Are you or someone you know in need of a stretch? Donna Peart has been hosting yoga classes in Hammersmith for 12 years specifically designed for over 50s. She works at the Macbeth Centre, just off King Street.
The courses for older people aims to improve not only physical health but also social connections. As well as Donna's yoga, the wider programme – called Agewell – also includes Pilates, fitness classes, gentle exercise, chair aerobics and more.
The centre's next term begins in January. Find the full list of Agewell classes and sign up here.
Meet Donna
Donna discovered her passion for Hatha Yoga in 2003 when she first began practicing to manage stress. "I went through a big life change, so I started attending a class very local to me in Cricklewood," she explained.
"I carried on practising for another five years, and then I don't know what shifted for me – it might have been an age thing. I was hitting forty and thinking about my life and my job in particular, and I started an 18-month teacher training."
When she decided to pursue teaching full-time, a friend encouraged her to apply to the Macbeth Centre, which is run by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
"I didn't realise it was class for older people. I had no idea until I had the interview," said Donna, who coincidentally was working for an older people's charity at the time.
Her approach goes beyond the exercise, focusing on building connections and supporting individuals' wellness. "The social part is huge for my students. Coming in every week and seeing the same people, that's quite important. They get to really build relationships and friendships," she said.
"I've actually known a few of my students since I started at Macbeth, and I'm really quite close to a lot of them."
"Hammersmith is very diverse which I really love – as I'm of Afro-Caribbean descent. There aren't that many Black yoga teachers, but the community and the acceptance from people when they come in and see me has been a huge thing."
Want to sign up?
If you'd like to join Donna's class, she teaches on Mondays and Saturdays – sign up by calling 020 8753 3600 or book online here.
All the Macbeth Centre's Agewell classes are tailored for older adults and taught by experienced teachers. If you'd like to sign up, browse our new term course list here.
