Dame Prue Leith was never interested in ‘formal’ suitability. ‘I find exercise painful and incredibly boring for the sake of exercise,’ exbake the host told mirror, Describing his dislike of structured training.
‘is being tortured pilates recovery machine, forcing yourself to run or do something in the rain push up “On the bedroom floor is all the manifestations of hell to me,” said the 86-year-old. “Just like that.” sumSteps, walking and everything else.’
But in the eighties, Prue quietly re-invented her approach to exercise – not because she suddenly fell in love with the gym, but because she realized she needed it.
turning point
A fall several years ago changed his perspective.
She told, ‘A few years ago I fell at our railway station and it took me two years to recover from it.’ express. ‘My main concern is getting over. You don’t want to break a leg or hip at my age. I think if I can keep everything going I’ll be okay.’
That change in mindset inspired him to join functional training In his daily routine. ‘I (now) exercise. I have a personal trainer who comes once or twice a week.’ She is still candid about how she feels. ‘If I have an excuse to cancel I cancel it because I don’t enjoy it,’ she said sarcastically.
Functional training focuses on activities that support everyday living – such as getting up from a chair, reaching forward, reaching, balancing and stabilizing. Instead of isolating muscles, it builds strength, coordination, and joint stability in ways that translate directly to real life.
And there is strong evidence behind this. Research published in British Journal of Sports Medicine Strength and balance training has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
still his way
Working with PT marks a deviation from his previous habits. ‘Many times in my life, I joined gyms where I had never been. I’ve made countless resolutions about exercise and diet that I’ve never stuck to. The worst kind of exercise is when it’s non-competitive, like…going to the gym,’ she revealed. mirror.
But Prue still prefers a movement that feels purposeful and social. ‘I like tennis because it’s friendly and there’s a chance you can win. “I like horse riding because it’s enjoyable and you can do it in a gang,” he said. “There are long weekends available at home in the country.” Pleasure tripand more tennis And ride.’
His overarching health philosophy remains holistic. ‘It’s all about serotonin levels in the brain,’ he explained. The Sunday Post. ‘If you can be optimistic and forward-looking and not worry about things that go wrong… I also sleep well and eat well, and I have a loving husband.’
She may not enjoy structured workouts, but at 86, Prue understands what they’re for: being independent and being able to do the things she loves.
