Emma Ledden, presenter of Q102's morning show, Q Breakfast, tells Patricia Weston she enjoys keeping fit but admits to having good weeks and bad weeks
Do you take regular exercise?
I try to keep as fit as possible. I'm a member of Westwood gym and, like most people, I have bad weeks and great weeks. I try to go three times a week. I swim and use the sauna and take part in spinning classes and step aerobics. I'd also have a run on the treadmill.
Would you consider yourself fit?
Yes, I'd say I'm fairly fit. I really enjoy exercise and find it so beneficial. I'd say I'm at a medium level of fitness and I'd like to get fitter. Fitness is a big part of my life and I couldn't see myself not exercising. I'd like to train as a fitness instructor and teach exercise classes some day.
What's your attitude to exercise?
It's important. It's sometimes hard to get yourself motivated but once you get off the couch, you feel great. I love exercise.
What's your favourite activity?
Swimming. I've been swimming since I was younger and I find it so relaxing and enjoyable. I love the water. I also enjoy running because it's such a release - you just run and forget any stress or worries.
Did you play sports at school?
I played tennis and badminton at school.
Are you conscious about what you eat?
I make a conscious effort to eat healthily. Years ago I tried the Carol Vorderman diet where I had to eat lots of wholegrain foods and omit dairy products from my diet. I did it for two months for health reasons but it became too awkward because I had to bring my own food everywhere with me. I'd like to be healthier than I am but I'll have a little of what I want. I suppose I'm halfway there. I don't obsess about food and I think once you exercise you can eat pretty much what you like.
Do you suffer from stress?
The job I do can be stressful. You're on radio for three hours so it can be very intense. It can be hard to finish work and just forget about it so I exercise to relax. I find a swim and sauna great for switching off. Exercise is a great way of getting rid of frustration and easing stress. I could never go back to doing no exercise at all.
Is there any other exercise you'd like to try?
I'd love to take up Pilates. I tried it once when I was living in London and found it very challenging. I tried yoga once as well but didn't find it challenging, the movements just didn't come naturally to me.
Any tips for those embarking on an exercise regime?
I'd say you have to enjoy the activity and you have to discover the enjoyment for yourself. It's a big lifestyle choice and each person has to make a decision that it's what he or she wants to do and keep it up. It's not easy starting out on a fitness programme but once you keep it up, it's well worth it.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Pilates is a body-conditioning programme consisting of designed movements performed on a mat or using specific Pilates apparatus.
Joseph H Pilates developed it over 75 years ago. He was a nurse who designed the movements to mobilise his patients.
The primary focus of Pilates is the 'core' which consists of the muscles of the abdomen, lower back and buttocks.
By focusing on the core Pilates movements you can improve posture and develop strong, lean and flexible muscles.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.