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I’m a 60-year-old fitness influencer, but there’s nothing special about me – the key to getting into exercise is just doing it!

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I’m a 60-year-old fitness influencer, but there’s nothing special about me – the key to getting into exercise is just doing it!

A 60-year-old fitness influencer said there is ‘nothing special about her’ as she urged her followers to get out and exercise.

Jacqueline Hooton, from West Sussex – who has more than 449,000 followers on Instagram, at @hergardengym – creates motivational content to encourage people of all ages to move their body.

She also often teams up with her 24-year-old daughter Saffron, to create videos and workouts beneficial across all ages.

In a recent post, the mother expressed that the key to getting started was ‘just doing it’, even if you’re not good at it.

Posing in stylish activewear which shows off her athletic physique this week, Jacqueline wrote: ‘I’m just an average woman, there’s nothing special about me. I’m not the fastest, strongest, or most flexible 60 year old personal trainer you’ll meet.

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A 60-year-old fitness influencer says there is ‘nothing special about her’ as she urged her followers to get out an exercise

‘I’m not an athlete, I don’t know how to play a single sport, I’ve never been outstanding at fitness related endeavours.’

She continued: ‘Yes I’ve run marathons, and taken part in bodybuilding competitions. And I’m not afraid to take on a physical challenge, even though I never ‘win’.

‘But this is the point.’

The influencer stressed that ‘you don’t have to be brilliant to do fitness – you just have to do it!’ – as, for her, success is all about ‘being consistent’.

‘Whilst you too may think of yourself as ‘average’ I hope you also recognise you are UNIQUE,’ she penned.

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‘Which means your fitness journey and achievements are unique to you, you define what success looks like for you.

‘Here’s to brilliant and unique women, who just do it!’

Thousands liked the post, as followers branded the social media star’s ‘inspiring’ philosophy.

She also often teams up with her 24-year-old daughter Saffron (right), as the pair create videos and workouts beneficial across all generations

She also often teams up with her 24-year-old daughter Saffron (right), as the pair create videos and workouts beneficial across all generations

Earlier this month she showed off her very impressive skills as she demonstrated a handstand in a video

Earlier this month she showed off her very impressive skills as she demonstrated a handstand in a video

‘You have inspired me to take an intensive nutrition and fitness course and start going to the gym at age 50,’ one shared. ‘Thank you. Keep up the great work.’

‘I hope I can be like you when I’m 60,’ another added. 

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A third remarked: ‘Your hair and complexion look amazing! Rock on in all your inspiring radiance.’  

One comment also said: ‘You are not average, you are an incredible role model, thank you.’

Thousands liked the post, as followers branded the social media star's 'inspiring' and motivational philosophy

Thousands liked the post, as followers branded the social media star’s ‘inspiring’ and motivational philosophy  

Jacqueline’s page features an impressive array of exercise videos and motivational posts for anyone who’s interested in fitness. 

In an earlier post, she showed off her skills as she demonstrated a handstand in a video. 

‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing,’ she said.

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‘Movement is vital for healthier ageing. You don’t have to attempt a door frame handstand though. Instead have fun with movement. Make it playful.

‘Simply move every day and try different ways of moving.’

Elsewhere, the influencer flexed her strength with a push-up challenge and, in another clip, showed off her pole skills.

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Fitness coach says ‘just cardio isn’t enough’; shares 1 exercise women over 35 must do to stay strong and healthy

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Fitness coach says ‘just cardio isn’t enough’; shares 1 exercise women over 35 must do to stay strong and healthy

As we age, our bodies naturally start losing muscle mass and bone density, which can affect strength, metabolism, and overall health. Many women over 35 notice changes in energy levels, weight distribution, and endurance, making it essential to adopt exercises that not only tone but also strengthen the body.

Fitness coach urges women over 35 to incorporate strength training. (Freepik)

Tara LaFerrara, fitness coach and personal trainer, shares in her September 22 Instagram post why women over 35 should start incorporating strength training into their routines and how it can transform both body and health. (Also read: Doctor with 25 years experience warns ‘ghee-loaded meals, sugary chai’ harm South Asians’ health; shares 6 key insights )

Why does muscle loss matter after 35

If you are a woman over 35 and not doing any sort of strength training, Tara warns you’re in for a rude awakening. “I’m talking the moment that your body starts to slow down, get weaker, and feel like you hurt more,” she shares.

“It is not just ageing, it is muscle loss, and it starts way earlier than you think. After the age of 35, we start losing muscle every single year. And that muscle is so important because it is your metabolism, your bone density, your energy, and just the ability to bounce back when life throws things at you,” says Tara.

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Can cardio and pilates alone keep you strong

She emphasises that cardio and Pilates alone aren’t enough. “You need to lift, squat, push, pull, and press. It’s not about getting bulky and muscular, it’s about getting strong enough to handle ageing on your own terms.”

Her advice is simple: “So if you’re tired of feeling like your body is working against you, start working with it. Pick up some weights. Your future self will thank you.”

Strength training after 35 isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining health, mobility, and resilience. As Tara highlights, incorporating resistance exercises into your routine is one of the best ways to support your body through the natural changes that come with age.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Start with Healthy Sleep | Newswise

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New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Start with Healthy Sleep | Newswise

Newswise — As the New Year approaches, many Americans are setting fresh intentions to eat better and move more — and new data show those habits may deliver an unexpected bonus: better sleep. According to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 59% of adults say eating a well-balanced diet helps them sleep slightly or significantly better. Staying active throughout the day may also help improve sleep. According to the survey, adults say exercising in the morning (42%) or evening (46%) helps them sleep slightly or significantly better. 

“Sleep is one of three pillars of a healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity,” said AASM spokesperson Dr. Kin Yuen. “When people make New Year’s resolutions or select their ‘nudge word’ for the year, they often prioritize diet and exercise. These changes don’t just support physical health—they also improve sleep.”

The findings suggest that New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be isolated goals. Improving one aspect of health, whether diet, exercise, or sleep, can create positive ripple effects across all three areas of wellness. This is especially true for younger adults, with those 25-34 being the most likely age group to say a well-balanced diet (64%) or exercise in the evening (60%) helps them sleep better.

“Sufficient sleep significantly reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease, and even depression and anxiety,” said Yuen. “Whether you’re improving your diet, increasing your activity level, or managing stress, prioritizing sleep gives you the energy and mental clarity needed to start the year strong.”

Here are some tips from the AASM on how to develop healthy sleep habits and reap all the benefits of your New Year’s resolutions: 

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  • Create a consistent bedtime routine — Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night.
  • Make time in your daily routine for physical activity — Pick physical activities that you enjoy and that match your abilities.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet — Try to meet the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein.
  • Disconnect from devices at night — Turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes to an hour before your bedtime to help prepare for sleep. 

For more information, or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, please visit sleepeducation.org. View 2025 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.

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About the Survey

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,007 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between June 5-13, 2025, by Atomik Research, an independent market research agency.

About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine   

Established in 1975, the AASM is a medical association that advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM membership includes more than 9,500 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals who help people who have sleep disorders. The AASM also accredits 2,300 sleep centers that are providing the highest quality of sleep care across the country (aasm.org).  

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Circadian Fitness: New Research Heightens Debate Over the Optimal Time for Exercise

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Circadian Fitness: New Research Heightens Debate Over the Optimal Time for Exercise
A Recent Study Suggests Evening Workouts May Offer Significantly Greater Longevity Benefits for Individuals with Obesity, Intensifying the Ongoing Scientific Discussion Over Whether Health Goals and Body Metabolism Dictate the Best Hour to Exercise. The question of the most beneficial time of day to exercise—a straightforward query—continues to yield frustratingly contradictory and complex answers in […]
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