I’m a fit gran – I’ve got veiny thighs, loose skin, stretch marks and cellulite but I won’t stop showing off in a bikini
A FIT gran has revealed that she might have veiny thighs and loose skin, but that won’t stop her posing in a bikini.
Jacqueline Hooton, 61, from West Sussex, can lift double her body weight and encourages other women to build their strength too.
Despite having osteoarthritis, the personal trainer is on a mission to prove that you can look amazing at any age if you commit to putting the work in.
She often posts videos of herself working out – and also shares snaps of her posing in swimwear.
The active ageing advocate believes that building strength is the key to keeping fit and healthy, and recently revealed that she isn’t phased by her stretch marks or cellulite.
Posting on Instagram, the mum-of-five shared some snaps of herself soaking up the sun on holiday, and was proud to show off her body in a bikini.
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Alongside the stunning snaps, the grey-haired grandmother said: "In my 61 years on this planet my body has thrown me many curveballs. Curveballs l’ve made peace with.
"Thread veins that weave their way around my right thigh like a garter, 8-10 lbs heavier than I was a decade ago, and some but not all of it is muscle.
"Multiple miscarriages, stretch marks and loose skin from carrying my five babies, shoulder joint restrictions after three surgeries, cellulite, osteoarthritis, a benign but not problem free tumour in my back muscles and I have just been dealt another curveball, which I will share more about soon.
"No one has a ‘perfect’ body because perfect can’t be defined. Is perfect disease free? Is perfect flawless? Is perfect a size or a look? Or is perfect simply making peace with what is?
"I’m grateful for this body of mine. It tells the story of my life so far; grief, loss, pain, joy, nurture, love and my lifestyle. I hope you can make peace with your body’s bittersweet story too, we are all perfectly imperfect."
Not only this, but in another video from her recent trip, Jacqueline explained that she has realised that she doesn’t need a “beach body”.
Instead, she needs a body that can get her “to the beach”.
Jacqueline’s post has clearly impressed many, as it has been liked more than 10,000 times.
Jacqueline's followers flocked to the comments, as many thanked her for being so "vulnerable" on social media.
Some users even told her that they aspire to be like her when they grow older, as they love her positive approach to ageing.
One person said: "I truly look up to you as you have such a healthy outlook on femininity.
“I wish you to be as healthy as possible whatever the news will be about."
Another wrote: "Perfectly imperfect as well and grateful for my 61 years of experiencing both the wonders and challenges - that truly living and not just existing brings."
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Meanwhile, a third also commented: "Thank you for sharing your struggles!!