Urban Wellness at The Lowry Spa

Looking for bespoke fitness classes in a nice environment? The Lowry hotel’s sporadic retreats may be just the ticket. The renowned Manchester hotel brand has collaborated with Inspirit retreat to offer locals something a little different on the fitness scene.

Inspirit typically host wellness retreats in Spain but have branched out to host a limited set of events in Manchester. The goal of these events is to act as a introduction for fitness newbies, as well as allowing regular exercisers to take part too.

Inspirit Review

Our writers took part in a January session at The Lowry to see if there was value in the cost. Our day took shape to suit the Urban Retreat, beginning at 10am with a warm-up and swiftly followed up by a HIIT session. The HIIT class consisted of a well-balanced mix of short bursts of cardio, low weight repetitions and strength training. Depending on your group size, attendees will be split-up and assigned a trainer to help throughout. Both trainers on the day were extremely friendly and attentive, striking a balance of encouragement and understanding (if you can’t quite keep up the pace).

After a tiresome first session, the group is rewarded with fresh smoothies. The snack break was much appreciated and the drinks themselves were flavoursome and energy boosting. The break led nicely to the second session, which was a more relaxed 45 minutes involving yoga. The yoga section proved to be tricky, there was an assumption that we had a little experience (we didn’t) and a few moves were too advanced to tackle but it leaves you feeling better for trying all the same.

The final activity was a mindfulness class, this allowed for full body relaxation after a gruelling morning. Designed more for the mind than the body itself, the session is peaceful. Music plays as a specialist talks you through, asking you to focus on specific parts of the body. A favourite aspect of ours, this final activity was the perfect end to a busy morning.

The retreat ends with a lunch which also serves as an opportunity to ask questions to the trainers and gain insight on how to maintain healthy habits once you leave. A good spread was put on, including a range of cold meats and fruit (sounds odd but it really worked as a combination). Once you leave you feel refreshed and equipped to (hopefully) take away some motivation and ideas for making those more prominent lifestyle changes to suit yourself.

Verdict: for £45, a lot is packed into each retreat. The value is certainly there and the trainers are all clearly experienced and knowledgeable. Our particular session was in a conference space and would’ve worked better in a more ventilated environment, but we are told Summer sessions are outdoors, which we see as being much better suited to the activity.

Inspirit Packages

Take a look at the packages available at The Lowry.

Yoga & Pilates £10

Your yoga instructor will lead you through a Hatha or Vinyasa session for 45 minutes. The perfect session for all levels of fitness to work on your core strength.

Urban Retreats £45

Condensing the retreat experience into a day session, Urban Retreats give you the best of both worlds. Each session includes a yoga and a HIIT class, mindfulness, healthy smoothies and a tailored lunch. Your guides will also stick around at the end to answer any lifestyle or exercise questions you have.

Corporate Retreats from £45

This is a half-day retreat that is tailor-made for businesses. The package includes fitness and yoga classes, followed by snacks and lunch.

Win a space on the next retreat

To share the news of the next wellness retreat, STYLEetc are giving away 1 space on the next Urban Retreat. Read on to see what this includes and how to enter.

The prize:

1 attendee at the next Urban Retreat (worth £45) -45 minute yoga class, 45 minute HIIT class, mindfulness workshop, smoothie break, healthy lunch, Q&A session.

This is redeemable for Sunday 5^th April 2020, 10:45am start.

TO ENTER COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR FAVOURITE WORKOUT CLASS.

Terms: Please ensure to provide a valid email and name to be contacted (emails will not be visible onsite and not stored, only used for contacting the winner). UK residents only. Travel not included. Subject to change. Prize is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Over 18’s only. Competition from 27/02/20 to 22/03/20.