After 17 years as a fitness instructor focussing on high energy and high impact outdoor fitness regimes Donna Whalley has shifted her focus, to provide fitness classes to those who need something different.

Reporter Sam Turton went along to one of Donna’s Paracise classes in Douglas to find out what they involved.

Donna explained how coming into greater contact with disabled and elderly people made her realise they don’t have the same opportunities to get active and take part in classes.

That was when she discovered Paracise, a gentler exercise programme started by Sarah Goldsack in 2014 when she was diagnosed with a muscle wasting disease.

Paracise is done to music with the intention being for participants to do what they feel able to do and as much as possible to get on their feet while doing it.

Donna said: ’There really were no exercise classes for people who just want a gentler routine.

’Most exercise regimes are up and down.

’Even yoga isn’t great for some people because it is done on different levels.’

During the class, the music combined a playlist of iconic songs with easy movements done in time with the songs.

This is done not only to improve fitness but also to help with coordination.

Participants who struggle with a particular action can be given an alternative to carry out instead.

As I discovered, the class will increase your heart rate and loosen up your joints.

It was really good for someone like me who spends much of their working week sitting at a desk.

But it is not too strenuous and rather than coming away tired, I came away feeling more relaxed.

The classes are proving successful and popular with Donna’s clients who range from a younger person with MS through to one woman who was 86.

Husband and wife David and Lynn Merriman are two people who are enjoying the classes.

Lynn said: ’I would recommend this to anybody, Donna’s great to show you all how to do the exercises.

David added: ’My wife told me to try it and I think it’s great, you can work up a sweat without overdoing it and it’s enjoyable.

’It’s also really good for people who have knee problems because of how she adapts it.’

Donna was quick to point out that beyond physical well being, the classes have also given some people a new social activity to attend, which is also good for their mental health.

She said: ’There is a lady whose mother comes and she’s said how happy she is to get out the house and meet with people, as well as getting a bit of exercise.’

One participant who really struck a chord with my own thinking was a woman who is regaining movement in her shoulder - and the confidence to use it - following surgery.

I found this too. Having made an attempt to get back into football, a few years and a few stone removed from my best, I sprained my ankle after just a few training sessions.

Donna’s class was the first exercise beyond walking I’d taken part in during the two months since then.

And I found that it was good and did encourage me to push on back into training as I felt my ankle was healed which I had continuously doubted.

Donna qualified to teach Paracise in August and runs the classes with the help of her sister Kim Bezance, 40, who is currently training to complete her qualification to teach the classes.

The classes run for 45 minutes and operate as three set classes each week, with others added when possible.

This includes at 2pm on a Monday at Braddan Church Hall, at 10.45am at Carrefour fitness centre in Douglas and at 11am on Fridays at West Coast Fitness in Peel.

Donna offers the first class for free and then £4 per person, with block bookings available.

For more information contact Donna on 492132, [email protected]