Actor Alan Stanford tells Patricia Weston he shies away from the gym because he does not look good sweaty.
Do you exercise?
As little as possible although I do make a regular effort to avoid excessive physical motion.
Ever joined a gym?
I was once a member when I was 40. I enjoyed the steam room and I liked the cold plunge but I never looked good sweaty!
What are your favourite activities?
Eating dinner and having sex.
Are there any exercises you'd like to try?
Yes but they are inappropriate in a family publication.
Are you a healthy eater?
Well, I'm healthy and I eat, does that count?
What foods do you love?
Well-cooked food, but only with the best of ingredients, regardless of the dish.
Any vices?
Yes, I eat too late at night and too often and I frequently go without breakfast or lunch when I'm busy. I also find very good reasons to take the bus or a taxi when I could walk. I am a health slob but at least I don't spit in the street! Oh yes and I smoke and drink far too much.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change?
Yes, most of it!
What's your attitude to exercise?
As Miss Jean Brodie would have it: "To those who like that kind of thing, that is the kind of thing they like." I am also reminded of Oscar Wilde's response to the question: "Do you enjoy sports or games?" to which he replied, "Oh, yes. I enjoy some outdoor games. I have often enjoyed a game of dominos outside French Cafes."
Patricia Weston recommends:
If you don't want to exercise then try this deep muscle relaxation sequence:
Begin by lying on a mat on the floor in a warm, well-ventilated room. This sequence will take about 20 minutes to perform.
In order to relax your muscles you must tense them first, so close your eyes and begin relaxing the muscles from your toes to your head.
Curl your toes, tense them and relax. Imagine your legs are being pulled from your body and lengthen them, then release.
Clench your thighs and release, and then clench your buttocks and release.
Tighten your abdominals by imagining you have a belt tied around your waist and you are tightening it, don't hold your breath, keep the belt tightened as tight as possible and then release.
Take a long slow deep breath and fill your lungs, hold it for two seconds then breathe out slowly and evenly.
Arch your back at the base of your spine then release.
Hunch your shoulders, pointing them towards your ears and release.
Press your elbows into the floor and flex your bicep muscles, then release.
Straighten your arms as if they are being pulled away from your body and release.
Make a fist with your hands, then relax them and spread out your fingers.
Moving up to your head, tense your neck muscles by touching your chin to your chest, then point it upwards and relax the muscles.
Clench your teeth, squint your eyes and wrinkle up your forehead and then slowly allow the muscles in your face to relax.
Remember to breathe deeply and evenly throughout the sequence.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher. pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.