Violinist Catherine Leonard tells Patricia Westonshe uses exercise videos to keep fit when she is not rollerblading, ice-skating or skiing.
Are you a keep-fit fanatic?
Well, I like to exercise and for me it has to be something fun. I love speed, so I really enjoy rollerblading, skiing and ice-skating. They're also fantastic sports for keeping you fit and healthy.
When did you take up rollerblading?
I started in Amsterdam a few years ago. I used to skate with a group. I also did it a lot when I lived in England as a way to meet people. Random people would just meet up to skate in Hyde Park on Friday nights. When I moved to London first I knew nobody but through skating I got to meet loads of people and really got to know the city. I've been skating intermittently since then. I have a flat in London and my parents live in Kildare so I travel between London, Kildare and America. I love skating in the States; there are great paths along the beach in Santa Monica and people skate in their bikinis.
Do you do any strength training or flexibility exercises?
I love yoga; it's so up my street. I have done classes in the past but because of my hectic work schedule I can't do anything regularly. I really enjoy yoga for strengthening, stretching and relaxation. I used to be a gym person but now that I'm never in the same place, I can't keep it up.
Is exercise important to you?
Yes, I consider myself fit and I like to factor exercise into my life to keep my heart healthy. I think exercise is important for keeping fit on the inside and outside.
Any tips on how to fit exercise into a hectic lifestyle?
Well, I use Elle Macpherson's exercise video, The Body Workout. I can take it anywhere and put it on my laptop when I'm travelling. I think it's a brilliant workout.
It's old but it's not dated, it's easy to follow and you can go at your own pace.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Exercise videos are a great way to squeeze in a 30-40 minute workout in the comfort and privacy of your own home or, like Catherine, on your laptop when you're travelling.
There's such a huge variety of workouts available featuring an even bigger variety of A-Z list celebrities. So here are a few tips on choosing the right one for you:
Look for a workout to suit your needs regardless of the celebrity on the cover.
Most videos are divided into 15- or 20-minute sections so you can fit a short routine into your day.
You don't need to purchase any equipment other than the video/DVD.
Choose an aerobic video with hi-lo combos for a medium to high intensity aerobic workout to get your lungs and heart moving.
I would also recommend a toning workout video for flexibility and strength training featuring Pilates, yoga, bums, tums and thighs workout or a Pilates/yoga combination like Yogalates.
Catherine Leonard performs Mozart's Violin Concerto No 4 with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in the RDS Concert Hall on Thursday, February 22nd as part of the orchestra's Spring Series.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.