BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast Staying fit in later life in the garden, with Jacqueline Hooton
Nov 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jacqueline Hooton, a fitness coach and founder of Her Garden Gym, shares her journey from retail to advocating for women's health, particularly focusing on those over 50. She emphasizes the powerful benefits of gardening for physical fitness and mental well-being. Jacqueline introduces simple garden exercises and stresses the importance of bone health and functional movement. She also discusses the role of habit formation in maintaining an active lifestyle and her mission to challenge ageism in fitness, promoting the idea that it's never too late to get fit.
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Remove Barriers To Participation
- Do make exercise accessible and inclusive by removing barriers like clothing, timing or fear of gyms.
- Try using outdoor or private garden spaces to attract women who avoid public gyms.
Use Garden Tasks As Workouts
- Do use garden features for balance and strength: walking lunges, squats and bench pushes.
- Try one-leg reaches while pruning to practise balance during everyday gardening tasks.
Protect Bones With Strength Work
- Do prioritise strength training to support bone health, especially after menopause.
- Use heavy compost bags or household items as practical weights if you lack gym equipment.
