Actress Máire-Éilís Ní Fhlatharta who plays Caitríona in TG4's Ros na Rún tells Patricia Weston what she does to stay fit
Do you take regular exercise?
I walk a good bit. I'd walk every day for three to five miles which takes me about an hour. There are some lovely walks where I live around Spiddal in Galway, along the beach or out the bog road. The cast of Ros na Rún sometimes go for walks during lunchtime on a fine day.
What other activity do you enjoy?
I enjoy swimming. I was brought up beside the sea in Galway. I swim during the summer, we had such a great summer last year so I was swimming in the sea a lot.
Have you ever joined a gym?
I've tried the gym a good few times but have always found it so boring. When I did go, I worked out on the treadmill or the stationary bike but I could never manage the rowing machine.
I enjoyed taking an aerobics class but my work schedule is so hectic that I'd go to the gym for about three weeks then forget about it and never make it back. At the moment I'm not a member of any gym.
Did you play sports at school?
Yes, I played camogie and basketball but I wasn't much good.
What's your attitude to exercise?
I think exercise is great and it's very important. It's a brilliant way to keep active, for your well-being and to keep the weight off, although I was never fat or too skinny. I walk in the mornings before I go to work - it clears my head and wakes me up.
Would you consider yourself fit?
Yes, I'd consider myself fairly fit. I find exercising very enjoyable and love keeping fit.
Are you conscious about what you eat?
I've been a vegetarian since I was about six or seven years old. I just came home from school one day and told my mother I no longer wanted to eat meat. I hate the texture and taste of meat. I eat a lot of carbohydrates, I think if I cut out carbs from my diet I'd probably die.
I don't like meat substitutes so I get my protein from nuts and pulses. I also don't like eggs. The only problem with being a veggie is that when you go to restaurants there isn't a great choice. You almost always end up having to eat a stir-fry.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Walking is probably the easiest, most inexpensive and convenient form of exercise you can take up. It's low impact so has a very low risk of physical injury and almost anyone from children to the elderly can do it without the need for expensive equipment or training.
To walk your way to a fit and healthy body, walk outdoors. Begin by walking gently for 10 minutes to warm up and stretch out the muscles and cool down before you stop by walking at a slower pace for five to 10 minutes.
Drink plenty of water as you exercise and wear soft comfortable shoes.
Be aware of your posture, hold your shoulders back, bend your arms as you swing them and hold your head high.
Take quicker rather than longer strides to gain maximum fitness benefit.
Aim to walk briskly for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
pweston@irish-times.ie
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.