest and Sheffield Park, East Sussex.
Come and discover a mix of classes and workshops to suit all levels - everyone is welcome!
After class please feel free to explore beyond the grounds as we are surrounded by many wonderful walks just a stone's throw away including Sheffield Forest, Ashdown Forest and a maze of public footpaths through the woodland.
Our 2024 season begins in May, with plenty of exciting workshops and a weekly timetable of yoga and pilates classes (including some new yoga styles and teachers to try!) we can't wait to meet you all back on the mat once more...
Meet the Team
Owner & Pilates Instructor
Luc Best
Hi I’m Luc,
As the owner of Hillside Wellness I am so happy to share this beautiful space with you all.
What started as a picture in my head after a carpenter friend gave me some wonderful timber posts, has now come to life in the form of an outdoor studio.
I have taught fitness classes for over 10 years in studios all across East Sussex.
Pilates and yoga have been a key part of this. I love these classes as they are accessible to all.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have witnessed regular clients using pilates and yoga as a successful method to a pain free life, and so this continues to motivate my teaching.
Personal training has been a great way for me to share my knowledge from all areas of fitness. I’ve worked with a wide range of people from future GB athletes to injury rehab. If you would like to join me for a session this can be done in a private gym space in Lewes, in the gym at East Sussex National or on the Hillside platform every Thursday in the summer months.
Please contact me today to find out more
07415 614872
www.thefitnessstudiolewes.co.uk
Yoga teacher
Maria O'Connor
I trained in traditional Hatha Yoga back in 2013. I have taught a range of Yoga techniques since becoming a teacher, and though different in style and complexity, I have always taught intuitively.
You won't see me with a class plan, but classes will flow according to the energy of the room and how my clients are feeling and expressing. My intention is always for you to feel wonderful after Yoga!
My teaching style varies from deep, slow and nourishing, to light, soft and soulful. It can feel deeply strengthening, but always within your range and ability with the use of props and individual guidance.
Sometimes movement will be more subtle in order to tune us into our breath and body, and ultimately find stillness. You will find strength and flow here, which lifts oxygen levels and clears the mind fog. Certain Yoga poses may be held for slightly longer than you're used to, which allows release in the fascia and connective tissues... feeling sublime.
Join me every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm
Yoga Instructor
Marcia Alice
Hi I’m Marcia!
With a 12 year background in mental health & talking therapies, I’m honoured to now have a different way to hold space for people to explore their inner worlds and let go of the shoulds and ‘to dos’. The magical world of yoga!
I love incorporating as much of an experience as I can into a class, with meditation, breath, fun intermissions, fluidity, play, strength and melting into being. As the saying goes, movement is medicine and our wonderful bodies can move in so many ways (so expect variation in tempo and intensity!)
Classes will always involve a flow of sorts…Influences include Ashtanga, Katonah Yoga and Vinyasa Flow; teamed with mindfulness and other mind-based tools.
But for me the shapes don’t matter as much as how you feel and if you’re syncing breath to movement, then you’re
yoga-ing! Blocks & modifications always welcome to help you get the most out of the shapes- the aim being to open up, work through stagnation and feel good.
As an absolute nature lover I’m so excited to teach in a beautiful outdoor space- and what a way to start your week or recover from the Monday blues than to carve out the space to breathe and find joy in movement!
Can’t wait to see you!
Marcia x
Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga Instructor
Stephanie Grace Evans
Hello my name is Steph,
I am so excited to guide you through vinyasa yoga practices at Hillside Wellness!
Creating intentional and meaningful classes exploring a specific theme or intention is fundamental to my style of teaching. I find it anchors and grounds the asana practice, providing tools and techniques that can be implemented within your daily life, both on and off the mat. I believe yoga is a lifestyle as well as a glorious form of movement that can increase strength, flexibility, and mobility in the physical body whilst also creating a calmer, more resilient mind as we learn how to control our thoughts and focus our awareness. I weave in the philosophy of yoga into my classes in an accessible and digestible way to continue passing on the wisdom and traditions I learnt during my training in India.
I teach a range of class styles from dynamic, playful vinyasa flows that are often inspired by my ashtanga roots to restorative practices that provide more time and space to explore postures and the effects they have on the physical and subtle body. Yoga Nidra and Yin yoga elements are often weaved into these restorative practices to bring about a complete state of peace and tranquility providing a natural antidote to the stress or tension built up from busy schedules. To me yoga should be accessible for everyone so I make sure to offer modifications and variations to suit all experience levels and individual needs.
Yoga provides an opportunity to explore our own inner and outer world simultaneously by connecting physical movement and breath. Connection to self allows us to separate external noise from the inner knowing of our soul. My classes aim to re-establish this connection to self so we can live more intuitively and authentically rather than being swept along by the fast paced nature of our modern society. Listening inwards to our hearts rather than comparing ourselves to others; creating a foundation of self-acceptance, self-love and self-belief that in turn impacts how we treat others. One of my favourite quotes is “You cannot pour from an empty cup”, meaning to be able to take care of others you first have to take care of yourself. Practicing yoga is a perfect form of true self care, the benefits of which extend far beyond your personal realm.
Yoga is union. Union to our own being, the souls of others and Mother Earth. Practicing vinyasa classes together immersed in the beautiful nature of Hillside Wellness will leave you feeling calm, grounded and full of gratitude. I can’t wait to see you on the mat soon!
With love and grace,
Steph x
Join me every Sunday morning for an energising vinyasa flow, followed by restorative yoga - the perfect combination
Kundalini Yoga teacher
Saraswati Adi
My name is Saraswati Adi and I am a level 2 KRI certified Kundalini yoga teacher. I have been studying and teaching for over a decade, and am currently interning with the Karma Kriya school to become a teacher trainer. I live in Forest Row and am happiest in nature and with my Dog, Wilf. My passion is to inspire, enrich, and share the teachings of kundalini yoga and lifestyle practices to uplift and support personal, spiritual and meditative growth.
Kundalini yoga is an uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices and is a dynamic and powerful ancient art and science designed to give you an experience of your soul to live your most joyful, radiant and successful life. Kundalini yoga incorporates movement through asana (posture), energetic breathing techniques, meditation and the chanting of mantra (sacred sounds). This technology precisely and consciously balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, expands lung capacity, and relieves stress.
It brings balance to the body, mind, and soul.
Kundalini Yoga is a yoga for householders, for people who have to cope with the daily challenges and stresses of holding jobs, raising families, and managing businesses. It is a path for everyone who wants the skills to cope successfully with the challenges of our times. When we apply the technology of Kundalini Yoga to our bodies and minds, it has the effect of uplifting the spirit. Kundalini Yoga is not a religion it is for everyone, it is universal and nondenominational. Experience the transformation where everyone is welcome, where you can develop your daily yoga practice and learn valuable tools that can be integrated into your everyday life, learning to create the life you want
Join me every Tuesday evening from 6:30 - 8pm