Everyone needs a Donna!

Life in our COVID-19 bubble is far from normal. 

And whilst most are looking to find their ‘new’ normal; I’m actually a little lucky, because I have a Donna. And believe me when I say, everyone needs a Donna in their life.

She is someone I hardly know and yet she treats me as if we have known each other for a lifetime:

• She greets me with a smile and a friendly hello

• She knows my aches and pains

• She encourages me and

• She cares

Donna…. is my fitness instructor! 

She, like all of us, quickly had to adapt and create a different ‘normal’ and that is through her NEW ‘Online fitness with Donna’ classes in her lounge – which are my absolute life line.  And I’m not the only one…

“It is the effort that Donna puts into classes to cater for so many different people, abilities and needs. In a month she has not duplicated a single class. She is a genuinely nice person who gets to know each and everyone of her clients and treats them like long lost friends. Personally I don’t know what I would do without Donna during these times, she is honestly a life line xxx” – Kerry S

“No words can really describe how amazing Donna is. The time, effort and passion she brings to her classes are inspiring. It’s not just about improving the body; it’s about maintaining a healthy mind and all round lifestyle xx” – Erica R

“These online classes keep your mind clear and fitness levels up through these tough times. Whoever thought I would be burning 500 Kcals in my kitchen on a Saturday morning doing a live online Tae Bo class?! These classes Donna provides will always make you smile and feel better, especially when you are having a rubbish day”. – Sammy Mac

“Donna’s classes have helped me massively during lockdown and certainly lifted my spirits on down days.  She really cares about people’s overall wellbeing and mental health. She is an absolute star.” – Emma W

“I first met Donna when I worked with her on a mental health rehab ward. She was a breath of fresh air on the ward, supporting patients to follow a healthy lifestyle, and was loved and respected by everyone. She has helped keep me motivated and challenged when things have never been more unknown. She’s a little star x” – Lottie M

“Donna is a rainbow in this corona storm and she is helping hundreds remain positive, improving not only their physical health but their mental health too. I look forward to doing sessions throughout the week after finishing work at the hospital. The beauty of her page is that you can do it when it suits you! Donna is a true Manx gem” – Susie R

“Donna is quite simply one of the most inspiring and motivational people I know. In non-lockdown times I get up 2/3 times a week to do her 6am classes despite everyone else in my house being sound asleep – that’s how much I love her classes. She has touched two generations in our family as my mum thoroughly enjoys her Paracise classes. Donna, you are amazing and I can’t thank you enough” – Hannah Q

“For me Donna is, and always has been, a positive ray of energy and sunshine, she’s so caring, thoughtful and fosters such great team spirit. Her ability to mix classes and abilities makes it more inclusive; she is finding ways to connect with people who felt they were not suited to fitness classes” – Denise B

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to have time for my own well-being and fitness whilst juggling working from home, kids, school work etc. However, Donna’s classes have been a true lifeline! I can’t always make the live classes but that’s the beauty of the set up. I do them when it suits me, and on large it means I have been able to do more than before” – Lindsay L

“Her enthusiasm is infectious; she never complains and is always laughing or smiling.  She can never do enough for clients, existing or new!  Over the years Donna has helped me with significant weight loss, injury and more recently her classes have helped me mentally after a family bereavement” – Rebecca N

“She has kept ALL her TEAM going through this very difficult time. Even if she isn’t feeling up to it, she gets up, puts a big, friendly, encouraging smile on her face & away she goes, boosting our morale all the time. Donna is an absolute star & one in a million!” – Jane W

Her online classes now run exactly the same as they always did, albeit from her lounge. She gets up at 6am to ensure we keep some normality, she runs her paracise classes for those less able and she constantly asks what classes we need. 

I’m not going to lie – it’s tough some days. The other day, I lay in my bed, slightly jaded from the extra glass of wine I definitely shouldn’t have had the night before, gazing at my watch. It’s Saturday. I have nowhere to go… (#stayathome) but Tae Bo starts in 15 minutes. I debate with myself whether I should stay put or logon? 

To be fair, to get to my exercise class I literally have to roll out of bed. So while I’m thinking about that, I subconsciously start getting dressed… ‘I’ll just keep it low impact’ I say to myself.

Except, I don’t keep it low impact and in fact I’m jumping around like a loon in my bedroom with sweat pouring off my head and a huge smile. I’m absolutely shattered, but soooo glad I did this!!  And I’m so grateful for Donna’s assurance that we are doing amazing and things will be ok, especially if we “just do 10 more!”.

Her enthusiasm is infectious – everyone needs a Donna in their life!