At 86, Helen Is Redefining Fitness Goals With Pilates And Strength Training

In a world where fitness trends change faster than Instagram filters, Helen’s story is refreshingly real and deeply inspiring. Once Bollywood’s dancing diva, today she’s proving that movement, at any age, can be a celebration of life. At 86, Helen isn’t just staying active; she’s redefining what ageing gracefully looks like – one Pilates session at a time.

Celebrity trainer Yasmin Karachiwala recently shared Helen’s incredible journey on The Masoom Minawala Show, saying, “My oldest client right now is Helen. She is 86. She works out six days a week, and she loves it.” Her words weren’t just admiration. They were a reminder that discipline, not youth, is the real secret to fitness longevity.

Six Days A Week And Still Going Strong

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Instructor (@yasminkarachiwala)

When asked what Helen’s workouts look like, Karachiwala revealed that the veteran actress mixes “Pilates and a little bit of strength.” She added, “The other day, she was doing some battle rope.” For most, the thought of lifting ropes at 86 might sound daunting, but for Helen, it’s just another day at the gym.

Yasmin recalled that Helen wasn’t always this active. “She came into my studio walking with a stick. Now, she says, ‘I don’t know where my stick is. It’s in some corner of my house – I haven’t seen it for a really long time,’” the trainer shared. That small statement speaks volumes about recovery, resilience, and the power of movement.

The Pilates Effect

Helen’s fitness transformation isn’t new to fans of Yasmin Karachiwala’s training philosophy. Back in May, the celebrity trainer shared a heartwarming video of her star student in action. Introducing herself in the clip, Helen said with a smile, “Hi, I am a girl of 85, and because of Pilates and thanks to Yasmin, I’ll show you what I can do.”

The video showed Helen bouncing on a trampoline with infectious energy before moving to a Pilates ball exercise, synchronising her breath and balance with grace. When Yasmin asked, “Aunty, do you want to come and do your most difficult exercise today?” Helen’s response was instant: “Of course, let’s do it.”

Helen’s journey reminds us that fitness isn’t about perfection. It’s about participation. Her story breaks stereotypes around ageing, proving that strength training and Pilates aren’t limited by age, only by attitude. As Yasmin put it, Helen “loves” her workouts, and that joy might just be her greatest secret.

At 86, Helen isn’t chasing youth. She’s celebrating vitality by reminding everyone that true glamour lies not in how you look, but how you move through life.