Sorcha Ní Chéide, who plays Riona in Ros na Rún, tells Patricia Weston her exercise regime is linked to filming, but living by the sea allows her to indulge her love of swimming
Do you exercise?
Yes, but unfortunately I tend to do it in phases. Ros na Rún is filmed for six months of the year so I find that during that time I'll exercise more because it improves my energy and keeps me in shape.
What's your favourite activity?
I love Irish dancing and, like many Irish girls, I've been doing it for years. I used to train about three times a week at one stage, but now I dance whenever I get a chance. I also love swimming, so living right beside the Atlantic is a great perk.
Anything you'd like to try?
Yoga is the one activity I'd love to try. I've spoken to so many people about it and I've never heard anyone say a bad thing against it. It seems to be a really positive form of exercise and a great way to relax and unwind as well.
What foods do you love to eat?
I love fruit, it's the one food item I eat all year round. My other love is Italian, particularly pizza, which I'm addicted to.
Any other vices or addictions?
I'm glad to say that this is the first year I've stuck to my New Year's resolution and given up the cigarettes. It was really difficult at first but looking back now I can't believe it's been eight months since I last smoked. And I feel so much healthier. I'd really recommend it because the feeling of achievement is fantastic, and of course the health benefits are huge.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change?
Well, I suppose like most girls I'd love to look like a supermodel but, to be honest, I'm happy with how I look.
What's your attitude to exercise?
Even though I go through phases, overall I have a really positive attitude towards exercise. I find that it's a great way to relax and stay in shape. It's also great for your skin and mind. I find my concentration greatly improves when I am exercising because I learn and remember my lines so much easier than when I don't do any exercise at all.
Ros na Rún is celebrating its 10th series this year and will return to TG4 on September 25th with a special omni edition.
Patricia Weston recommends:
A high-intensity exercise, Irish dancing can burn up to 400 calories an hour.
It's also a high impact activity that involves pounding on hard floors, which can greatly increase the chances of injuring the knees, shins and feet. So it's important to warm up before dancing by mimicking the movements you will perform during your dance session at a lower impact, and to cool down and stretch out all the muscles for at least 30-40 seconds at the end.
Irish dancing not only improves fitness and stamina but also exercises your mental ability because you have to remember steps.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher - pweston@eircom.net