Celebrity fitness trainer and Pilates instructor Yasmin Karachiwala, known for sculpting the bodies of Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, has revealed that her most fulfilling and favourite fitness journey isn’t one of a young celebrity, but of veteran actress Helen. Helen, the OG performer in Bollywood, made a remarkable comeback to fitness and weight loss at the age of 86.

Helen’s weight loss journey

In a recent episode of the hK Vitals podcast on YouTube, Karachiwala spoke about Helen’s progress, calling it “more satisfying than any other transformation” she’s witnessed in her career.

“If you had asked me this question four years back, I would have told you about Katrina [Kaif], Alia [Bhatt], or Deepika [Padukone],” she said, referencing her high-profile clientele. “But my most recent transformation… I don’t know if I will call it challenging as much as satisfying… is of Helen’s. She is 86 now.”

Karachiwala, who shares a close bond with the Khan family, said Helen had been relatively active before the COVID-19 lockdown. However, post-pandemic, she struggled to return to her previous fitness routine. “I would meet her at Diwali or Eid parties and ask when she was coming back to Pilates,” Karachiwala recalled. “I noticed her movements were deteriorating. She was walking with a stick, and it started affecting her confidence. She would even avoid looking at me at events, covering her face and saying, ‘I don’t want to even see you, darling!’”

The breakthrough

“One day, she just called and said, ‘I’m ready,’” Karachiwala said. “She walked into my studio with a cane, barely able to move because of her weight and muscle atrophy. But we started slow, building strength day by day.”

Four months into consistent Pilates sessions, the results were stunning! “She no longer uses a cane. She can climb stairs, bend down to play with my puppy, and even jump on a trampoline. I had to tell her, ‘Aunty, don’t bend so much,’ and she replied, ‘I can!’” Karachiwala shared with a laugh.

Karachilwala revealed that Helen’s commitment was unwavering. “She came in every single day, unless she was unwell. Pilates allowed her to enjoy movement again. That’s what I love about it—it can be tailored for both an 86-year-old and a top athlete.”

Karachiwala added that Helen’s journey is her favorite “success story.” It shows that consistency is really the key.