At 85, Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has declared war on what she calls "forced exercise," labelling popular fitness regimes as her personal idea of torment.
From Pilates Reformers to Push-Ups: Prue's 'Hell' List
In candid revelations from her forthcoming book, Being Old…And Learning to Love It, the celebrated cookery expert dismisses the modern obsession with gruelling workouts. She describes Pilates reformer sessions, rainy runs, and bedroom floor push-ups as "variations of hell." Yoga, step classes, and spinning join her list of detested activities.
"I find exercise for the sake of exercise painful and unbelievably boring," Leith states unequivocally. Her aversion extends to the widely promoted "MEDS" mantra for older adults—encompassing Mindset, Exercise, Diet, and Stress reduction. "Needless to say, I don't match up," she admits, though she notes she thrives on a busy schedule and enjoys "sorting muddles."
A Sporting Life, Not a Gym Bunny
However, Leith is quick to clarify she is not opposed to all physical activity. She passionately recalls the joys of competitive and social pastimes. She loved tennis for its sociable competition and adored riding with a group on Ham Common in London. "There is intense pleasure in cantering in a companionable group in the early mornings with the mist just dispersing," she reminisces.
Age has necessitated some adaptations. She gave up riding solo for fear of injury, switched from river to boat fishing, and now enjoys sit-skiing after two disastrous attempts on traditional skis. Her second skiing lesson in Wengen, Switzerland, involved a "hard-faced devil" of an instructor and ended with Leith in tears on the nursery slopes.
Defying Age with a 'Nothing in Moderation' Mantra
Now living in a house she built with her husband, retired clothes designer John Playfair, 77, in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, Leith refuses to fade quietly into the background. She scorns the old-fashioned idea that those over 60 should wear beige and avoid excitement.
"I think they were brainwashed," she says of previous generations. She maintains that age is largely a state of mind, despite candid moments like her grandchild asking why her neck was "so stringy."
She continues to work vigorously on Bake Off and travels the UK for book promotions and her stand-up show, turning work trips into adventures with John. Her ultimate, age-defying philosophy is simple and boldly stated: "Nothing in moderation!"
Prue Leith's book, Being Old…And Learning to Love It, is set for publication on 26 February.
