DAME GILLIAN LYNNE, 88

REVEALS SECRET TO ADVANCED AGE IN NEW DVD ENTITLED "LONGEVITY THROUGH EXERCISE"

Description

The video highlights exercise routines performed in increasing levels of difficulty, catering for all, but especially the over-50's whether they be careful beginners or experienced fitness fanatics. Through breathing, stretching and other useful wellbeing tips, Dame Gillian brings a fresh approach to motivate and inspire your exercise regime, from within the comforts of your own home.

The video is segmented into 3 primary sections: Maintenance for All (Beginners), Standing 'Beach' Stretch (Intermediate) and Floor Exercise (Difficult). Along with the added features it is hoped that the 60-minute DVD will inspire, stretch and re-align while helping you – as Gillian herself hopes - "Love Life!"

It is directed by Peter Land, Dame Gillian's husband of 34 years, who has captured the exercises over an eight-year period in beautiful settings from both New Zealand and England. As the person who knows her best, Land was able to glean the most impacting elements of Dame Gillian's lifestyle, accessible to anyone with an interest in maintaining the maturing mind and body.

Dame Gillian is proof that her self-imposed routine to maintain physical fitness and suppleness has helped her conquer even the harshest of illnesses. As she says: "Exercise each day – can help keep sickness at bay!"

In recent interviews Gillian has outlined a philosophy on her life and career.

"Age is not important," she says. "It's where your brain is and your level of energy that matters. I have always had a lot of energy and I don't notice that diminishing."

"I like work and I work all the time. Once you decide to be a dancer, you have no choice but to work at it. As a young dancer at the Palladium, I'd do two shows a night and three on Wednesdays and Saturdays, I'd have a class every morning, then warm-ups for each performance."

Lifestyle Interview

In recent interviews Gillian has outlined a philosophy on her life and career.

"Age is not important," she says. "It's where your brain is and your level of energy that matters. I have always had a lot of energy and I don't notice that diminishing."

"I like work and I work all the time. Once you decide to be a dancer, you have no choice but to work at it. As a young dancer at the Palladium, I'd do two shows a night and three on Wednesdays and Saturdays, I'd have a class every morning, then warm-ups for each performance."

"I had to manufacture the energy and go through the pain barrier. In the end, I got so strong. I have a maxim that energy breeds energy. I don't believe that you get it from having a rest. On the days when I hurt and feel tired, I know I have to do a workout and I'll feel better."

Lynne is no backseat choreographer, shouting instructions from the stalls she is up there on stage, dancing and demonstrating. She also directs and produces.

"I don't think I could stand the boredom if I hadn't had the discipline of being a dancer, a director and a choreographer."

"I love any regime that recognises that health is part physical, a lot mental, and does not depend on heavy use of drugs. My life is one big battle. Perhaps that's what keeps me young."

The battle is waged on many fronts. As well as workouts in the gym or at home, she practises yoga and - when not rehearsing - has twice-weekly Pilates sessions. She also practises autogenic meditation daily. "You have a key into yourself - a sentence - and you instruct yourself how to calm the body down. People in my job are used to controlling their body and telling it what to do. As long as you can isolate yourself, you can do it anywhere."

"I am notoriously bad at giving in to rest. People who work hard find the first few days of a holiday intensely hard because it's like coming off a drug. I usually get a cold or a headache."