Ruth Madoc, actress who played Gladys Pugh in Hi de Hi, tells Patricia Weston she considers herself quite fit, especially for a 62-year-old
Are you a regular exerciser?
Yes I am. I like to do a lot of walking along the Brecon Beacons in Wales where I live. I walk for five miles a few times a week. I also like to walk the golf course with my husband. And that's not bad for a 62-year-old, is it?
Would you consider yourself fit?
My back is wonky but at my age I can still do pantos and musicals so I'd say I'm pretty fit.
Would you consider cosmetic surgery?
No and I've never had surgery. I'm 10 stone and I try to keep to that weight. My face is chubby and I haven't many lines, the lines I do have are character lines.
Do you eat a healthy diet?
My big thing is broccoli and I steam it. I also eat lots of carrots and I try not to eat too many tomatoes because I think they're bad for my arthritis. I think every food should be eaten in moderation; too much of anything is bad.
Do you smoke or drink?
I will have a cigarette every now and again and I like a glass of wine some nights.
Do you suffer from stress?
Not any more because I give myself lots of time to prepare for work so I won't get stressed. When my kids were young I didn't have as much time to prepare and I got stressed.
Ruth is starring in Annie at The Olympia Theatre from June 29th - July 16th.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Here are some simple exercises and stretches to help strengthen and tone the lower back:
Lying on the floor on your stomach raise your right arm out and up in front as you raise your left leg off the floor. Repeat for two sets of eight repetitions on both sides.
Lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, tilt your pelvis and push your lower back onto the floor, then slowly lift your bum off the floor as far as possible without straining. Hold for up to 10 seconds and lower. Repeat eight times.
Lying on your stomach on the floor, place both arms behind you with your hands resting on your bum. Raise your head and shoulders up off the floor to exercise the lower back. Repeat for three sets of eight repetitions.
pweston@eircom.net