“I hate exercise, but I want to be fit at 90”

Stephanie Freeman, 64, from Knutsford

Istarted modelling when I was 25 and as my career took off I was aware that I had to stay in shape. I was never one of those skinny models; I like food too much to give it up.

I allow myself chocolates and biscuits, but I eat an awful lot of vegetables. I don’t eat much meat at all; just a little bit of chicken and fish.

Exercise isn’t nice. I don’t find it fun. If people do, then good for them, but I’ve just always thought, “Phew, thank God that’s over”. I can’t think of anything worse than doing a marathon, but respect to those who do it!

For me exercise is so that I can enjoy all the other things in life. It’s a necessary evil.

My generation might live to 100 but I don’t want to be one of those 90-year-olds who can’t walk. Before the pandemic I did HIIT classes, yoga and weights. Then when the gyms shut I started running.

The first nine seconds was agony, but I persevered and built it up to 10 minutes and then a further 10. I’ve stopped since the weather got cold and icy, but I’ll start again as soon as I can.

At the moment I aim to do something every day for 30 minutes; it can be hard to find the motivation but you’ve got to.

I still model a little bit, but because of my age they want me to be the grandma, and they don’t mind if I’m a few pounds heavier, because older people are supposed to be bigger. But I don’t feel like that. What does a typical grandma look like any more, anyway?

I’ve fought against ageing and I was absolutely fine until I was 58. I had loads of energy then things started to change a bit and I got a few more creaks and I got puffed out more easily. I’m still fighting against that.

It doesn’t take much. You don’t have to run. You’ve just got to walk fast and get your lungs and heart going. Then you’ve got to tone your muscles and you’ve got it covered.