About Hillside
A 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 2026 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.fitnessbyluc.com
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
Yogalates and Yin teacher
Wendy Amos
I have been into fitness since the Age of 17 and enjoyed the daily high intensity classes. Over time, my back pain was so severe that I began to struggle with walking. I had already introduced Pilates & Yoga into my weekly regime and then COVID hit. I stopped the high intensity classes and turned to Pilates and Yoga, and these classes became my new way forward. Not only did Yoga and Pilates help me, but they also re-shaped the way I approach movement and overall wellbeing.
What began as a way to recover, has grown into a passion for helping others move mindfully, protect their bodies and find balance.
I am trained in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Yogalates*.
*Yogalates combines traditional asana with light weights and resistance bands to support joint health, build strength and improve flexibility.
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I offer 1:1 sessions, private group classes and class cover for teachers
Vinyasa Yoga teacher
Natalie MacArthur
I’m Natalie, a full time Yoga teacher, delivering a mixture of gym and studio sessions in the Sussex area. I also teach yoga to Young Adults with special needs in an Educational setting in Surrey. I had worked in Special Education for 13 years prior to completing Yoga teacher training and am truly grateful that I now get to combine two passions and share the joy of yoga with these very special people.
I completed my 200 hour Yoga Instructor training in November 2023 and have also completed teacher training in Yin Yoga. However, my Yoga journey started long before this in my early twenties when I started to engage in the physical practice with the view to developing strength and flexibility. I soon learnt that there are benefits way beyond the physical practice of Yoga and now, it is my entire life, on and off of the mat.
Training as an instructor came after an injury, resulting in a prolonged period of not being able to practice fully. This highlighted the importance of my yoga practice for both my physical and mental health. Taking steps to be able to share the benefits of yoga with others felt like a natural next step. I love to support people in their movement and connecting to their physical and energetical bodies but my passion extends beyond the physical practice in my teaching to the philosophical principles that underpin Yoga and I take pleasure in weaving these into my classes.
I teach Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin and am truly excited to be bringing my Vinyasa Flow classes to Hillside this season. Expect a gentle warm up, building gradually to a flowing sequence, connecting breath, movement, mind, and body. Options will be given to suit all levels of practice. Focus on Pranayama (breathwork) and relaxation, as well as movement and flow make this practice truly nourishing, energising and rejuvenating. The added magic of the Hillside energy will leave you feeling utterly wonderful and connected with your inner self and with nature.
join me every Monday evening at 6:30pm
