This group is open to all members of the DBWI. If you would like to attend a meeting as a guest, please email debeauvoirwi@gmail.com.

The seed of the DBWI fitness group began in January 2023 and it has been growing ever since. The fitness group is a relaxed way for us De Beauvoir sisters to use and enjoy the local sports facilities. While at the same time improving our fitness, whatever our starting point. There is no judgement or expectations and usually a coffee and a chat afterwards for those who want it.  

The group’s activities are member led and based around a WhatsApp group through which activities are organised. Monday and Thursday mornings usually involve a swim at London Fields Lido. Also popular are keep fit activities and self-guided gym sessions at Britannia Leisure Centre (a not for profit enterprise supported by Hackney LBC). The gym is a well-equipped, welcoming space but having a group of women going together does take the testosterone levels down a few notches! Staff are also on hand to help give advice and guidance. 

Activities can take place during the working day, in the evenings and at weekends. Currently day and weekend activities are most popular. We are open to new suggestions for activities. As the evenings get lighter there is the also the possibility of having evening jogging and swimming sessions.  Motivating each other is at the core of this group – getting fit and having fun!   

Hackney and Islington Councils promote health and fitness very strongly and offer some free, some cheap and some very good deals for residents and their families. We are used to navigating their systems and keeping an eye out for promotions – keeping fit does not have to be expensive. Our most recent “project”? The Strong Women Challenge, taking place over October 2025 and supporting the British Heart Foundation. Could anything be more appropriate?!