When we hit our 50s, exercise becomes a non-negotiable… even if, like Claudia Winkleman, you’re majorly averse to breaking a sweat. On an episode of The Mid Point podcast, the Traitors host told host Gabby Logan: ‘I don’t like physical exertion of any kind.’ She explained she doesn’t like sweating and added that she was ‘too impatient’ to stick to a long-term fitness routine. ‘I want to go twice and feel like Elle Macpherson,’ Claudia said. ‘The moment they say you’ll see a difference in three months, I’m out.’

But there’s no escaping the fact that the need to move your body gets more urgent with age – and even Claudia has been spotted heading to a local class. ‘It’s round the corner from me, so I can go there and everybody is lovely – it’s super quiet.’ Claudia’s workout of choice? Reformer Pilates.

‘Claudia has highlighted one very important point: to make an exercise habit stick, you need to remove as many barriers as possible,’ says GH fitness expert Kim Hawley. ‘Choosing an activity you enjoy – and one that doesn’t involve travelling for half an hour to get there – is key. Fitness doesn’t have to leave you red-faced, damp and questioning your life choices. In that regard, although it is still challenging, Pilates offers a more civilised alternative.’

For women in midlife, this low-impact approach can be particularly appealing, she adds. ‘Pilates helps build strength and stability without placing excessive stress on the joints, while its slower pace makes it easier to focus on how your body feels. It can be demanding, but it is generally kind to the joints.

‘Should we strength train? Yes. Should we try to raise our heart rate with some higher-intensity exercise? Ideally, yes. But if you’re not going to do those things because you hate them, you’ve set yourself an unrealistic challenge. The most sustainable form of training is the one you enjoy enough to repeat.

‘Pilates may not deliver an instant transformation, but it can leave you feeling stronger, taller and more connected to your body – without requiring a change of T-shirt at the end of the class.’

Feeling inspired by Claudia? You can give Kim’s three simple pilates moves a go at home:

1. Pelvic curl

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart.

Inhale and, as you exhale, gently curl your pelvis, lifting your spine slowly from the floor, squeezing your glutes, until your knees a form a straight diagonal line to your shoulders. Keep your weight between your shoulder blades, not on your neck. Inhale at the top, then exhale as you roll back down, one vertebra at a time. Repeat 8–10 times.

Hint: Keep your ribcage down.

2. Tabletop toe taps

Lie on your back and lift your legs so your knees are bent at 90 degrees, shins parallel to the floor.

Inhale to prepare and exhale as you lower one foot towards the floor. Inhale as you bring it back to parallel/tabletop, then change sides. Keep your pelvis still and your belly button towards the floor. Repeat 6–10 times on each side.

Hint: Only lower the leg as far as you can while keeping your lower back comfortable and controlled.

3. Side-lying clams

Lie on your side with your knees bent and your heels in line with your bottom.

Keep your hips stacked and your waist gently lifted – no slouching! Exhale as you open the top knee, keeping your feet together. Inhale as you lower the knee with control. Avoid rolling your pelvis backwards. Repeat 10–12 times on each side.

Hint: The movement should come from the outer hip, not from swinging the leg or twisting the body.