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 2025 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
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Yoga Instructor & aerial specialist
Lou Westlake
Hello my name is Lou,
I have a firm belief that yoga has the power to make us all better people and there is something so unique about a group of strangers (or friends!) coming together to
mindfully breathe, move and channel their collective energy. And when the summer weather allows us to do this outside within a beautiful natural space like Hillside
Wellness - magic happens!
I will be teaching Vinyasa Flow on Friday mornings from June and welcome new and experienced yogis to join my class.
My flows will keep us warm by building heat
through flowing postures that will build strength and restore balance to the body.
We will also calm the mind through breathwork and some guided meditation as we relax at the end of class.
My yoga journey began in 2016 when I took a break from a busy freelance life in London to complete a yoga teacher training in Goa, Southern India. The decision was
fairly spontaneous but turned out to be one of the best I ever made.
I furthered my training in 2019 when I completed a second training in Rishikesh, Northern India and learnt about the capacity of yoga to heal and recover from trauma. While elements of my classes draw upon what I learned from traditional Indian yoga teachers, I adapt my class style to be accessible and receptive to western bodies and minds.
Yoga has also fed into my other big passion in life - aerial circus. I performed and taught professionally for several years in London, specialising in aerial silks.
Watch this space for opportunities to try out aerial dance with me at Hillside Wellness this summer.
Join me for regular classes at Hillside starting in June!

Vinyasa Yoga teacher
Rachel Turner
Hello, I’m Rachel, yoga teacher and sound healer dedicated to helping others reconnect with themselves through mindful movement and the power of sound.
I’m so excited to invite you to join me for a flowing Vinyasa practice every Tuesday evening. Each session is designed to help you move intentionally, breathe deeply, and move inward, offering a space for both strength and stillness.
I have been practicing yoga for over a decade, and it has truly transformed my life physically, mentally, and spiritually. Yoga has been an incredible tool in helping me navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience. It’s this that inspires me to share these practices with others, creating classes that are both nurturing and empowering.
My love for the spiritual roots of yoga has taken me across India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where I immersed myself deeply in the ancient traditions. I have completed 500 hours of teacher training in Nepal, where I gained a deep appreciation for the rich history and philosophy of yoga. I love weaving these teachings into my classes.
I have always been drawn to nature, and teaching at Hillside feels like a beautiful extension of that. Practicing yoga surrounded by countryside allows us to truly ground ourselves, connect to the earth, helping us feel calm and present.
I can’t wait to see you on the mat.
