From walking with a stick to now doing pilates at 86, know Salman Khan's step mother's fitness secret

Helen Khan is a regular at pilates at the age of 86. Marvelous, right? (Picture Credit: Instagram/@yasminkarachiwala)

Celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala recently graced The Masoom Minawala Show and she spoke about her oldest client with a lot of praise. Well, that client is Helen Khan, Salman Khan's stepmother. She is around 86 and she apparently works out 6 days a week. Envious, baffled and inspired at the same time? We can understand.

Speaking about Helen's fitness journey, Karachiwala shared, "She came into my studio walking with a stick." Well, cut to today, she has been walking and jumping without any support. Marvelling at how far she has come, the fitness trainer said, "She (Helen) is like, 'I don't know where my stick is. It is in some corner of my house, I have not seen it for a really long time'."

We all know how difficult it is to get the accolades from a trainer. Helen has clearly won not just her trainer's heart, but also our collective hearts. One look at her Instagram and one would probably get goosebumps seeing videos on her page where she's doing pilates, jumping and looking so hale and hearty!

In one of the videos, Helen can be seen introducing herself as, "Hi, I am a girl of 85, and because of Pilates and thanks to Yasmin," before adding, "I'll show you what I can do." She can be seen bouncing on a trampoline wearing her big, infectious smile.

Take a look at the post:

 

 

 

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A post shared by Yasmin Karachiwala | Celebrity Fitness Instructor (@yasminkarachiwala)

On the show, Karachiwala shared that Helen likes to do pilates and a little bit of strength training. "The other day, she was doing some battle rope," she told the host of the show.

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Clearly, pilates has been working out well for Helen. We spoke to Bengaluru-based fitness trainer Vijay Kumar to understand more about pilates.

Benefits of doing pilates...

"Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout that focuses on improving core strength, flexibility, posture, and mind-body coordination. It enhances muscular balance and stability, making it ideal for improving everyday movement and preventing injuries," the trainer shared.

About Helen Khan's transformation...

Speaking about Helen's remarkable transformation, the trainer said, "I am glad that Helen's efforts and transformation has brought pilates into the spotlight it so deserves. It goes without saying that her results are the outcome of consistent effort, discipline, and a holistic fitness approach. What I will also add to it is that pilates must have undeniably played a key role in toning, strengthening, and improving body alignment. It’s a great example of how practice can help one achieve lean muscle definition and better body awareness."

Who should do pilates?

The fitness trainer told Moneycontrol that the best part about pilates is that it is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. "From beginners to athletes, the exercises can be easily modified to match one’s capability. It’s especially beneficial for those recovering from injuries, dealing with posture issues, or looking to enhance overall strength and flexibility," he explained.

Precautions one must observe when doing pilates:

Kumar listed down certain things that one must always bear in one's mind.

A. It’s important to perform pilates under the guidance of a certified instructor, especially in the beginning.
B. Practitioners should pay attention to proper form, breathing, and avoid overexertion to prevent muscle strain or joint discomfort.
C. Those with medical conditions or recent injuries should consult a healthcare professional before starting.

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FAQs on benefits of pilates:

1. What are the main health benefits of doing pilates?
Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. It also enhances body awareness and can help reduce back pain by strengthening stabilizing muscles.

2. Can pilates help with weight loss?
While Pilates is not primarily a high-calorie-burning workout, it helps tone muscles, improve metabolism, and support sustainable weight management when combined with a healthy diet and other forms of exercise.

3. Is pilates good for people with back pain or injuries?

Yes, pilates is often recommended for rehabilitation because it focuses on controlled movements and proper alignment. However, it’s important to work with a qualified instructor, especially if you have an injury or chronic pain.

4. How does pilates differ from yoga?
Both focus on mind-body connection and flexibility, but pilates emphasizes core strength, controlled movement, and muscle endurance, often using equipment like reformers, while yoga focuses more on holding poses, breathing, and mindfulness.

5. Can beginners do pilates?

Absolutely. Pilates can be adapted for all fitness levels. Beginners should start with basic mat exercises and gradually progress as they build strength and body awareness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.