Fiona Looney, journalist and broadcaster, tells Patricia Weston that she suspects her regular exercise keeps her sane
Do you take regular exercise?
Unfortunately, yes. Due to a fear of driving, I'm obliged to walk, cycle and occasionally run for the bus. I also go to the gym.
Would you consider yourself fit?
In the old sense of the word, yes.
Do you worry about your appearance?
I'm a woman, so of course I do.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change?
Just its shape, texture and age.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?
I do, constantly. Roll on the Euromillions.
Do you eat a balanced diet?
Unfortunately, yes. On a typical day I'd have porridge, fruit, salad and a shoal of mackerel.
Ever tried any faddy diets?
Yes, but the only one that ever worked for me was the "eat less, move more" one.
What stresses you?
Trying to eat a balanced diet and worrying about my health.
What's your attitude towards exercise?
Honestly? I suspect it keeps me sane, just about.
Patricia Weston recommends:
In my opinion, the best route to a sane, shapely and toned body is through Pilates, which tones and strengthens all the major muscles in the body, particularly the abdominal muscles.
Try this Pilates-based intermediate to advanced toning regime to harden the body:
Lie on the floor on a mat on your back. Raise your legs up, keeping your knees bent then extend your legs out straight keeping them about five inches off the floor.
Raise your head and shoulders off the floor and lift your arms up a few inches.
Hold this position as you pulse with your hands for three sets of 12 counts, with a short rest between sets.
On all fours on the floor lean on your elbows and forearms and pull in your abs as you lift your knees up off the floor.
Keep your back, head and shoulders straight and your abs and bum tight.
Hold this position for six-eight seconds and repeat three times for a strong back, legs and abs.
Tone your legs and bum with this active lunge. Begin in a standing position with your feet together, your back straight and abs held in tight.
Lift your right leg to a knee raise then step it forward as you bend your left leg so your left knee hovers off the floor.
Once in this position lunge for 10 counts then repeat on the opposite side. Do three sets of eight counts on each leg.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and always warm up beforehand and cool down and stretch afterwards.