Big Brother contestant turned radio reporter Ray Shah attributes his love of running to his Kenyan blood, but eats what he likes, he tells Patricia Weston
Do you take regular exercise?
Lately I've been trying to get fit again. Before I went into the Big Brother house last year I was very fit because I wanted to look good going in. Once I left the house, I got so busy I let the exercise slide. Now, I'm back in the gym three or four times a week.
What's your workout at the gym?
I concentrate mainly on lifting weights. I do some cardio work and about an hour-and-a-half weightlifting. I have a personal trainer. I also do spinning classes. The first time I took part in the class, I thought I was going to collapse. When I got off the bike I was totally drained. It's very tough but great for burning off body fat.
Have you tried any other classes?
I tried Ashtanga Yoga twice and found it tough going. I wasn't very good at it because I'm not flexible.
Would you consider yourself fit?
Yeah, I'd say I'm fit. I've done the 10k run for BUPA the last two years and last time I came 150th out of 3,000 runners and beat my time from last year. I have Kenyan blood so I'm good at running.
Do you have any injuries?
I have a back injury from an accident on holiday in Ibiza a few years ago. I was messing with my mates and I jumped into the pool and whacked my lower back off the side. I couldn't feel my legs for a while and it was very painful. I've since been to a chiropractor, who sorted it out, but I still get the odd twinge now and again.
Were you sporty as a kid?
Yes, I played football, did karate and I loved swimming. I'd like to get back into swimming but the only chance I ever get to swim nowadays is on holidays.
Are you a healthy eater?
Not lately. When I was preparing myself to go into the Big Brother house last year I followed a very strict diet. I wasn't eating any chocolate or crisps, but I think I got a bit obsessive about it. Now I eat what I want and I'm mad into cheese and pizza. I love my pizzas.
Are you easily stressed?
I get stressed sometimes, especially when I'm driving in Dublin. I've been very busy in work lately so it's hard not to get stressed out. I get irritated at times, but I just deal with it.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Spinning in the gym is a low- impact, high-intensity exercise class to music on stationary bikes. It can burn up to 440 calories an hour.
During the class, the instructor varies the pace and intensity by taking the class on an imaginary cycle route across varying terrain. It doesn't require a high level of co-ordination and you can adjust the pace to suit your fitness level, by changing gears or slowing down.
Spinning gives the leg muscles a great workout, but there is a risk of overuse that may result in injuries to the knee joints.
• 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 stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.