Actress and singer Camille O'Sullivan tells Patricia Weston she's learning the splits
How do you keep fit?
I cycle everywhere, when I'm at home and when I'm touring abroad. I've been known to cycle to a show in high heels. I also like to swim to relax. My shows can be very physically demanding.
Do you watch what you eat?
No, my diet is atrocious. I'm the type of person who will have a hair of the dog after a show rather than go to bed. I don't stick to an eating routine and sometimes I forget to eat. I also always need to eat bananas before a performance because they are slow release foods.
Have you ever dieted?
I did go on diets when I was 17 and 18 because I felt pressure to be thin from magazines. I had puppy fat but I realised when you become obsessed with food and dieting you want to eat more. I think if you exercise you can eat pretty much what you like.
What's your diet downfall?
I love sweets. I'm a real sweets girl. Before I start a show I usually eat a lot of cakes then once I settle into the show I stop.
Would you consider yourself fit and flexible?
Yes. I've recently taken up yoga. You focus on your body and mind which helps me greatly as a performer. I'm also doing a show with circus performers at the moment and the troupe trains every day. I join in with them sometimes. They are teaching me the splits.
Camille O'Sullivan, La Fille du Cirque, is back in Ireland with her award-winning show on Friday at 8pm at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray. Tickets cost €22/€20, contact: 01-2724030 or visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie
Patricia Weston recommends:
Get a flexible body like Camille by performing these acrobatic flexibility exercises.
- Stand with legs hip distance apart and feet forward. Bend your torso as far as you can and rest hands on the floor. Tuck your head and hold.
- Position yourself on the edge of a bench spreading your legs with your right leg bent and your foot on the floor. With your left leg behind you grab your right foot to stretch out your leg muscles. Repeat on each side.
- Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and place your hands behind your back with your hands facing forward. Lift your body off the floor. Keep your head and neck level as you hold this position. Repeat.