Soprano Eimear McNally tells Patricia Weston that although she does not take part in a regular exercise class, fitness and stamina are important to her career.
Do you take exercise?
I don't participate in any regular exercise class but I do go walking one to three times a week, depending how busy I am with performances and depending on the weather. I live on the coast in Skerries and frequently the wind and rain tends to beat down around the harbour.
Are you fit?
If I had to consider myself fit on a scale of one to 10, I would hope to be a seven or eight. Fitness and stamina is so important for my singing and running about on stage.
What's your view on cosmetic surgery?
I think cosmetic surgery should be used only for medical reasons like, after an accident. Look at that fantastic French woman who had a face transplant recently. I certainly would not consider it for myself, we are what we are.
Do you like healthy food?
I love vegetables and my fruit intake has improved lately. Also, I am not a huge meat eater.
Any unhealthy food vices?
My one downfall is crisps.
Ever dieted?
Never. I've always been lucky that I have never really needed to diet. However, if I am feeling bloated or want to lose a pound or two, my best tip is to exclude bread from your diet.
Do you drink?
After a performance I love to sit back and enjoy a glass or two of wine with friends.
Do you enjoy exercise?
I think it's fine in moderation.
Eimear McNally sings as one of Cinderella's cruel sisters in Rossini's opera, La Cenerentola, as part of Opera Ireland's Spring Season 2006 at the Gaiety theatre on April 22nd-30th. For bookings call: (01) 872 11 22 or log onto: www.operaireland.com
Patricia Weston recommends:
Eimear feels restricted by the weather sometimes and can't always fit in her exercise. A practical solution is to combine the mundane household chores with a workout around the house.
Just 30 minutes of house cleaning can burn up to 90 calories, combine this with some body resistance work and you'll get a very active workout.
Clear a space in an airy and central room like your living room. You'll need an exercise mat, the vacuum cleaner, duster, polish and a chair.
Turn on the radio and dance for up to five to 10 minutes to warm up your body.
Plug in the vacuum cleaner and work at a brisk pace to keep your heart pumping. Perform eight lunges on each leg as you vacuum. Do this for 10 minutes or until the room is clean.
Dust your house reaching high up towards the ceiling and reaching and bending down to dust the skirting boards. Do this for five minutes.
Using your chair do three sets of eight tricep dips. Sit on the chair with the heels of your hands leaning on the seat, then slide your bum off and dip down towards the floor bending your elbows.
Take out the duster and polish and shine up your furniture until it gleams. Ensure you switch hands and stop halfway through to perform two sets of eight squats to work the legs, this should take up to 10 minutes.
Finally strengthen your chest, shoulders and arms by getting down on your mat to perform three sets of eight intermediate box press-ups.
Cool down by marching on the spot or dancing to music for five minutes.