A 55-YEAR-OLD woman with the “legs and belly of a 25-year-old” has shared her secrets to her toned physique – and why we shouldn’t be afraid of getting older.
A 55-year-old woman with the “legs and belly of a 25-year-old” has shared her secrets to her toned physique – and why we shouldn’t be afraid of getting older.
Sue also mixes up the water temperature in her shower, alternating between hot and cold, which she says is a ‘game changer’[/caption]
Sue Griers is in the best shape of her life, with her body only getting stronger and more toned as she ages.
The fashion designer has lifted the lid on the simple rules she follows in an Instagram post which garnered 48 million views – from the benefits of lying with her legs in the air, to how giggling keeps her stomach looking taut.
“I think my legs are in better shape than they were in my twenties,” Sue, from Germany, told What’s The Jam.
“I’ve been focusing on fitness all of my life, dancing until I was 17 and trying out new things – I love a challenge.
“Since I started doing weight training, my legs have become very toned, and I’m stronger than ever.”
As well as spending time working out, Sue shared six “unique hacks” she swears by to keep her legs looking “fabulous”.
LEG ELEVATION
Sue said: “After a long day, I lie down and elevate my legs against the wall for 15 minutes.
“This reduces swelling and promotes better circulation.”
ALTERNATING TEMPERATURE SHOWERS
Sue also mixes up the water temperature in her shower, alternating between hot and cold, which she says is a “game changer”.
She said: “This enhances blood flow and firms up the skin on my legs.”
COFFEE SCRUB
Next, the fitness buff creates a scrub using coffee grounds, brown sugar and almond oil to use as a “natural exfoliant”.
She said: “Massaging this blend onto my legs in circular motions smooths the skin and boosts circulation.”
HIGH-FIBRE DIET
As with any health advocate, Sue is also a staunch supporter of the high-fibre diet.
She said: “Lots of fruits, veggies and wholegrains help reduce water retention, keeping my legs lean and toned.”
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to, particularly at this time of year, when the rain is as relentless as your craving for carbs.
So how do you find the right workout for you?
As a PT and fitness journalist, I’ve tried everything.
I’ve taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.
Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!
The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.
My top five forms of exercise, especially if you’re trying to lose weight, are:
- Walking
- Running
- Pilates
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Strength training
HAIR REMOVAL
In the evenings, the fashion designer spends time preening to keep her legs looking their best.
She said: “I always shave or wax in the evening – this allows any irritation to subside overnight, so I wake up with silky smooth legs.”
LEG COUNTOURING
And finally, Sue recommends using bronzer on the legs to make them look even better.
She said: “A little makeup magic goes a long way.
“Applying a subtle bronzer along the sides of my legs creates the illusion of length and definition.”
As for her taut and toned stomach? Sue recommends taking cold showers and ice baths, trying to stand up instead of sitting down wherever possible, practice a stomach ‘vacuuming’ exercise to strengthen the core, cut processed sugar, and to laugh as much as possible to engage the abs.
Sue’s message for her 300,000 followers is simple: embrace your age – but don’t let it limit you.
She added: “Don’t be afraid to age.
“But don’t be afraid to make changes either.
“Find your discipline and just do it every day, no matter how you feel – because eventually you always feel better.
“Even if it’s just 10 minutes, it’s the quality time that you deserve for yourself.”
