Age hasn't slowed Gillian Taylforth down one bit. The EastEnders star has kept exercise at the center of her life for decades, treating it as essential to both her physical health and her state of mind. 

The EastEnders star recently opened up about her wellness routine. Most days, her training combines strength work and cardio, done largely from a home gym stocked with a treadmill, a rowing machine, a Peloton, and free weights. 

During an interview with the Mirror, Taylforth explained that staying active isn't something she does on and off. It's a fixed part of her week. 

"I’ve always looked after myself fitness-wise. And I’ve always exercised and get frustrated when I can’t,' Taylforth told The Mirror during an interview in 2022. 

Gillian Taylforth does not stop at the gym. She also keeps things varied with power walking and Zumba, the latter of which she has credited with reshaping her legs, waist, and hips. She further spoke about how she stays active even while traveling for work.

"[When] I’m on tour...my sister Kim and I exercise[d] in the park. When I get back to my dressing room, I get out my weights from my tour bag and do those for a bit. It all helps!"

That same consistency extends beyond exercise into her diet and sleep. Breakfast is built around simple, nutrient-rich staples like porridge, bran flakes, or Greek yogurt, topped with berries and a sprinkle of milled flaxseed for fiber, and she treats eight hours of sleep a night as non-negotiable. 

Ultimately, Gillian Taylforth's routine isn't about sticking to one rigid formula. It's about staying consistent, keeping her body conditioned, and building a lifestyle geared toward longevity. 

Exercise for older adults to lower health risks

Staying physically active becomes more important, not less, later in life. A single workout can improve sleep and help regulate blood pressure. 

A consistent routine lowers the odds of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cognitive decline. It also supports bone strength and coordination, which can cut down on fall-related injuries. 

According to Courtney L. Gilbert of Healthline, health guidelines call for roughly 150 minutes of moderate movement each week. The routine doesn't need to be elaborate to be effective. A few options worth building into a weekly schedule include: 

• A daily walk, working toward 8,000 to 10,000 steps
• Low-impact cardio like swimming, cycling, or dancing
• Bodyweight or resistance-band strength work a few times a week
• Balance drills, such as standing on one leg near a chair for support
• Gentle stretching to maintain flexibility and ease of movement

None of this has to happen all at once. Splitting activity into short 10- to 15-minute blocks throughout the day can deliver the same benefits as one long session, making consistency far more achievable than intensity. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco