Why the Green Goddess has brought out a new fitness DVD aged 81

It might be 40 years since Diana Moran first brought the Green Goddess to our television screens, but lockdown saw her return to keep the elderly population fit.

At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, the Green Goddess, now 81, was brought back to the BBC to bring cheer to the millions of Brits who were in lockdown.

“I still have a great relationship with the BBC having worked for them for four and half years and they contacted me about appearing on Breakfast as a one-off to see what I was up to,” says Diana.

“It was while I was talking to Dan (Walker) and Louise (Minchin) that they asked if I was still fit and I lifted my leg up and they said that I should do a regular spot and that was that.”

Self-isolating herself, Diana then had the problem of filming, directing and starring in the five-minute keep- fit slots, aimed at older people who were self-isolating.

“It was quite a challenge at 81 I can tell you, but it was great fun.”

Returning to the BBC after 40 years, Diana became an instant hit and was followed by millions with her three times a week session on BBC Breakfast.

The Green Goddess was recognised as bringing an element of the wartime spirit to the pandemic and coined the phrase – Keep Fit and Carry On!

“I was born in 1939 and remember the period during and after the war and how we felt that our cities and towns would never recover but within five years they did. It feels a similar time now and we must remember that things will get better, not back the way they were but there will be a new normal. What is important is that we stay physically and mentally fit.”

After the lockdown released millions from their homes, Diana received thousands of requests to continue providing chair-based exercises. She did this through her website www.keepfitandcarryon.com – but still had requests for a DVD so that people could practice in their own time and at home.

“I am 81 this year and am regularly asked for advice from people who, in later life, have found that exercise is difficult,” says Diana.

She says her Keep Fit and Carry On exercise plan consists of simple exercises specially designed for people who are largely neglected by the fitness industry.

“My favourite saying as I get older is ‘Age is mind over matter…and if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” Well, as I age, I’m determined to keep moving, to retain my physical independence and to have fun or as long as I possibly can. Keep Fit and Carry On involves a range of exercises, specially designed for the less active to perform in the comfort of their living room and even while sitting down.”

“This DVD is to give you the confidence to start moving again. Little and often is all you need to aim for. The exercises are designed to ease you back into fitness – and I guarantee you’ll feel better – even with just one.”