Walking the beautiful, rather unsung, Northumbrian coast. Replete with beaches, fresh air, castles and interesting cuisine. Group of us stayed at an Airbnb/yoga studio. In a tiny, remote village. Apart from my daughter, none of us were experienced in the ways of yoga. Some of us had never done it.

The owner, a wonderful, generous woman, liked our mission, and offered us a free night. Then, she suggested we do a yoga session. Various mutterings ensued about guys not being supple, how we’d never put our foot behind our head before, would the yoga affect breakfast etc. Come on, she said, you’ll be surprised. A few minutes later, we were all doing yoga, in some cases for the first time in our lives. Afterwards we all felt great (there were no feet behind heads).

Off we walked, buoyed by the experience. Persuasion worked because the teacher was enthusiastic, competent and gentle. And my daughter expected us to do it!