Pull-ups, TRX, lunges – grandma yogi spreads gospel of fitness and well-being to young and old
- How many 63-year-olds can do a handstand? Carol Farrington can, thanks to regular gym workouts that keep her fit as someone a third of her age
- Soon the Hongkonger will retire and become a full-time yoga instructor. She is convinced all this exercise keeps her mentally sharp. Experts agree
Carol Farrington, a silver-haired schoolteacher and grandmother, is at the top of her game. On this Saturday afternoon, dressed in a blue-grey top, black pants and purple trainers, she has just finished a workout with Barry Leung, her personal trainer of 11 years.
Many people are surprised to learn that this vigorous yogi is 63 years young. Leung, who puts her through her paces at the Kratos Performance Training Studio in Hong Kong’s Central business district, often tells her she is fitter than many people a third of her age. “He calls me ‘Fit Grandma,’” Farrington chuckles.
Today’s workout involved sets to prepare her to do handstands unassisted. “I was nervous doing it without the wall [today] but he was there holding my legs, then even let go of his hands while I was up there,” she said, surprised at her ability to pull off this feat.
Not all her workouts involve handstands. Sometimes she does lunges, body-weight exercises such as push-ups, rope or step routines, and TRX (suspension weight training). “Doing pull-ups gets rid of the old lady’s flag,” she says, shaking her right arm to demonstrate the firm tone of her under-arm.
All the workouts aim to engage her muscles, particularly the core and glutes, and strengthen her balance and coordination. In addition to her gym sessions and yoga, she hikes once a week, and believes these physical activities help her stay mentally sharp.