Bollywood icon Helen, has recently turned 87 on November 21, is showing the world that age does not have to limit mobility or strength. Instead of celebrating her birthday with flash and pomp, she spent it doing her usual Pilates session, showing her commitment and discipline towards fitness.
Her celebrity fitness coach, Yasmin Karachiwala, posted a video where Helen talks about how she once needed a stick to walk. Now, thanks to five gentle but effective Pilates moves, she has boosted her strength and balance, making the stick unnecessary.
The clip shows the seasoned actress powering through her workout with great energy and zeal, proving that staying fit has no age limit.
Yasmin, who also works with stars like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif, said Helen shows how hard work can improve health at any point in life. In her post, she wrote that Helen shows up for every session with more discipline and joy than most younger people. She added that Pilates isn't a tough practice just for young, fit people; anyone can start slow and build strength at their own speed.
This matters a lot to seniors, as their balance, flexibility, and muscle control play a crucial role in staying independent and lowering their chances of falling.
The 5 Pilates Exercises She Can't Live Without
Let's take a look at Helen's daily routine:
Stand-to-Sit
The first exercise in Helen's routine is Stand to Sit, where one sits down and rises up from a chair without support. Repeating this exercise strengthens the legs and improves everyday leg movement, which is often impacted by old age.
Bridging
Helen next performs Bridging, where you lie on your back with your knees bent. Slowly raise your hips a bit, then lower them. In the video, Yasmin points out that this move builds up your butt, core, and lower back. This helps you stand straighter and stay steady.
Marching (Lying Down)
While on her back, Helen lifts one leg at a time to a tabletop spot, then puts it down. She switches legs. This careful move tones thigh and hip muscles without hurting the knees.
Wall Push-Ups
Helen puts her hands on a wall just below shoulder height. She bends her elbows to bring her chest closer, then pushes away. This keeps upper-body strength up in a way that's easy on the joints.
Theraband Front Raise with Openings
Helen holds a resistance band. She lifts her arms and opens them out, then brings them down. This works the shoulders and helps arms move better, making everyday tasks easier.
Also Read: Soha Ali Khan lists steps to build strength for pull-ups: here’s how you should start
What Makes Pilates Work So Well for Seniors?
- Helen's workout routine is mild but packs a punch when it comes to strengthening her midsection, lower limbs, and top half.
- Many moves emphasise controlled, slow motion, which is ideal for older adults to maintain stability and reduce the chance of falls.
- Her routine uses only a chair, a wall, and a light resistance band which is very accessible for most people.
Yasmin highlights Helen’s positive attitude and discipline. “She shows up with more joy and dedication than many younger people,” she says.
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