A FITNESS-LOVING granny has revealed why she’s into lifting weights – and it’s got nothing to do with making “booty gains”.
At 61, Jacqueline Hooton, from West Sussex, can lift double her body weight and helps women in their 50s and 60s to stay fit and healthy.
2
2
Despite having osteoarthritis, the stunning mum-of-five and grandma-of-three insists “you’re never too old and it’s never too late to start” your fitness journey.
The bikini-wearing personal coach, who regularly sports figure-hugging mini dresses, boasts a huge Instagram following thanks to her can-do attitude and useful tips.
I’ve got bigger things on my mind
Jacqueline Hooton
Recently, Jacqueline – who’s not phased by the nasty ‘’dress your age’’ comments – made a confession about why she’s at the gym and it’s not to make her bum bigger.
As the beauty explained in a post, lifting weights can actually lead to healthier ageing – although there’s no denying that any form of exercise will change the shape of your body.
When weightlifting, her main focus is purely on preventing a hip fracture as she grows older.
Writing on her page, the personal coach said: “At 61 I’m not focused on booty gains despite this 80kg RDL for reps.
”I’ve got bigger things on my mind.
“If you want to prevent a hip fracture in your 70s and 80s you will really benefit from getting strong.
”In the UK more than 76,000 older adults experience a hip fracture each year, and fractures are more common in women.
“In America the figure is over 300,000. Making your bones stronger, denser and less likely to break is a sensible strategy in your 60s.
”Strength training is key to this.”
She continued, proving that this doesn’t require a gym membership either: “You can do this at home with bodyweight, resistance bands, handheld weights, or in a gym setting.
”And here’s the plot twist. Strength training also impacts aesthetics (if this is important to you).
”So if you haven’t already started, start now, your future self will thank you.”
The post was met with a number of positive comments, as fans branded her an “inspiration”, and some also shared their fitness stories.
How much exercise should you do and when?
There are guidelines issued by the NHS and the Government regarding how much exercise people should do each day.
People should be active daily, and avoid sitting for long periods.
The NHS recommends an adults – those aged 19 to 64 – should aim for 150 minutes of “moderate intensity activity” a week.
This works out to 21 minutes a day, or 30 minutes five days a week.
Or, they could do 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, which could be less than 11 minutes per day or 25 minutes three days a week.
Adults should also aim to do strength exercises twice a week, at least.
Examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, riding a bike, dancing, doubles tennis, pushing a lawn mower, hiking or rollerblading.
Examples of vigorous activities include running, swimming, riding a bike fast or on hills, walking up the stairs, sports, like football, rugby, netball and hockey, skipping, aerobics, gymnastics or martial arts.
Things like lifting heavy weights, sprinting up hills, spin classes or circuit training are considered very vigorous.
What time should you exercise?
Getting exercise into your day, no matter what time is a good idea.
But you may want to be more selective depending on your goal.
A 2023 US study on 5,285 middle-aged adults showed exercising between 7 and 9 am was the best time if you’re looking to lose weight.
Researchers found that early-bird gym goers had a lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than those working out later.
A 2022 study led by Prof Paul J Arciero, Skidmore College, New York, found that the optimal time of day to get your kit on might differ according to your gender.
Prof Arciero said women wanting to lose fat around their belly and hips would do better to hit the gym in the morning, but those seeking to gain upper body strength or simply improve their mood might see more results from evening exercise.
The results were the opposite for men.
If you struggle to get to sleep, it’s been found that exercise in the morning may help, but exercise in the evening may help you to stay asleep.
Exercise, generally, can improve sleep quality.
One person said: “I’m 67 and do a full body workout 3 days a week! I also walk daily and do yoga 5 days.
”And lots of balance work, mobility and stretching daily.”
Another commented: “Wow, that’s incredible. You keep going good for you.”
A third chimed in: “You are quite the inspiration! I’m working everyday to get there.
”I’m 59 with degenerative disc disease. What do you recommend for that type of lifting?”
Another added: “Exactly like that!
”When I do any weight I’m thinking I want to be independent and able to move around, to stand from chair or sofa safe without holding on anything, to carry bags with food shopping without pain when I reach my 70s.”
Do you have big boobs and struggle to find clothes that fit? Shop Fabulous’ Fuller Bust Collection NOW.
