This is what 51 looks like: Pilates teacher reveals cold baths, cycling and skincare filled with antioxidants keeps her youthful
- Pilates teacher Carol Westmorland, 51, lives in Cumbria with her husband Keith
- She has been competitive cycling for over 25 years to maintain a healthy body
- The 51-year-old claims a weekly stone-cold bath helps to boost her circulation
Carol Westmorland is a Pilates teacher. She lives in Cumbria with her husband Keith, a chartered surveyor.
CYCLING CHALLENGES
I’ve been competitive cycling for over 25 years — at the same club as my dad, now 75. I love being outside, and the freedom of being able to go as fast as you want! It can be quite a male-dominated sport, but it shouldn’t be. I was once told by a marshal at an event that women can’t do long-distance cycling. I proved him wrong with a 12- hour non-stop race and won it, covering 240 miles. I feel I can do anything now.
WATERPROOF SKIN
I live up on a fell, where the weather can be brutal and it’s harsh on the skin. I always apply This Works Evening Detox Spray-On Exfoliant before bed (£28, lookfantastic.com). It contains antioxidants, which help to repair and protect the skin. When I wake up, my face feels fresh and smooth.
Carol Westmorland, 51, (pictured) from Cumbria, reveals how weekly cold baths and competitive cycling contribute to maintaining her ageless appearance
WEEKLY COLD BATHS
Every week, I aim to spend ten minutes in a stone-cold bath. I find it helps to detox my muscles after exercise, especially if I’ve done a cycling time trial at the club. It boosts circulation and I feel energised afterwards, plus my skin is tighter and free of blemishes. I also think it strengthens you mentally.
THE VEGAN BACKLASH
I was vegan for 15 years but realised I was missing out on the benefits of oily fish — which contains vitamin D, the anti-inflammatory effects of which are key for helping the joints as you get older. I think you should evolve your diet at different stages in your life. I also stopped eating after 4pm and don’t eat again until 7am the next day, to give my body enough time to digest my food.
PILATES ADDICT
I’ve been teaching Pilates classes twice a day for over 20 years. It is brilliant for helping to build stability into the joints and work the core. I have had several cycling accidents over the years and this has been key to my recovery. Plus, the social side is an added bonus: I’ve made friends of all ages, from 30s to 70s, through my classes. My mum is a Pilates devotee at 72 and looks amazing!
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