S Poddar
Television persona Jeremy Clarkson writes a new perception of fitness but with a surprising reason that brings him “to be determined not to die.
The 64-year-old broadcaster, known for his wit and sharp commentary, opened up in his latest column about the profound impact of becoming a grandparent. After a major health scare last year that required him to have two stents fitted, Clarkson has taken a more serious approach to his well-being.
In his The Sunday Times column, he commented on the utter joy he found in being a grandfather and this had fuelled his desire for prolonging life.
“I’ve decided it is so wonderful I want it to go on as long as possible,” he added.
Clarkson’s two grandchildren—two-year-old Arlo Rose and his newborn sister Xanthe Fiagh, the daughter of his eldest child Emily—have renewed his sense of purpose.
Over the years, he has tried every type of exercise but says nothing really appealed to him as a traditional method of getting fit. Hitting the gym, cycling, and even yoga all came and went, but not really taking root. Even Pilates was attempted.
Much to his surprise, Clarkson started liking Reformer Pilates, the slow-motion version of the hot exercise routine. For the first time in his life, this is something that he can follow daily.
Reflecting on his new commitment, he shared the words of his instructor: “It makes me happy because so far, I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now, and I have to work at dodging the bullets.”
In November, Clarkson spoke of his health and assured his fans that he was “feeling better than ever” since undergoing life-saving heart surgery. The operation was carried out to clear blocked arteries and was apparently timely as he had reportedly only days to go before things went very seriously wrong. He claims he is in much better condition today.
Despite his health concerns, Clarkson has remained active in his professional life. He has been spotted back at work, filming the latest season of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ alongside his co-star Kaleb Cooper. Fans visiting his Diddly Squat farm in the Cotswolds were eager to check in on him, to which he casually responded, “I’m fine, thank you.”
The former Top Gear presenter has already confessed that his doctors have strictly put new guidelines for his lifestyle, asking him to change all aspects accordingly. Though he still makes fun of the situation, it has been pretty tough.
“I am not allowed to have fun anymore. I must live in a holier-than-thou fog of weeds, seeds, and yoga. This is terrifying,” he quipped.
However, he is aware of how much these changes matter. Much more than anything, he wishes to be around for his grandchildren and accomplish a few more things he has always wanted to do.
“When the Grim Reaper poked his nose round the door, I decided that actually, I quite fancied living a little bit longer,” he admitted.
“I want to see my grandchildren grow up. I saw the dawn this morning, and it was magnificent, so I’d quite like to see a few more of those too.”
One of his long-held dreams is a trip to the Galápagos Islands, and he is well aware that healthier choices are the only way he will get there.
“To do that, I need to live on water and steamed fish and exercise,” he said, in effect committing to a longer, healthier life.
Humor intact, Clarkson, still, beneath the jokes, there is the obvious change of his perspective of life. Having realized his goal in life, he is making sure he hangs around for what really matters most.
