The legendary Helen continues to redefine aging, proving that vitality is a matter of discipline, not year of birth. In a throwback video shared by celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala on April 13, the veteran actor, who is in his mid-80s, demonstrated a functional Pilates routine that keeps him strong, flexible, and energetic. Also read | Veteran actor Ranjeet shows off how he stays fit into his 80s in new workout video, credits gym trainer to his daughter
“Every time I work out with Auntie Helen, I am reminded that age truly has no limits,” Yasmin shared in the caption. “She still shows up with more enthusiasm, discipline and joy than most of us,” she added.
Helen’s fitness routine focuses on functional movement, exercises that mimic everyday activities to maintain independence and prevent injury. Here’s a breakdown of Helen’s 5-step gym routine:
1. Stand and sit (functional squat)
This exercise targets the glutes and quadriceps, which are essential for basic mobility. Yasmin’s instructions: “The first practice is to stand and sit. This is very important, because that’s what you do every day. You have to sit, you have to stand, and you need the strength to do it. So practice this.”
2. Bridging (spine and hip strength)
Bridging helps stabilize your core and strengthen your posterior chain without putting too much stress on your body. “Lie down with your knees bent and slowly lift your hips up, making sure not to get too high, then slowly lower them down,” Yasmin instructed in the video. She added some safety tips. “Please don’t climb too high because you don’t want to strain your neck.”
3. Marching (lower back and core stability)
This movement focuses on hip flexor strength and abdominal control. “Lift one leg above the desk, then lower it, then raise and lower the other leg. Continue alternating your legs. Don’t bring your knees too close to your chest until they are over your hips. ”
4. Wall push-ups (upper body mobility)
For those who find traditional push-ups too strenuous, wall versions offer a safer alternative to strengthening your chest and arms. Yasmin’s Insight: “Stand in front of a wall, place your hands slightly lower than shoulder height, and keep your body upright… Anyone can do this.”
5. Theraband Front Raise with Openings (Shoulder Health)
Using a resistance band can help maintain range of motion in your shoulders and good posture in your upper back. Don’t shrug your shoulders, keep them down and only raise them as far as is comfortable. ”
A message from Helen to her fans
At the end of the session, Helen shared a heartfelt message for those who are hesitant to start their own fitness journey. You’ll love it because it’s so easy! You’ll want to do more. ”
Yasmin said Pilates is not intimidating. “Start small, move at your own pace, and let your body fit where you are,” she says. “Age is never a barrier to staying healthy and active…and [Helen] This is perfect proof of that.” Also read | 91-year-old woman proves fitness has no expiration date: “I swim, do yoga, do Pilates, and walk 12,000 steps every day.”
fight muscle loss
Working out is much more than a goal to “stay active” for older adults, it’s a physiological necessity to maintain independence. For women in particular, exercise serves as a targeted medical intervention for specific hormonal and structural changes that occur after menopause.
Many older people lose up to 50 percent of their skeletal muscle mass by the age of 80, a condition called sarcopenia. A 2023 Mayo Clinic report shows that strength training just twice a week can significantly improve bone density and muscle mass, reducing the risk of functional decline.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified or endorses this claim.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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