On the morning of the 12th July 2025, I set off on my way to the Hove Lawns, for this year's Brighton Fitness festival. It was an absolutely scorching day, the sun beat down on the warm grass of the Lawns and there wasn’t a cloud in sight. As I approached the lawns, I could hear the hubbub of people and the distant sounds of music and voices drifting through the air. I felt an excited anticipation for the day ahead.

Busting out my shorts for a hot day at the Hove Lawns.

I decided to wear my shorts, instead of my usual colourful leggings, which is somewhat of a rarity for me. It was just so hot in the morning, and I felt like I was getting sweaty before I'd even left my house let alone done a workout! I packed my bag ready with plenty of water and smothered myself in suncream, to protect my fair skin from the likelihood of looking like a tomato by the end of the day.

Now where did I put my Cowboy boots and hat? Dancing like no one was watching.

I made my way to the move zone at the far end of the festival, where Line dancing with Charlie was already in full swing, thinking back to 2024, this was one of the later classes I took part in so it seemed like a fitting place to begin this year. I don't consider myself to be good at dancing, and it's usually limited to dancing around my living room, when no one is watching. Although that being said, I do really enjoy it. I was really relieved that during the class the steps were easy to pick up, with excellent guidance and teaching I felt great when I managed to learn each of the moves. Then once they were all put together into the full routine, we danced to the music. I never worried about going wrong, (which happened frequently, especially during the box steps, I just couldn’t get the hang of them!) because the light heartedness and the laughs made the class so much fun, I forgot that I was even exercising! Seemingly in comparison to my mood, I caught a glimpse of people taking part in the ASCEND competition in the arena ahead of me. They didn't look like they had any time for smiles or laughter, as they grimaced and pushed hard through a grueling circuit of functional movements.

Charli Oh La La Line dancing classes take place on Hove seafront just outside of the upside down house each Wednesday evening at 7.30pm-8.30pm

Check out coaching and recovery services here https://ascendap.com/

Challenging my core with this relaxing Pilates flow.

Next I tried my hand at pilates flow with Found W Kate, something I haven’t done in a class setting for some time. The team rolled out a handful of blue mats, onto the hot, crispy grass. It was nice to take a break on the floor to stretch out, during this class I felt a nice sensation of elongation throughout my body, I felt my core working extremely hard too. Just as I was getting into the flow, I was temporarily distracted away from my bird dog poses by having to rescue a ladybird that had landed beside me, on my mat. It was getting hotter by the minute, and I’m pretty sure my blue mat was melting in the sun! I noticed my hands leaving deep indents as I moved into a downward dog position. I moved through side planks, crunches and a series of holds. Finishing up by relaxing into a child's pose to conclude a very relaxing but also challenging class.

Check out classes on the seafront here @foundwkate

Being in the upside down, learning to handstand workshop.

Time to see the world from a different perspective, upside down, at the handstand workshop, with Moira. I've got to say I was very unsure about learning a handstand. As a complete beginner, I had a barrage of concerns, not least falling flat on my face! My initial thought was a strong “hell no!” not least because I’ve had some wrist injuries in the past and I just didn't think this one was for me, but tried to be brave and give it my best shot.

I absolutely loved how the class was structured, I felt guided at every step of the way. From the warm up through to learning the movements. I felt safe that I was taught how to spot another person and act as their “wall” and also be spotted with safety. I found keeping my body in alignment, whilst being upside down, very challenging, and I could really feel my body weight travelling through my wrists and hands. I felt proud of what I accomplished here with the help of the group members who gave me the confidence to try something so far out of my comfort zone! I did fall but it was all good, I just got back up and tried again.

Check out the next round of handstand workshops here @meo.pt

An afternoon of wellness and recovery.

As mid day approached, I stopped for a bite to eat and enjoyed a coffee by WOLFOX, it was absolutely delicious, they had a range of yummy looking pastries for sale too. I popped over to the Float Spa stand, and booked in for more treatments in the sensory deprivation pods. They are a fantastic tool for relaxation, If you head over here you can read all about my experience from last year https://www.feelateasefitness.com/recovery/floating-away-sensory-deprivation-a-peaceful-and-mind-focusing-experience

Yoga was taking place on the main stage as I passed by. I took a moment to take some deep breaths, and enjoy a mellow moment before my last port of call of the day. Which was at Brighton Chiropractic stand where I had my spine checked over. It was great to find out more about my back and any issues that were lurking in there. The team was extremely friendly and welcoming, even passers-by were happy to share their glowing reviews with me, showing me what great service they had in the past. They offer a range of recovery services from therapeutic cupping and acupuncture.

More information about treatments can be found here: https://www.brightonchiropractic.co.uk/

I hope that the festival continues to grow next year.

Overall the festival was brilliant this year, there was a vast array of different gyms, groups, workout classes and dance classes available, that are all local to Brighton and Hove. There really is something for everybody, which makes keeping fit and healthy even easier to stick to. Finding the right class and vibe can continue to inspire a healthy lifestyle for the long run. Hope to see you all at next year's festival.

Brighton Fitness Festival 13th of July 2025