Elaine Burke, captain of Cork's camogie team, tells Patricia Weston about her training schedule and the importance of regular exercise, from both a mental and physical point of view
What's your training regime like?
Our intercounty season runs from late February until September so between club and county I'd be training most nights of the week during the season. That involves running, lots of stretching, weight training and lots of hurling. During the winter it's up to yourself to make sure you aren't in bad shape once spring comes around.
Would you consider yourself fit?
Yes, you have to be to play at intercounty level.
Is your day job active or sedentary?
I'm a trainee solicitor, so that involves lots of deskwork. I guess there's a bit of activity in walking to the courthouse!
Do you worry about your appearance?
Not hugely. I think everyone likes to look well though.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change?
Of course. I think everyone has a few small things they would change, but for the most part I'm pretty happy.
Do you eat a balanced diet?
Pretty much so. I try to get plenty of water and vegetables and fruit in every day. I have a bit of a weakness for chocolate though.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?
I haven't so far anyway.
What stresses you?
I'm a pretty laid-back person so I try not to let too much get to me.
How do you unwind?
After training I'm normally so tired that all I'm able to do is sit on the couch and watch television.
What does exercise mean to you?
I think it's really important, both from a mental and physical point of view. For me, it's a great outlet after the office all day.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Camogie requires strength, stamina and endurance. A strong, fit and agile body needs a powerful core to avoid injury and improve power in play. The core muscles include the stomach, buttocks and lower back. Here are some advanced Pilates exercises to build mighty core strength:
For abdominal strength, lie on a mat on the floor with your knees bent and hip distance apart. Contract the abs and gently press your lower back into the floor. Raise your head and shoulders off the mat with your hands and your elbows out to the sides. Make sure your chin remains off your chest.
Lift your legs off the floor, bend your knees in towards your chest and slowly straighten out and lower as far as you can making sure you don't touch the floor with your heels. Repeat this movement for three sets of eight counts and perform in a slow and controlled manner.
Using a fit ball, strengthen the lower back muscles by lying prone on the ball, with your knees bent and your arms down by the sides of the ball for support. Slowly lift your chest, head and shoulders off the ball, hold and return to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of eight repetitions. This can also be performed lying prone on the mat without the ball.
Using the fit ball again, lie on your back on the floor with the ball placed under your legs and your arms on the floor. Slowly lift your bum and hips up off the floor, squeeze your buttocks at the top of the movement and return. Keep your back straight. Repeat eight times over three sets.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.