STAY FIT AFTER 50

It's never too late to boost your body and mind, says Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell

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Think you probably should be exercising more, but can't stick to a routine? The good news is that you don't have to adopt a gruelling regime to stay in shape - what's more, creating healthier habits now will benefit you in the years ahead.

'I exercise to protect my body, not punish it, says former track-and-field star Sally Gunnell*, 59. 'I want to age well, live well and feel well.' And she believes you can, too. Ready to feel strong and energised? Here, Sally shares her simple fitness tips for midlife and beyond.

KNOW YOUR 'WHY'

For any new habit to stick, it helps to get really clear on why it's important to you, as this will help you build consistency, says Sally. 'I'm a big believer in knowing exactly why you want to make positive changes.' It could be because of a health concern, such as high cholesterol, sore knees or that you want to lower your blood pressure. 'Or you might just want to fit back into a pair of trousers that you haven't worn for a year,' says Sally. Write down the reasons and read them back to feel motivated.