Businesses in search of a unique way to bring employees together have new inspiration at hand thanks to Hillside Brewery in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean, which has launched a brand-new ‘Beer Pilates Retreat’; a day-long retreat revolving around a unique ‘Beer Pilates’ workout, created specifically for the Brewery by Gloucestershire-based Pilates expert Samantha Lewis.
Striving to be the ultimate day of fitness and fun for businesses of all shapes and sizes, The Beer Pilates Retreat from Hillside Brewery aims to offer complete R&R for employees who don’t like the pressure of organised team-building events. Instead, they’re invited to work up a sweat with a group outdoor Pilates session overlooking the glorious rolling countryside of the Wye Valley, with beer sampling expertly integrated into a host of beginner-level Pilates moves.
“No one likes the awkwardness of forced team-building if they’re really honest, so we wanted to put a new kind of corporate retreat together that encourages bonding with a whole lot more fun thrown in,” explained Paul Williamson, Director of Hillside Brewery. “Everyone loves to unwind with a beer or two, so we thought we’d maximise the relaxation stakes by offering a retreat that combines our craft ales with an expert-led Pilates session, actually incorporating beer-sampling into well-known Pilates moves. Anyone taking part needs simply to don their comfiest exercise gear, get into position and enjoy an invigorating Pilates session whilst sipping their favourite Hillside beer – alternating sips with water to maintain hydration levels, of course!”
Hillside Brewery’s Beer Pilates Retreat runs over the course of a day, with the Hillside team working closely with Pilates expert Samantha Lewis to create a rejuvenating workout which not only benefits the body, but tantalises the taste buds.
Following a delicious fresh brunch on arrival, you’ll be introduced to Hillside’s eclectic collection of craft ales by co-owner Paul Williamson with a Brewery Tour, where you can get hands-on with the intricacies of brewing and experience the process up-close. After some sampling, you’ll then have the chance to sit down and create your very own personalised ale to take back to the office; a bespoke brew designed just for you, complete with its own unique label that you’ll work together to create.
Then, select your beer of choice and head to the Brewery’s rolling hillside, drink in hand, for an outdoor group Beer Pilates session, lasting one hour. Guided through each exercise by experienced Pilates instructor Samantha Lewis, the session has been designed to incorporate moves that you’re able to execute with perfect precision with a bottle in hand; shaping your mindful workout around your precious pint.
From Abdominal Crunches that require you to clench your ale between your legs to encourage inner-thigh connection and arm strengthening moves that use your bottle as your weight, to Pilates Planks which reward you with a sip from a straw after a successful minute-long hold, the workout expertly blends beer drinking with body-sculpting.
“Pilates is all about controlled movements to improve strength, definition and flexibility, so what better way to increase the challenge than by having to look after a bottle of beer whilst you work!” commented Samantha Lewis, Pilates instructor at Hillside Brewery’s Beer Pilates Retreat. “We’ve created a Pilates programme suitable for all fitness levels and capabilities to ensure that everyone can take part, incorporating a beer bottle into a variety of well-known and new moves to allow everyone to enjoy a swig whilst they stretch. Water will of course be on hand, too – keeping hydration levels topped up at all times.”
Following a pint-powered Pilates session, businesses then round off their day of relaxation by sitting down to a freshly-prepared antipasti meal whilst enjoying a few more bottles of Hillside’s finest craft ales in the stunning outdoor picnic area. For those keen to take the team-building celebrations into the evening, camping is also available on-site in Hillside’s own camping field, complete with eco-friendly compost lavatory.
Hillside Brewery’s Beer Pilates Retreat is entirely bespoke dependent upon your business needs and preferences, with prices starting from £86pp based on a minimum group of 8 taking part.
To find out more, visit www.hillsidebrewery.com or call 01452 830 222.
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