Meet the hirers – Eagle Yoga and Massage!

Our Leavesden Green Hub is home to Eagle Yoga and Massage, a gentle yoga and chair-based exercise class that aims to improve strength and balance in older adults – it was previously run at our Harebreaks Community Hub.

Marta, a qualified OTAGO Exercise for Strength & Balance Programme Leader, yoga practitioner and massage therapist, was inspired to create this type of class when she saw that there was an abundance of exercise classes for younger people, but very few for older adults. After having a successful career in the corporate world for over 20 years, in 2017 she decided that she wanted to contribute something more to the local community.  She therefore created these classes across West Hertfordshire to give older adults the opportunity to exercise and keep their body and mind healthy.

The classes provide support for a range of people – from those in their late 50s, to her eldest student aged 103! As we get older, we are more at risk of falling and injuring ourselves – Marta’s exercise classes are designed to improve strength and balance and reduce that risk. By using a range of equipment such as resistance bands, soft balls, batons and paper plates, she not only builds up their strength and balance, but creates a class that is fun and engaging. 

Here are just a few of the lovely things Marta’s students had to say about her classes:

“I am doing ok but desperate to start the exercise for strength and balance again with our lovely group and it is Marta we have to thank for bringing us together. So pleased that we will be starting up again soon. P.S. You will find that I have lost a lot of movement and mobility.”

“Extremely helpful class. Being severely sight-impaired means I rely on my wife completely. It’s good to mix with others in a safe environment and give my wife a break!”

“I love Marta’s classes! My balance and strength are not so good anymore and I want to improve it. I enjoy life and want to keep mobile and fit as much as possible. I like to be challenged!”

A huge thank you to Marta for chatting with us, and we are very happy to welcome her back into our hub!