Jeremy Clarkson committed to one thing in mission to 'avoid death' after health scare

Jeremy Clarkson during the "Clarkson's Farm" photocall at St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel on June 09, 2021 in London, England
-Credit:Jeff Spicer/Getty Images


Jeremy Clarkson has opened up about his new fitness kick just months after life-saving heart surgery. The ex-Top Gear star, 64, revealed in October that he was on the brink of death following a 'sudden deterioration' in health.

After being rushed to hospital, doctors found one of his arteries completely blocked, necessitating the urgent fitting of a stent - a small wire mesh tube used to keep narrowed blood vessels open. Now, reflecting on the ordeal and the joys of becoming a grandparent, Jeremy stressed that he 'must do everything in [his] power to not die'.

In his column for The Sunday Times, he explained that committing to more exercise was a huge part of this. "Over the years, I have tried many times to get fit and each attempt has ended in failure because I dislike discomfort, loathe bicycling and I find gyms and everyone in them weird," he wrote.

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"...So a friend bought me something called a Reformer, which is a sort of sex orgy dungeon table, with handcuffs and a top that slides backwards and forwards. Naturally, I had no idea what to do with it, so I employed the services of a local girl who explained it had something to do with an activity called Pilates."

Although Pilates is often mixed up with yoga, the latter is generally slower and focused on holding positions, while Pilates is more about core strength. Participating is especially beneficial for anyone looking to lose weight or tone up, though it may help in the recovery of certain medical issues too.

Scoliosis, arthritis and even back pain are among the conditions that specific Pilates-style workouts are recommended for, with the NHS sharing several tutorials on its website. However, specialists assert that 'more research is needed' on the topic and it's worth speaking to a GP before following classes in these cases.

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"More research is needed, but there is some evidence to suggest that Pilates can be helpful for people who have lower back pain," the NHS explains. "Regular Pilates practice can help with posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility. It can also relieve stress and tension."

While Jeremy said that Pilates doesn't feel like much exercise at all, he's always surprised to wake up with stiff legs, taking this as a sign that something is working. He added that relying on good luck to stay alive is no longer an option, with the stents serving as a crucial wake-up call.

Jeremy's fresh determination comes nearly three years after admitting he was finding it 'hard to stay well' and that walking his dogs was a 'real struggle'.

In a 2023 column for The Sunday Times, he wrote: "When I go with my son to Stamford Bridge, he pootles along at what people call 'walking pace' and to keep up I have to unleash my inner Bannister.

"Which means that for the first half of the match I can’t concentrate on the football because I’m too busy coughing up my spleen and trying to get my breath back."

Last August, Clarkson Farm star Kaleb Cooper also feared that the 64-year-old may have vitiligo after noticing a change in his appearance. Addressing this in The Times, Jeremy said that while he doesn't suffer from the condition, the symptom had changed his view on sunbathing - a known trigger for the disorder.