Hello, I’m Helena
I’m 62, originally from Slovakia, now at home in Wiltshire. I’m a wife, a mum of three grown-up sons, a grandma and a qualified fitness and Pilates instructor.
I like colourful clothes, being outdoors and having something to look forward to. I’m happy in walking boots or dressed up for an evening out. And I’ve never quite understood why getting older should mean becoming less interested in life.
My husband works in Dubai, and my family is scattered across Europe, so my suitcase is never far away. Neither are my trainers.
Here at GrandmaZeal, I share simple movement, strength exercises, recipes, travel stories and thoughts on getting older. I want to help women over 50 feel stronger and more confident, with plenty of life beyond the exercise mat.
I’ve started again more than once
After my divorce, I raised my three boys on my own in Slovakia. Shortly after turning 40, I moved to the UK. It was supposed to be temporary.
My sons joined me, I learnt English, and we built a new life. I later found love again and got married on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. So much for a temporary move.
Starting again with my fitness has been part of my story too.
At 50, I stood on stage at a fitness competition. By 56, I was unfit, aching and tired most of the time. Being an instructor didn’t stop life getting in the way, and getting back into exercise wasn’t easy.
At 61, I felt sluggish and as though I was living on autopilot. A podcast about habits prompted me to choose one thing I could keep doing: a walk every day.
That became my starting point. Over time, I noticed more energy, more ideas and a change in my weight. I also added a few minutes of strength exercises at home.
Now, at 62, I can run upstairs without holding the rail. Usually because I’ve left my glasses, phone or cup of tea somewhere I’m not.
I know how good it feels to be strong. I also know what it feels like to lose that strength and wonder where to begin again.
Why I created GrandmaZeal
I first had the idea in 2021. I wanted a place to share my recipes, experience and ideas. When I mentioned it, people had plenty of advice:
“You can’t just start a blog like that.”
“Your English isn’t good enough.”
“You need professional photography skills.”
So I listened and spent almost three years waiting.
In 2024, I published my first post. I had plenty to learn, but at least I was finally doing it.
GrandmaZeal began with recipes and grew to include movement, strength and the everyday choices that help us feel better as we get older.
It also gives me somewhere to question the expectations placed on women our age. What we should wear. What we should stop doing. Whether it’s too late to try something different.
I don’t want to give things up just because I’ve had another birthday
Getting older, my way
I want to stay strong enough to hike, travel, dance and get up from the floor. Movement helps me keep enjoying those things.
I believe it’s never too late to start. Begin with something you can keep doing, then build on it. A short walk or a few exercises can give you somewhere to begin, without having to reorganise your whole life.
And I want room for more than exercise. Gardening, sewing, baking, skiing, sledging, travelling and learning something new. These things keep me curious and give me reasons to get moving in the first place.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good either. I want to feel active, capable and attractive, and decide for myself what that looks like at 62.
We all have different bodies, circumstances and starting points. But “at your age” shouldn’t decide what you’re allowed to try.
My experience
I’m a qualified Exercise-to-music and Pilates instructor. I’ve been teaching exercise classes since 2009, including Pilates and Zumba.
I also hold an NCFE Level 2 certificate in nutrition.
My teaching shapes the movement I share here: clear instructions, easy starting points and options to suit different abilities.
Beyond my qualifications, I know what it’s like to stop exercising, get out of shape and find a way back.
Kind words
Jenny, 58 | Southampton, UK
T “I first met Helena when she was a Zumba instructor. We very quickly became firm friends, but what really inspired me was when she decided to do Miss Galaxy Universe and started lifting weights. I wanted to do it, too! And I did! I joined the gym, and before I knew it, I was a fitness instructor and following my dreams. Thank you, Helena. You are an inspiration.”
Ella Doney, 51 | Sculptor, artist, stonemason, England
“I’ve known Helena for over 20 years, and she remains one of the most consistent and positive people I’ve ever met. Regardless of the circumstances, she always finds a way to keep moving forward. She’s not someone who just talks about ideas; she acts on them with clarity and determination. If I ever had to choose a survival team, Helena would be one of the first people I would want by my side.”
Emi, 47 | London, UK
“Helena is an incredibly loyal and supportive friend, someone you can always count on. She has been there for me through some of the most challenging moments in my life. Her enthusiasm for embracing life and taking on new adventures is truly contagious, inspiring everyone around her.”
A Few more things about me
- I got married on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean.
- I taught myself to cook after getting married at 21, and now I create all my own recipes.
- I used to dress up for the Jane Austen Festival in Bath: bonnet, corset, the whole lot…
- Some days I walk twice: once with our old cocker spaniel and once on my own.
- I’m the one who stops the car to photograph a sunset.
- I’d rather go to the cinema than binge-watch anything at home.
And yes, I still mess up commas and spelling in English. It won’t stop me from telling my story.
Want to feel stronger and more active?
My FREE guides and home workout sessions give you simple exercises to try at home, with clear instructions to help you get started.
