Flautist Lady Jeanne Galway tells Patricia Westonthat smile lines enhance beauty and, therefore, ageing should never be considered ugly
Do you keep fit?
Yes, I try to work exercise into my daily routine as much as my busy touring and working timetable allows. I enjoy yoga, walking and swimming. Living beside a lake in Switzerland provides the ideal environment for such activities.
Do you eat well?
Yes. My husband and I always eat fresh fruit and organic natural yoghurt. We try to keep away from cakes and desserts. We drink fresh pressed fruit and vegetable juice, along with plenty of water.
Have you ever dieted?
No, because I am very knowledgeable as to what is best for the body. Faddy diets do nothing except starve the body of necessary minerals and vitamins. Today's new diet craze is tomorrow's diet horror story.
How do you relax?
When on a long tour, my husband and I try to get out of the hotel room and see what's outside and go for a long walk. When home, I like to go into my room and play my flute.
Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?
It's not one of my top priorities. I believe in eating well, not drinking or smoking, getting plenty of exercise and sleeping well. I think smile lines enhance your beauty and ageing isn't something to be considered ugly.
Do you think exercise is important?
Yes, it is a definite requirement and absolutely essential for an enjoyable, healthy life. One must move the body for calmness of spirit and strength of bones and muscle. It also comes in handy when having to lift heavy suitcases while on tour!
Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway will be accompanied by Phillip Moll on piano at the INEC, Killarney on May 12th.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Take a tip from Jeanne and move your body to calm your spirit and strengthen your bones and muscles. A wonderfully relaxing and spiritual way to exercise is to perform a series of slow and methodical movements. Try this sequence but make sure you have warmed up your muscles with 10-15 minutes of gentle exercise first:
Each move should flow seamlessly into the next. Play relaxing music and begin in a standing position. Place your hands on the front of your thighs, bend your neck so your chin is touching your chest, relax and round out your shoulders, slowly bend forward and move your hands down towards your toes. Hold, then slowly straighten up your body.
Lie on the floor face down, lift your legs and hold onto your feet, keep your abs tight and breathe in, roll forward, then breathe out as you roll back. Repeat six times in a slow and controlled manner.
Lie on your right side and perform the side bend by leaning on your elbow and forearm with your knees bent, making sure your left foot is touching the floor and crossed over your right. Raise your left arm towards the ceiling and lift your knees off the floor straightening your legs. Pull in your abs and keep your back straight, then slowly lower back down. Repeat four times.
Sit down on the floor with your legs crossed and bend forward, tuck your head in and walk your hands as far forward as you can, slowly straighten up, turn to the left side and repeat the side bend on the left.
Gently kneel, pull in your abs and extend your arms over your head, place your hands back on the floor, keep your head down and very slowly straighten up your body.
pweston@irish-times.ie