Exclusive! At 85, I’ve returned to exercise and find Pilates the best, want to travel to Scotland and China: Helen – Times of India

A video of Helen that shows the 85-year-old actress doing Pilates in the gym has recently gone viral. Speaking to us about what motivated her, Helen said: “I have exercised all my life — be it my years of dancing, going to health clubs, or practising yoga. In my 80s, without exercise, I found that my balance wasn’t always right, and started using a walking stick. Now, at 85, I’ve returned to exercise and find Pilates
the best. I work out at least five days a week for an hour. Initially, my trainer and her team ensured that the exercises were based on flexibility, and further progressed to add a bit of strength building exercises.”

The actress says she now recommends Pilates to friends and family. “Pilates is good for people of all ages, especially senior citizens. The controlled, gentle exercises worked wonders for my muscles, balance, core, flexibility, and strength. I’m generally happy after the workout,” says the actress.

Helen sticks to timely meals, with a breakfast of fruits, toast, eggs or cheese. Her lunch generally comprises a variety of vegetables and some non-veg for proteins, while dinner is almost always a light meal. “I do intermittent fasting for about 12-14 hours. On my favourite food list are all my mother recipes especially Burmese Khow Suey or Shrimp Leh Toh and Paya made at Galaxy apartments,” she says.

The actress who is also a travel enthusiast adds that she cannot wait to explore the world again. She says, “I am keen to go to Scotland and China. Scotland for its beauty and to spend time with my family there and China because I have never been there.”