TV3 news anchor Colette Fitzpatrick tells Patricia Weston how she hates to exercise but tries to be a healthy eater.
Do you exercise?
No, I hate all types of exercise, walking around the shops is about as vigorous as it gets for me.
Have you ever joined a gym?
No, I've never been a member of a gym and, to be honest, I don't see it happening in the near future.
If you could choose an activity to do, what would it be?
Probably swimming, but that really only happens on holiday. I'm told using the cross trainer is the best way to get fit and burn calories... so maybe sometime, in the far future.
Are you a healthy eater?
In recent years I've been a lot healthier than I used to be. I try to cook as much fresh food as possible and don't call the takeaway as often as I used to. What's your favourite food? Potatoes, vegetables, breads and ice cream.
Any unhealthy vices?
I rarely eat a breakfast because my appetite really only kicks in towards the end of the day - a cardinal sin I know. I also drink way too much coffee in the morning because doing early morning shift work makes you a slave to caffeine.
Are you a smoker?
I quit smoking two and a half years ago after a long love affair with the dreaded weed. It's one of the greatest things I've ever achieved.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change?
Like the vast majority of women, I'd like to shed some of those extra pounds and have longer legs. What's your view on exercise?
I know it's good for me, but God I hate it.
Patricia Weston recommends:
If you find yourself stuck behind a desk all day, here's a few exercises to get your body moving and keep you fit and flexible while you work.
With your knees hip distance apart and your feet planted on the floor, stretch out your back and shoulders by stretching both arms out in front and then raising them up towards the ceiling. Imagine there's a string attached to your hands and you're being pulled towards the ceiling to lengthen your upper body. Then bring your arms back to shoulder level and lower them towards your feet. Repeat six to eight times.
Sitting in your chair away from your desk extend your right leg, keep your back straight and tighten your abdominals. Raise your extended leg up two inches and down again two inches to work the leg muscles. Repeat eight times on each leg.
If you sit on a chair with wheels, grip the edge of your desk with your fingers and pull yourself into the desk without using your feet. Then push yourself away, this is similar to a press-up and works the chest, shoulder and arm muscles. Repeat eight times.
Do seated push-ups by placing your hands on the arms of your chair, keep your feet firmly planted on the floor and push up to a standing position.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.