If you
are in charge of organising a hen and you’re looking for some healthier ideas that are still bags of
fun, look out for these new trends for 2014/15...
Hen
party habits are changing. Whether it’s the pressure to looking stunning in
your dress or people feeling inspired by healthy role models like Rebecca Adlington, women are opting for more energetic activities for their hen
parties. This year, hen weekend specialist Maximise has experienced
a 130% increase in enquires for active and adventure activities. In 2013 55% of
bookings were for active weekends, involving activities such as themed dancing,
high ropes and quad biking, and this trend has continued in 2014 with 65% of
bookings fitting into the active category.
If you
are in charge of organising a hen and you’re looking for some healthier ideas that are still bags of
fun, look out for these new trends for 2014/15:
1.
SUP (stand up paddle
boarding)
Stand Up Paddle boarding or SUP as it is commonly
known, has been making a big splash across the country. The sport which started
in the Hawaiian Islands, gets you out on the water and isn’t too tricky to pick
up. As the name suggests it requires you to stand on an oversized surf board
and paddle. Your session can be peaceful or more challenging, depending on what
variety and where you choose to do it. Take your pick from riding out over the
(usually gentle) waves from Brighton beach or paddling calmly along the London
Thames to specially designed SUP yoga sessions.
2.
Old sports day games
This retro idea for a hen party involves a step
back in time to school sports days. It
won’t even register that you are exercising as fits of laughter are bound to
follow as you buddy up with team mates to compete in egg and spoon races,
three-legged races, welly tossing, British bulldog and tyre races. Maximise
runs the activity in specially decorated city parks, expect bunting, retro
sweets and bubbly and gold, silver and bronze medals for the winners.
3.
Coasteering
Swim through caves, leap into the sea, climb cliffs and
clamber through swell filled crevasses as you explore a stretch of England’s
beautiful coastline. One of the world’s fastest growing adventure sports, coasteering
is a mixture of climbing, swimming, bouldering and cliff jumping (although you
don’t need to have experience in all of these activities to take part). This
energetic activity is brilliant for girl-bonding – in no time at all you’ll be
egging each other on and celebrating your shared achievements as you throw
yourself around in the surf. You’ll also get to see blowholes, amazing rock
formations and perhaps some curious seals and bird life.
To get the best of all worlds pick a company in Cornwall near
Newquay and take advantage of the town’s vibrant nightlife and great
restaurants.
4.
Sushi making
Sushi has the benefit of being both super healthy and
delicious. In fact scientists believe it is one of the reasons why the Japanese
are among the healthiest people in the world. It’s also quite experimental, is
the perfect girl gossip food and feels like a treat. Roll, wrap and taste as
you learn how to make your own sushi from an expert chef. You‘ll also learn a
skill you can take home to impress your friends and family with.
5.
Bubble football
Football might not be typically associated with
hen dos but this hilarious version of the game which sees players take to the
pitch wrapped in giant inflatable balls will level out all players and have you
giggling for hours. The aim of Bubble Football is to score as many goals as you
can against the other team, only unlike traditional football, diving, bumping
and crashing into one another is not only allowed but encouraged. Sound
bizarre? Find out what it is all about by watching this video.
6.
Circus fitness
Ever wanted to be a gymnast in the circus? Well
now you can choose between aerial trapezes, silks and hoops in an aerial
fitness class designed to teach you new skills and aerial moves you would have
never dreamt you could do! The class requires concentration and will give your
core and upper body a good workout but you’ll feel a great sense of reward from
the movements you learn as you get to grips with the equipment.
7.
Yoga in your apartment
Give an exclusive feel to your hen party by having a yoga
teacher come and show you some moves in your apartment. A great ice-breaker,
this holistic activity is the perfect way to start a hen weekend by helping
everyone relax and feel at ease with each other. A one hour or 90 minute session can be
tailored to your group and as creative as you want it to be!
8.
Assault courses
A great way to instigate some team bonding, assault courses,
will have everyone working together and cheering each other on as you run,
jump, climb and crawl you way through obstacles. If you ever fancied yourself
as an army cadet you’ll enjoy putting your skills to the test as you tackle high
walls, balance beams, tunnels and much more.
For more
inspiration, check out Maximise’s Active
Hen Weekends, which have been especially created with fitness and
lifestyle bloggers for the perfect mix of energetic fun, adventure and earned
relaxation.
Stephanie Sheehan
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