Yoga at the Natural history museum; menopause will take you everywhere.

Sep 16

2 min read

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Yoga Under Hope the Whale

When I say I moan about a ten-minute walk to my local yoga class, I really mean it. That tiny commute feels like an effort on some days. So, naturally, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to travel all the way to London to do yoga in the Natural History Museum. Commitment… or madness? I’ll let you decide.

I dragged along Francesca; my partner in all things wellness (she’s a sports therapist and a soon-to-be yoga teacher) and we booked ourselves into an evening yoga session under Hope, the museum’s 25-metre blue whale skeleton.

Historic stone building with arched windows and towers; a person walks nearby. Trees frame the scene on a clear day. Sign reads "Exit Only." — Yoga at the Natural history museum

The Experience

Walking into the museum at night was surreal. Normally, it’s buzzing with kids, tourists, and queues. Instead, it was calm, softly lit, and absolutely beautiful in the dark. There was this hushed, magical atmosphere that felt a million miles away from everyday life.

And then… the yoga itself. Imagine lying in Savasana with the bones of a blue whale suspended above you. Part of me was trying to focus on breathing deeply and letting go. the other part was in such a huge, awe-inspiring space reminded me just how small our everyday stresses can feel when you zoom out a little.

Large whale skeleton hangs in a grand hall with arched windows. People below look up, some taking photos. Warm lighting and historic ambiance. — Hope the Whale

The class was lovely, easy to follow. And it felt like the best stretch ever. Its been a slow recovery with moving since my hysterectomy, but things like this really make me want to try more and get back into it all.

Whale skeleton suspended in a grand hall with ornate ceiling and arches, lit by purple lights, creating a majestic atmosphere. — Hope the whale by night

Yoga & Menopause: Why It’s a Lifeline

Now, I’m going to get on my soapbox here because yoga isn’t just about pretty poses or Instagram aesthetics. For those of us in menopause, yoga is basically medicine you don’t need a prescription for. Here’s why:

It makes you stop. Menopause can feel like life is running away with you physically, mentally, emotionally. Yoga forces you to pause, breathe, and check back in with yourself.
It’s mindful. Our brains can spiral into overdrive with hormone fluctuations. Yoga sneaks mindfulness in while you’re too busy trying not to topple over.
Strength & flexibility. Both naturally decline as hormones shift, and yoga helps to keep them in the game.
Breathing techniques. These are game-changers for managing anxiety, easing tension, and even cooling hot flushes.

Yoga gives you back that sense of control when your body feels like it’s rewriting the rulebook.

Person in white shirt holds orange yoga mat, smiling in grand hall with arched stone architecture. Skeleton and people in background. — The menopausal hairdresser ready for yoga

Would I Do It Again?

The short answer: yes. The longer answer: yes… but I’ll still complain next time I have to walk ten minutes down the road for my usual class. That’s just me.

It was a beautiful experience, and one I’ll never forget. Yoga under Hope the Whale isn’t just a quirky story to tell – it’s a reminder that moving your body, calming your mind, and creating moments of stillness are always worth the effort.

Even if the commute is ridiculous.